Rangitikei River half-day float: Lunch at Whitecliffs Boulders

Lunch among an eerie boulder garden mid-river

A half-day float down the Rangitikei River with an in-person guide, starting and ending at the café. The trip drifts gently downstream to the Whitecliffs Boulders (an unusual rock formation on the riverbank), where lunch and drinks are laid out while you explore the boulder garden. After eating and wandering, the float continues downstream before transport returns you to the café for a snack and tea. All river equipment, lunch and the guide are included. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the guide speaks English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic float and lunch at Boulders

• Begin trip at café
• Drift gently down Rangitikei River
• Lunch at Whitecliffs Boulders
• Explore Boulder Garden
• Continue drifting downstream
• Return to café for snack and cuppa

The experience

Four to five hours on the water means you drift at the river's pace, not a schedule. The Rangitikei is gentle enough that the trip suits all fitness levels, and you start right in front of the café so there's no long drive to the put-in. A guide travels with you the whole way, pointing out what the river holds as you float downstream toward the Whitecliffs Boulders.

Midway through, you pull ashore at the Whitecliffs Boulders: a boulder garden sitting on the riverbank that looks like nothing else on the North Island. Lunch and drinks are already laid out when you arrive. You eat, then explore the rocks and the setting for as long as you want. Once you've had your fill of both, the float resumes downstream, and the guide steers you back to the café where transport is waiting. A snack and a hot drink finish the day.

All the gear you need (paddles, flotation, seats) comes with the booking. The guide handles the boat. You handle the paddle and the pace. If you're traveling with children from age 5, specialized infant seats are available, and the guide can speak to you in English or Spanish.

What’s included

• All river equipment including paddles and flotation.
• riverside lunch and drinks.
• in-person guide in English or Spanish.
• private transport back to the café.
• a snack and hot drink at the café after the float.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We meet at Awastone Riverside Café and Activity Hub, where your guide will meet you and give you all the equipment for your adventure.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Awastone

Is this one for you?The half-day length and gentle pace suit families with children from 5 up, or anyone who wants to explore the river without committing a full day. The fixed route and included lunch mean there's no planning once you arrive. Just show up at the café and float.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How difficult is it to paddle the Rangitikei on this float?

The Rangitikei is a gentle drift, not a paddle-hard river, so the guide does most of the steering while you float and paddle at your own pace. The trip is suitable for all fitness levels, and the guide is there the whole way.

What happens at the Whitecliffs Boulders?

Whitecliffs Boulders is an eerie boulder garden sitting on the riverbank where you stop midway through the float. Lunch and drinks are laid out there, and you have time to explore the rocks and the setting before continuing downstream.

Do I need my own paddle or flotation gear?

All river equipment (paddles, flotation and seats) is included in the booking. You just bring yourself and a willingness to float.