Shotover Jet, eBike And Zipride
8 hours · Kiwi Journeys
Self-guided tour with lunch and gear.
from $282 per person Check availability →
Rafting And Jet Boat Combo
Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat
from $186.64 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
- Duration
- 4 hours 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- RealNZ Visitor Centre, Beach Street
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
- Operator terms
- RealNZ asks guests to reconfirm 24 hours before and may substitute the river.
- Run by
- RealNZ
Overview
This half-day trip from RealNZ pairs two very different ways of experiencing the Kawarau River. It starts with a jet boat ride up the river, which doubles as your transport to the rafting put-in point. From there you climb into a raft with a guide and paddle back down through a mix of calm stretches and rapids.
The whole outing runs about 4.5 hours, starting and ending at the RealNZ Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street in central Queenstown, where check-in is required at least 20 minutes before departure. A wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment are provided, and hot showers are available afterwards. Food and drinks are not included, so plan for a snack before or after.
Many reviewers describe the rafting as a manageable mix of floating and rapids, with opportunities to swim along the way. You must be able to swim 25 m, and a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. A few reviewers find the pace gentler than they expected.
- Jet Sprint and Off-Road, 45 Minutes$161.68
- Rafting and Jet Boat Combo (this tour)$186.64
- Shotover Jet, eBike and Zipride$282
What's Included
Included
- Use of hot showers
- Wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
- Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
- Jet Boat ride to the rafting put-in point
Not Included
- Snacks
Itinerary
- Check in at Visitor CentreArrive at the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown, at least 20 minutes before departure to check in.
- Gear up and safety briefingGet fitted with a wetsuit, rafting clothing and other equipment, then receive safety instructions and paddling techniques.
- Jet boat to the put-inRide the jet boat up the Kawarau River, which serves as the transfer to the rafting launch point.
- Whitewater raftingPaddle the raft down the river through calm sections and rapids.
- Hot showers and finishThe activity ends back at the meeting point in Queenstown, with use of hot showers included.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points will help you arrive prepared, since you need a swimsuit, a towel and the ability to swim.
- Swimsuit and towel. You must bring a swimsuit and towel. A wetsuit, rafting clothing and all other equipment are provided.
- You will get wet. Reviewers mention swimming in the river and getting in the water during the trip. Treat getting wet as part of the day, not an accident.
- Fitness and swimming. You must be able to swim 25 m, and a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. Reviews describe the rafting as a mix of floating and rapids rather than nonstop whitewater.
- Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 10 travellers, which keeps the raft and the briefing manageable.
- Bring your own food. Snacks, food and drinks are not included. Eat beforehand or plan something in town afterwards, since the outing runs about 4.5 hours door to door.
- Photos. Reviewers mention photos taken on the river, which was appreciated since cameras are not practical on the raft. Check with the operator on the day about how photos are handled.
Common issues. The trip requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and if that minimum is not met you will be offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. A few reviewers found the rapids smaller than hoped, especially in summer when water levels drop, and one noted there is a fair amount of driving between sites. Weather can also cause cancellation, with a rescheduled date or full refund offered.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
The jet boat ride to the rafting put-in point, all rafting equipment including wetsuit and rafting clothing, safety instruction and paddling technique training, and use of hot showers afterwards. Food, drinks and snacks are not included.
Where Does The Tour Start?
At the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street, in Queenstown's CBD. Check-in is required at least 20 minutes before your departure time, and the activity ends back at the same point.
How Long Does The Tour Take?
About 4.5 hours in total, from check-in through the jet boat ride, the rafting and the return to the meeting point.
Is It Suitable For Kids Or Teenagers?
The minimum age is 13. There is also a minimum weight of 40kg and a maximum of 120kg.
Do I Need To Be A Good Swimmer?
Yes, you must be able to swim 25 m, and a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The rafting includes time on and around the water, so confidence in a river matters.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, no refund or changes are accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or low numbers, you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.
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