14 Best White Water Rafting in New Zealand 🏞️ [2025]

Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

Where to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand

Due to its mountainous terrain, New Zealand offers some outstanding white water rivers. This is the most adventurous way to see the dramatic river gorges the country has to offer.

New Zealand, being the adrenaline-fuelled country that it is, obviously boasts some amazing white water rafting. What’s more, anyone can give rafting in New Zealand with the easy grade one rapids to the challenging grade fives. There are plenty of companies that can take backpackers and working holidaymakers on day trips that you will never forget in both the North Island and South Island. All of the rafting trips listed below have their own unique quirks and perks, from maximised fun including cliff jumps and surfing rapids to scenic full-day trips seeing the most spectacular scenery.

If adventure is what you’re looking for in New Zealand then don’t miss white water rafting!

1. Tongariro River

An awesome introduction to white water rafting can be had on the lower Tongariro River – the grade 3 part of the river. Stunning gorges, fun rafting guides and the possibility of seeing the rare blue duck make for an awesome trip down the Tongariro River. Adrenaline junkies can take trips to more extreme rapids in the upper gorge when the damn release allows several times a year. Check out damn release dates and book any white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Tongariro River Rafting.

Location: Turangi, Waikato, North Island.

2. Rangitikei River and Ngaruroro River

Experience thrilling white water rafting in a secluded North Island location with River Valley Lodge. Their speciality is tackling the grade four and five rapids of the Rangitikei and Ngaruroro rivers. Between adrenaline-pumping moments of surfing rapids and getting splashed, you’ll have ample opportunity to soak in the stunning scenery. The fun-loving guides add an extra element of enjoyment to this off-the-beaten-track rafting adventure. It’s an experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your North Island journey!

Location: River Valley Lodge, Taihape, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island.

3. Shotover River

Challenge Rafting takes you to Skippers Canyon for some grade three to five rafting. Getting to the launch point is an adventure in itself by taking the gnarly Skippers Road. A highlight is being plunged into darkness in the Oxenbridge Tunnel, as well as many insane grade 3-5 rapids. Book your white water rafting trip with Challenge Rafting on Viator or Klook.

Location: Queenstown, South Island. Tours depart from Shotover Street.

4. Wairoa River

For adrenaline junkies, Kaituna Cascades offers an exhilarating trip down two grade 5 rivers. Brace yourself for a heart-pounding adventure as you plunge down not one, not two, but three waterfalls! This thrilling experience is only available when the dam is released, adding an extra element of exclusivity. You’ll love the excitement of tackling what’s considered the scariest rafting in New Zealand. Don’t miss this chance to push your limits and create unforgettable memories!

Location: McLaren Falls Park, Tauranga, North Island. Transport from Rotorua is available or meet directly at McLaren Falls.

5. Rangitata Gorge

Experience thrilling white water rafting on the raging Rangitata River in Canterbury‘s stunning Rangitata Gorge. Hidden Valleys Rafting offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure with guaranteed grade five rapids on the upper river. For a more relaxed experience, opt for the grade two rapids on the lower river if water levels are high. This exhilarating activity caters to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced rafters, providing an unforgettable journey through New Zealand‘s breathtaking landscapes.

Location: Peel Forest, Canterbury, South Island. Trips depart from Peel Forest.

7 Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand

6. Mohaka River

Somewhere between Napier and Taupo on the Thermal Explorer Highway is the Mohaka River with deep gorges and challenging rapids. Offering different full-day adventures, Mohaka Rafting takes you on river journeys through fossilised canyons and often the chance to spot some wildlife along the way. Mohaka Rafting opens for spring, summer and autumn.

Location: Te Haroto, Hawke’s Bay, North Island. Just north of Napier.

7. Kaituna River

This river in Rotorua has the highest commercially rafted waterfall in New Zealand so expect a fast heart-thumping ride. Would you raft down a 7 m (23 ft) waterfall?! This rafting experience can be done with River Rats Rafting, Kaituna Cascades and Kaitiaki Adventures. Note that although the main rapid is an epic experience, the trip is a short taste of white water rafting compared to others on this list.

Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, North Island.

7 Places to Go White Water Rafting in New Zealand

8. Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River Whitewater Rafting

Experience thrilling whitewater rafting on the Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River with Rafting Wellington. This adventure offers Grade 2 and 3 rapids, perfect for beginners and those seeking a moderate challenge. You’ll navigate through native forests and floodplains, with highlights including “The Double Drop” for an extra adrenaline rush. The 56 km (35 mi) river journey provides stunning views of untouched landscapes, wildlife, and gorges carved by the river. This tour includes all equipment, lunch, and a shuttle ride to the starting point.

