Queenstown’s Kawarau River offers a thrilling white water surfing adventure that’s not to be missed. Bodysurfing through grade 2-3 rapids, adrenaline-seekers can experience the rush of whitewater while taking in the region’s stunning natural scenery. Led by expert guides, this 4.5-hour excursion caters to small groups, ensuring personalized attention and safety. With provided equipment and transportation, it’s an all-inclusive escape into the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital. But what makes this experience truly unforgettable? The opportunity to tackle the rapids and conquer heart-pounding cliff jumps along the way.
Key Points
- The whitewater surfing adventure on the Kawarau River in Queenstown lasts 4.5 hours and costs £125.69 per person.
- Participants tackle grade 2-3 river rapids and can enjoy cliff jumping with the guidance of an English-speaking expert.
- The experience includes round-trip transportation, essential equipment, and light snacks, suitable for groups of up to 10 people.
- Participants should be able to swim and wear the provided wetsuits, helmets, wet shoes, and life jackets for the activity.
- The activity is not recommended for children under 8 or those with mobility impairments, and a full refund is available for cancellations at least 48 hours prior.
Activity Overview
Whitewater surfing along the Kawarau River in Queenstown offers an exhilarating 4.5-hour experience for adventurous travelers, with a price tag of £125.69 per person. Groups are limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure.
Riders will tackle grade 2-3 river rapids, bodyboarding up to 12km down the river, surfing standing waves, and catching underwater currents. Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who’ll ensure their safety and enjoyment.
The activity caters to those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience amidst New Zealand’s stunning natural scenery, with the opportunity to enjoy cliff jumping during the excursion.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Queenstown.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Customers don’t need to make an upfront payment to reserve their whitewater surfing adventure in Queenstown. They can simply book now and pay later.
If plans change, there’s no need to worry – free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity. Travelers who cancel at least 48 hours prior to departure will receive a full refund.
Unfortunately, no refunds can be issued within 48 hours of the start time. This policy ensures the operator can effectively manage group sizes and logistics.
Experience Highlights
Participants can bodyboard up to 12km down the Kawarau River, riding whitewater rapids, surfing standing waves, and catching underwater currents. This exhilarating experience offers the opportunity to:
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Enjoy New Zealand’s stunning natural scenery
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Challenge yourself on grade 2-3 river rapids
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Take a leap of faith by jumping from cliffs
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Spend 1-1.5 hours immersed in the river
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Disconnect from the daily grind and embrace the adrenaline rush
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, this whitewater surfing experience promises to deliver an adrenaline-fueled journey amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown.
Inclusions and Requirements
The package includes round-trip transportation from Queenstown, as well as the use of essential equipment like a 5mm wetsuit, helmet, wet shoes, life jacket, and a bodyboard.
Light snacks and refreshments are also provided to help participants refuel during the adventure.
However, it’s important to note that this activity isn’t suitable for children under 8, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers.
Participants should come prepared with their swimwear and a towel.
The activity requires an experience level of 2-3 on the river rapids scale, ensuring an exhilarating yet manageable ride for participants seeking an adrenaline-filled whitewater surfing experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7 reviews, the whitewater surfing experience in Queenstown has garnered positive feedback from participants.
Customers have highlighted several key aspects of the activity:
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The safety measures in place, including the use of wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets.
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The sheer adrenaline rush and fun factor of riding the rapids and waves.
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The opportunity to enjoy the stunning New Zealand scenery while engaging in an extreme sport.
However, some participants noted that the small group size could impact their perception of safety during the more challenging rapids.
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Guided Tour Details
For the whitewater surfing experience in Queenstown, a live English-speaking guide accompanies small groups of up to 10 participants.
The guide provides comprehensive instruction on proper technique and safety protocols before embarking on the 12km journey down the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids.
During the 4.5-hour tour, guests don 5mm wetsuits, helmets, wet shoes, and life jackets provided by the operator.
They’ll have the opportunity to bodyboard through the rapids, surf standing waves, and catch underwater currents, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of New Zealand.
Light snacks and refreshments are included, making this an exhilarating yet well-supported adventure.
Preparing for the Adventure
Participants gearing up for the whitewater surfing adventure will first need to don the provided equipment, including a 5mm wetsuit, helmet, wet shoes, and life jacket. This specialized gear is essential for keeping warm, protecting against the elements, and ensuring safety during the thrilling ride down the Kawarau River.
Once suited up, guests will:
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Check that their life jacket is securely fastened
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Ensure their helmet fits comfortably and snugly
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Test the flexibility and mobility of their wetsuit
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Slip into the wet shoes for traction on the river bed
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Collect their bodyboard and prepare to hit the rapids
With all the necessary protective equipment in place, adventurers will be ready to embark on an exhilarating whitewater surfing experience along the stunning Kawarau River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective adventurers often inquire about the age and swimming requirements for the whitewater surfing experience. The activity isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old, as participants need to have a good level of fitness and swimming ability to handle the rapids.
Non-swimmers and those with mobility impairments are also not recommended for the tour, as their safety could be compromised. All participants must be able to swim and wear the provided life jackets at all times.
The small group size of 10 ensures personal attention from the live English-speaking guide, who’ll help everyone navigate the river safely. With proper gear and guidance, even first-time whitewater surfers can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the Kawarau River.
Recap
Queenstown’s white water surfing adventure along the Kawarau River offers an exhilarating escape into New Zealand’s natural splendor.
Guided by experts, participants can expect personalized attention and safety as they tackle grade 2-3 rapids while bodyboarding and cliff jumping.
With all equipment and transportation provided, this 4.5-hour experience is a must-do for adrenaline-seekers seeking to enjoy the region’s breathtaking scenery.
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