Queenstown: Shotover River Rafting with Local Guides

Summary

White water rafting on Queenstown’s Shotover River with expert guides

You’ll plunge into Queenstown’s wild side on this Shotover River rafting trip: gear up with local guides, ride through roaring rapids and calm stretches alike, then disappear into Oxenbridge Tunnel before bursting out at Cascade Rapid. It’s a rush you’ll remember long after your hands stop shaking.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the minibus into the cool air above Skippers Canyon, and I swear my stomach did a little flip just looking down at the river. Our guide, Matt — who had this dry Kiwi humor — handed me a wetsuit and grinned like he knew what was coming. The drive up alone was something else: narrow gravel roads, cliffs dropping off into nothing, and that weird mix of nerves and excitement buzzing in my chest. I could smell wet earth and pine when we finally stopped. Everyone was quiet for a second before someone cracked a joke about “last words.”

The first splash hit colder than I expected. We paddled out onto the Shotover River, sunlight bouncing off the water so bright it made me squint. Matt shouted instructions over the roar — “Forward! Hard left!” — as we hit Aftershock rapid and suddenly I was soaked, laughing, half-blind from spray. There were these moments between rapids where everything went still; you could see gold flecks in the riverbed if you looked close enough (Matt said old miners used to pan here). Then back to chaos: Squeeze, Toilet, Pinball — each one with its own personality. At one point I tried to ask how they got those names but mostly just swallowed river water.

I didn’t expect to feel so small inside Oxenbridge Tunnel. It’s pitch black except for our headlamps bouncing off wet stone, everyone’s voices echoing weirdly. When we shot out into Cascade Rapid at the end — hearts pounding — I caught myself grinning like an idiot. The whole thing was over too fast but somehow felt huge at the same time. My hands were shaking when we climbed out but it wasn’t just from cold.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shotover River Rafting Adventure

• Drive through Skippers Canyon
• Raft six rapids on Shotover River
• Swim and enjoy river views
• Learn about gold mining history
• Raft through 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel
• Shoot Cascade Rapid

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Shotover River rafting trip?

No, but courtesy coach transfers are provided from a central meeting point in Queenstown.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No prior experience is needed, but you must be a confident swimmer and have moderate fitness.

What is the minimum age for rafting on the Shotover River?

The minimum age is 13 years old; ages 13-15 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Are there weight restrictions for this rafting tour?

Yes, participants must weigh between 40 kg (88 lbs) and 120 kg (264 lbs).

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; however, hot showers are provided after rafting.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, pregnant travelers cannot participate in this rafting experience.

How long is the Oxenbridge Tunnel section?

The tunnel section is approximately 170 meters long.

What equipment is provided for rafting?

A wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet, and all necessary safety gear are included.

What’s included

Your day includes courtesy coach transfers from central Queenstown to Skippers Canyon and back again, all essential rafting equipment like wetsuits and helmets (which honestly made me feel braver), professional local guides leading every step of the way down the Shotover River rapids and through Oxenbridge Tunnel, plus hot showers waiting at the finish line before you return to town.