Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

Soaring through the air in a jet boat, the adrenaline surges as you approach the Kawarau River. The scenery is simply breathtaking – rugged cliffs, sparkling waters, and a sense of pure adventure. But the real excitement is yet to come. You’ll soon be plunging into the river’s churning rapids, navigating through grade 2-3 whitewater and tackling the famous Dog Leg. With experienced guides by your side, you’re in for an unforgettable thrill of a lifetime. Hold on tight – this is no ordinary rafting adventure.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Queenstown.

Key Points

• Combines whitewater rafting and high-speed jet boating on the Kawarau River in Queenstown, New Zealand, with a tour duration of 4.5 hours.
• Offers a thrilling experience with grade 2-3 rapids, occasional grade 2-4 challenges, and an optional cliff jumping section.
• Includes roundtrip bus transfers, a 25-minute jet boat transfer, and a 2-hour rafting adventure, with safety equipment and experienced guides.
• Showcases stunning scenery from the Lord of the Rings films, including the iconic River Anduin and towering mountains, forests, and cliffs.
• Highly rated by customers, with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 85 reviews praising the energetic guides and unforgettable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Activity

This activity offers an exhilarating blend of whitewater rafting and high-speed jet boating, providing adventurous travelers with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning Kawarau River in Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand.

Priced from NZ$4,170 per person, this 4.5-hour tour features a scenic jet boat ride to the rafting launch site, followed by an adrenaline-pumping descent down the River Anduin, as it’s known in The Lord of the Rings.

Participants will tackle grade 2-3 rapids, with the occasional grade 2-4 challenge, culminating in the renowned Dog Leg, New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid.

With complimentary transportation, safety equipment, and experienced guides, this adventure delivers an unforgettable experience amidst Queenstown’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

Pricing and Inclusions

With prices starting from NZ$4,170 per person, this Kawarau River rafting and jet boat ride in Queenstown offers an unparalleled combination of thrilling whitewater action and breathtaking scenic transport.

For the 4.5-hour experience, travelers won’t pay a penny upfront, as the activity features a reserve-now-pay-later booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Included in the package are roundtrip bus transfers between Queenstown and the rafting base, a 25-minute jet boat transfer to the launch site, a 2-hour rafting adventure, experienced guides with a comprehensive safety briefing, and all necessary rafting equipment.

Post-activity, hot showers are available to warm up before heading back to town after an unforgettable journey.

Highlights of the Experience

Promising an unforgettable adventure, this Kawarau River rafting and jet boat ride in Queenstown caters perfectly to first-time rafters, blending thrilling whitewater action with a scenic journey along the river that served as the iconic River Anduin in Lord of the Rings.

The highlights include:

1. An exhilarating 25-minute jet boat transfer to the rafting launch site, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding natural beauty.

2. Navigating grade 2-3 rapids, with occasional grade 2-4 rapids, for a heart-pumping whitewater experience.

3. Completing New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, the 400-meter Dog Leg, graded at 3/4.

4. The option to take the plunge with an adrenaline-fueled cliff jumping section.

Safety and Requirements

Safety takes top priority on this Kawarau River rafting and jet boat adventure, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the thrilling experience.

All necessary rafting and safety equipment are provided, from life jackets to helmets, so you can focus on navigating the churning whitewater. Experienced guides lead the way, conducting a comprehensive safety briefing to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the class 2-4 rapids.

Non-swimmers and those with health concerns are advised not to participate, as a certain level of water confidence and swimming ability is required.

With these safety measures in place, you’re free to enjoy the stunning scenery and the rush of adrenaline as you conquer the legendary Kawarau River.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly, customers rave about the Kawarau River rafting and jet boat experience, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating across 85 reviews.

Travelers praise the energetic guides, who provide an exhilarating yet safe adventure.

The highlights include:

• An unforgettable ride through the stunning Lord of the Rings scenery along the Kawarau River, with thrilling grade 2-4 rapids.

• A thrilling 25-minute jet boat transfer to the rafting launch site, offering a heart-pounding start to the journey.

• Seamless organization and transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off for a hassle-free experience.

• The opportunity to conquer New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, the adrenaline-pumping Dog Leg, for an unforgettable finale.

Stunning Scenery and Locations

The Kawarau River, dubbed the ‘River Anduin’ in the Lord of the Rings films, winds its way through breathtaking landscapes that have captivated visitors for decades.

As you glide down the river on your raft, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountain ranges, lush forests, and rugged cliffs that were featured in many iconic movie scenes.

The stunning scenery is a true feast for the senses, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant hues of green, brown, and gray.

Whether it’s the dramatic vistas or the adrenaline-pumping rapids, the Kawarau River rafting experience offers an unforgettable adventure amidst some of New Zealand’s most picturesque natural landscapes.

Thrill of Whitewater Rafting

Plummeting through the frothy whitewater rapids, adventurers on the Kawarau River embrace the exhilarating rush of rafting, navigating a thrilling course amid the region’s dramatic landscapes.

The Kawarau River rafting experience offers:

1. Grade 2-3 rapids with occasional Grade 2-4 sections, providing an ideal balance of excitement and safety for first-time rafters.

2. The chance to tackle New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, the 400-meter Dog Leg, which boasts a Grade 3/4 challenge.

3. An optional cliff jumping section for those seeking an extra adrenaline boost.

4. Stunning vistas featured in major films, immersing rafters in the breathtaking natural scenery of Queenstown.

This whitewater adventure promises an unforgettable experience filled with heart-pumping action and unparalleled views.

Jet Boat Transfer to the Site

A scenic jet boat transfer whisks adventurers across the stunning waters of Queenstown, delivering them to the starting point of their Kawarau River rafting journey. The exhilarating 25-minute ride showcases the region’s breathtaking landscapes, setting the stage for an unforgettable whitewater adventure. As the jet boat cuts through the river, riders can’t help but feel a surge of excitement for the rapids that lie ahead.

Jet Boat Ride Features
Duration	25 minutes
Scenery	Stunning Queenstown landscapes
Mood	Excitement for the rafting ahead
Safety	Experienced guides provide instructions
Transport	To the rafting launch site

With adrenaline pumping, participants can’t wait to begin their Kawarau River rafting experience.

Recap

Plunge into the heart of Queenstown’s breathtaking wilderness on this exhilarating adventure.

Soar through dramatic landscapes on a jet boat, then tackle the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids.

Conquer the legendary Dog Leg rapid and seize the chance to jump from cliffs for an extra adrenaline rush.

With expert guides ensuring safety, this is a heart-pounding experience amidst New Zealand’s stunning scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here: