Shotover River Rafting

Shotover River Rafting is a heart-pumping adventure that plunges you into the wild heart of New Zealand's South Island. The Shotover River, with its dramatic gorges and crystalline waters, offers one of the world's most exhilarating white-water rafting experiences. As you navigate through the narrow canyons and bounce over Grade 3-4 rapids, you'll be surrounded by towering schist rock walls and pristine wilderness. This is not just a rafting trip—it's a full-on immersion into the raw, untamed landscape that defines the Queenstown region.

Highlights & What to See

• The Oxenbridge Tunnel: A 170-metre man-made tunnel carved through solid rock, built by Chinese miners in the 1880s. Rafting through this dark, narrow passage is a surreal and unforgettable highlight.
• Shotover Canyon: The river's deep, steep-walled canyon provides a dramatic backdrop for the entire trip. Keep an eye out for the legendary Shotover Jet boats zipping past.
• Grade 3-4 Rapids: The river delivers a consistent series of thrilling rapids with names like 'Jaws' and 'Toilet Bowl'—each one a heart-in-your-throat moment.
• Scenic Helicopter Add-on: Some operators offer a helicopter ride into the canyon, giving you a bird's-eye view of the river before you tackle it from the water.
• Queenstown Mountain Views: On clear days, the Remarkables mountain range provides a stunning alpine backdrop to your adventure.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day experience, typically 3-4 hours from pick-up in Queenstown to drop-off. The actual time on the river is around 1.5-2 hours, with the rest spent on safety briefings, gearing up, and transport. If you're short on time, this can be done as a morning or afternoon trip, but we recommend starting early to avoid afternoon winds. For the full experience, combine it with another Queenstown adventure like bungee jumping or a lake cruise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown: The adventure capital of New Zealand, just a 20-minute drive from the Shotover River put-in. Explore the town's vibrant food scene, take a gondola ride, or try bungee jumping.
• Arrowtown: A charming gold-rush town with historic buildings, boutique shops, and the Arrow River. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon after your rafting adrenaline.
• Glenorchy: A scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, this tiny settlement at the head of Lake Wakatipu offers stunning views and access to the Routeburn Track.
• Wanaka: About an hour's drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is a laid-back lakeside town with its own set of adventures, including Puzzling World and hiking to Rob Roy Glacier.
• Milford Sound: A full-day trip from Queenstown, but the dramatic fiords are a must-see. Consider a cruise or kayak tour to experience the waterfalls and wildlife.

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