Queenstown: Shotover River Rafting with Guide & Pickup

Summary

Raft the wild Shotover River from Queenstown with local guides

You’ll ride along Skippers Canyon Road from Queenstown before tackling wild rapids on the Shotover River with an expert guide. Practice paddling techniques, plunge through Oxenbridge Tunnel in near-darkness, then warm up with hot showers back at base — plus digital photos to remind you of every splash and shout long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we piled into the shuttle in Queenstown — just that I’d signed up for this Shotover River rafting thing and my hands were already a bit clammy. The drive out along Skippers Canyon Road was honestly half the adventure. Our driver, Matt, kept cracking jokes about how it’s “the most dangerous road in New Zealand” (I think he was only half joking), and at one point I caught myself holding my breath as we rounded a bend with nothing but sheer drop and gold dust cliffs outside the window. The river below looked impossibly blue from up there.

At the rafting base, they handed us wetsuits that felt weirdly cold and rubbery at first — not exactly flattering but you stop caring once you see everyone else looking like penguins too. Our guide, Tui, had this calm way of explaining things that made me feel less nervous about falling in (which I did, sort of, but only halfway). We practiced paddling on a quiet stretch before the rapids started. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the slap of water against plastic and someone’s nervous laugh behind me.

The rapids themselves — After Shock, Jaws, Toilet (who names these?) — came fast. I swallowed more river than I’d admit out loud. At one point Tui shouted something over the roar and all I could do was paddle like mad and hope for the best. Then suddenly we were plunging into this pitch-black tunnel — Oxenbridge Tunnel, 170 meters long — and it was just darkness and echoing shouts until we shot out into sunlight again. That last rapid, Cascade, hit hard enough to knock my helmet sideways. When we finally clambered out at the end, legs shaking a bit, someone handed me a towel that smelled faintly of eucalyptus from the trees nearby.

I still think about that tunnel sometimes — how weirdly peaceful it felt in there after all the noise outside. The hot showers back at base were almost as good as the rafting itself (almost). If you’re thinking about a day trip from Queenstown with some actual adrenaline and local stories thrown in… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shotover River Rafting Adventure

• Transfer from Queenstown to Rafting Base
• Get fitted with wetsuit and safety gear
• Drive along Skippers Canyon Road
• Practice paddling techniques at Deep Creek
• Raft through rapids: After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, Sequel
• Plunge through Oxenbridge Tunnel
• Finish at Cascade Rapid
• Walk back to Rafting Base
• Warm up with hot showers
• Return to Queenstown

Top questions

Is pickup included for Shotover River rafting from Queenstown?

Yes, return transport between Queenstown and the Rafting Base is included.

How long does the white water rafting trip take?

The total experience includes a 40-minute drive each way plus time on the river; allow several hours overall.

Are wetsuits and safety gear provided?

Yes, full wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, helmet, and other gear are provided.

What class are the rapids on Shotover River?

The route usually includes class 3-5 rapids depending on water levels.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; bring your own snacks if needed.

Are digital photos part of the package?

Yes, complimentary digital photos are sent to you after your experience.

What’s the minimum age or weight for rafting?

The minimum age is 13 years; minimum weight is 40 kg; maximum weight is 120 kg.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes, all participants must be able to swim for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes return transport from Queenstown to the Rafting Base along Skippers Canyon Road with all necessary safety equipment provided (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket), expert local guides leading you down the Shotover River rapids including Oxenbridge Tunnel, access to hot showers afterwards at base camp, plus complimentary digital photos delivered after your adventure.