Shotover River Rafting in Queenstown: Class 3-5 Rapids
Paddle through a 170-metre tunnel carved into the canyon wall.
Whitewater rafting on the Shotover River near Queenstown puts you in a raft navigating class 3–5 rapids with a guide, full safety gear and transport from town. The route includes the Oxenbridge Tunnel, a 40-minute scenic drive along Skippers Canyon Road, and hot showers at the base afterward. Minimum age is 13; swimmers only; weight range 40–120 kg.
What’s included
- Safety briefing and paddling instruction from a live guide.
- full wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket and helmet.
- scenic 4WD transfer along Skippers Canyon Road to Deep Creek.
- whitewater rafting through class 3–5 rapids on the Shotover River.
- hot showers and changing facilities at the base.
- return shuttle to Queenstown.
- digital photos of your run.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by RealNZ
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You start with a short transfer from central Queenstown to the Rafting Base, where staff fit you with a full wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket and helmet. A 40-minute drive along Skippers Canyon Road (one of New Zealand's most notorious mountain passes) takes you to Deep Creek on the upper Shotover River. Your guide walks you through paddling technique on calmer water before the canyon tightens and the rapids begin in earnest.
The lower section is where the current accelerates. You'll paddle through named rapids (After Shock, Jaws, Toilet, Sequel) that build in intensity as the canyon walls close in. The signature moment comes when you plunge into the Oxenbridge Tunnel, a 170-metre passage carved straight through the rock. Darkness and roaring water surround you for those seconds before you burst out into Cascade Rapid, the final push before the raft slows and the run ends. A short walk brings you back to the base.
Hot showers and changing facilities let you warm up and dry off before the shuttle returns you to Queenstown. The whole outing runs about 4.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. Water levels shift with rainfall, so the exact rapids and their difficulty vary. The Shotover usually runs class 3–5 depending on conditions. Digital photos of the run are included so you have a record of it.
Is this one for you?The pace is steady paddling with bursts of intensity through the rapids, and you'll be in the water the whole time, so come ready to paddle and get wet. The drive to the start is half the adventure: Skippers Canyon Road is narrow and famous for a reason, so if you're not comfortable with steep mountain passes, know that's part of the day before you book.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the Oxenbridge Tunnel like when you're paddling through it?
The Oxenbridge Tunnel is a 170-metre passage carved through the canyon rock. You enter in daylight and paddle into near-total darkness before emerging into Cascade Rapid on the other side. It's the highlight moment of the run.
How fit do I need to be for Shotover River rafting?
You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and must be able to swim. The guide teaches paddling technique on the upper section before the rapids intensify, so prior rafting experience is not required.
What happens on the drive to Deep Creek?
The 40-minute drive follows Skippers Canyon Road, a historic mountain pass known for its steep drops and tight switchbacks. It's one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads and the scenery is part of the experience before you even get on the water.
Are there age or weight limits for this rafting?
Minimum age is 13 years. Children 13–15 must be accompanied by a guardian, and those 16–17 need a guardian's signed waiver if unaccompanied. Weight range is 40–120 kg. Pregnant people cannot participate, nor can anyone with a heart condition.
What gear is provided and what do I bring?
The operator provides full wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, helmet and all safety equipment. You bring your own swimsuit and towel, and wear them under the wetsuit.
Can I see photos from the rafting?
Digital photos are included with the rafting, so you'll have images of the run to take home.
Shotover River Rafting in Queenstown: Class 3-5 Rapids
4h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 299 per person
≈ US$ 172 in your currency
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