Location: Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River, Tararua Range, Wellington Region, southern North Island. Tours depart from Wellington, with pick-ups available from Wellington or Upper Hutt Train Stations for an additional fee.

14 Best White Water Rafting in New Zealand ????️ [2025]

9. Vector Wero Whitewater Park

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in a controlled environment at Vector Wero Whitewater Park. This expertly crafted facility offers two river courses suitable for all skill levels. The Tamariki River provides a gentle Grade 1-2 experience, perfect for families and beginners. For those seeking more excitement, River Rush delivers 300 metres (328 yds) of Grade 3-4 rapids, culminating in a 4.5 m (14.8 ft) drop from Pump Waterfall – the highest human-made waterfall drop in the world! We recommend starting with the easier course to build your confidence before tackling the more challenging one. You’ll love the opportunity to test your skills in a safe environment before venturing into nature.

Location: 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland, North Island. Located in the northern region of New Zealand’s North Island.

10. Waitomo Caves

Forget whitewater rafting, it’s time for “blackwater rafting”! This unique underground adventure takes place in the famous Waitomo Caves, about 195 km (121 miles) south of Auckland. The Black Water Rafting Experience offers two tour options, starting at NZ$170. The 3-hour Labyrinth tour is perfect for beginners and kids (12+), featuring cave exploration on an inner tube, glow worm sightings, and a small waterfall jump. For the more adventurous (16+), the 5-hour Black Abyss tour includes a 37 m (121 ft) rappel down limestone walls. Both tours offer the chance to see masses of glow worms, stalactites, and stalagmites while floating through the dark cave system. Don’t forget your swimwear and towel!

Location: Waitomo Caves, Waitomo Village, Waikato Region, North Island. About 195 km (121 miles) south of Auckland.

11. Kawarau River

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Kawarau River, which begins at Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. This 4.5-hour adventure with RealNZ is perfect for those with little to no rafting experience, and even non-swimmers can join in the fun. Starting with a jet boat ride, you’ll then navigate Grade 2 to 4 rapids while learning about the river’s gold mining history and its connection to “The Lord of the Rings” franchise. For an extra adrenaline rush, try cliff jumping at designated spots along the way. Film buffs will recognise parts of the river featured in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. And if you’re feeling extra brave, you can bungee jump from the Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first commercial bungee site, 43 m (141 ft) above the river. Tours are suitable for ages 13 and up (13-15 must be accompanied by an adult). Don’t forget to bring snacks and arrive 20 minutes early at the meeting point.

Location: Kawarau River, Gibbston Valley, Otago Region, South Island. Starts near Queenstown.

12. Pelorus River

Experience Middle-earth magic on the Pelorus River Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting tour. This 4-hour adventure takes you through enchanting forests and Grade 2 rapids, perfect for beginners and movie buffs alike. Highlights include stopping at Pelorus Bridge, a filming location for “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” and learning about the area’s mining heritage from professional guides. With a mix of physical activity and cultural insights, this tour offers great value, including National Park entrance and transport from Havelock.

Location: Pelorus River, Havelock, Marlborough, northern South Island. Tours depart from Havelock, near Nelson.

13. Landsborough River

Embark on an epic 3-day Landsborough River Rafting Adventure through New Zealand’s untouched wilderness. This journey begins with a thrilling helicopter ride to the starting point, followed by paddling through Grade 3 and 4 rapids, swimming in pristine waters, and savouring New Zealand’s finest wines at rest stops. Ideal for adventure seekers over 15 with moderate fitness, this all-inclusive trip offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and relaxation amidst stunning glacial valleys and dense rainforests. Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic Landsborough Rangers Hut, New Zealand’s only remaining ‘tent frame’ hut.

Location: Landsborough River, West Coast region, South Island. Departures typically organised from Queenstown.

14. Whataroa River

Experience the thrill of heli rafting on the stunning Whataroa River with the Full Day Heli Rafting Adventure. This exhilarating tour begins with a scenic helicopter ride from Franz Josef to the first canyon, followed by an unforgettable whitewater rafting journey through New Zealand’s biggest glacial ice field. You’ll navigate mostly Grade 3 and 4 rapids, with an exciting Grade 5 rapid near the end to get your heart racing. The bright blue glacial waters, towering white gorges, and pristine white pine forests create a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure. This tour is best suited for adults and children over 14 with some rafting experience and good physical fitness. Prices include helicopter transport, rafting equipment, and food.

Location: Whataroa River, South West of New Zealand’s South Island, near Franz Josef.

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Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin C.

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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