Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

About This Experience

You are fitted with a wetsuit and gear at the rafting base, then taken into Queenstown to board the jet boat, which runs down the Kawarau River to the rafting put-in with 360-degree spins. The GetYourGuide listing describes the jet section as a 25-minute transfer covering 22 km. From there you raft about 8 km of grade 2–3 rapids, with flat stretches for swimming and an optional cliff-jumping section, finishing on the 400 m Dog Leg, which RealNZ describes as the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand.

Check in at the RealNZ base in Queenstown, as shown on your voucher, at least 20 minutes before your departure time. The Viator listing gives no street address, so use the one on your booking confirmation. The GetYourGuide listing includes a bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base, and after the trip you return to the base for a hot shower before heading back to town. The listing asks you to leave valuables at your accommodation.

It suits swimmers aged 13 and over who want rafting as the main event, with the jet boat as the way in; the GetYourGuide listing calls it an introduction to whitewater rafting for first-timers. You need at least a moderate level of fitness, must be able to swim, and must weigh between 40 and 120 kg. Children aged 13 to 15 must be accompanied by a guardian. If anyone in your group is under 13 or cannot swim, a jet boat-only ride such as KJet (minimum age 2) or the Shotover Jet is the better choice.

Bring a swimsuit and a towel; the wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment are provided, along with safety instructions and paddling technique. Snacks, food and drinks are not included. Rafting while pregnant or with any heart condition is prohibited, per the listing. Travellers aged 16 or 17 without a guardian need a waiver signed by one, and all participants sign a waiver. Trips may be cancelled due to river, road or weather conditions or low numbers, in which case you are offered a full refund or another date.

Highlights

• Jet boat section covers 22 km of the Kawarau at up to 95 km/h, per GetYourGuide
• About 8 km of rafting on grade 2–3 rapids
• Ends on the 400 m Dog Leg, which RealNZ calls NZ's longest commercially rafted rapid
• Optional cliff-jumping section
• Flat stretches between rapids where you can jump out and swim
• Kawarau Gorge, known for gold mining and Lord of the Rings filming, per the listing

What's Included

• ✓ Jet boat ride to the rafting put-in point (about 25 minutes, per GetYourGuide)
• ✓ About 1 hour of rafting on the Kawarau River with experienced guides (GetYourGuide listing)
• ✓ Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment
• ✓ Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• ✓ Hot showers at the rafting base
• ✓ Bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base (GetYourGuide listing)

Not Included

• Snacks, food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (GetYourGuide listing)

What to Bring

• Swimsuit
• Towel

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check in at least 20 minutes before your departure time.
• Minimum age is 13; children aged 13 to 15 must be accompanied by a guardian, and 16- and 17-year-olds travelling without a guardian need a waiver signed by one.
• Weight must be between 40 kg and 120 kg, and you must be able to swim.
• Rafting while pregnant or with any heart condition is prohibited, per the listing.
• Trips may be cancelled due to river, road or weather conditions or insufficient numbers; you are then offered a full refund or a different date.
• Leave valuables at your accommodation.
• RealNZ states that rafting involves a degree of risk; its whitewater rafting risk disclosures are on the RealNZ website.

Meeting Point

The RealNZ base in Queenstown, as shown on your voucher; check in at least 20 minutes before departure.