Riversurfing in Queenstown: Grade 3 rapids on bodyboards

Four and a half hours riding whitewater on a bodyboard instead of watching from a boat

Riversurfing in Queenstown is a guided activity where you ride Grade 3 rapids on a bodyboard with fins, helmet and wetsuit, learning board control and advanced moves like barrel rolls and underwater flying. The operator has run this since 1989. All equipment is provided. Pickup is included. Children from age 13 are welcome. Not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

The experience

You start with a safety briefing on shore, then get fitted with a wetsuit, booties, buoyancy aid, helmet, fins and a bodyboard. The guides demonstrate board positions and techniques before you enter a training eddy to practice skills and manoeuvres in calm water. Once everyone is comfortable on the boards, the group follows the lead guide through some of New Zealand's best high-volume whitewater. The guides show you the lines of travel, assist with technique and demonstrate advanced skills like surfing, barrel rolls and underwater flying.

Riversurfing sits between rafting and solo kayaking: you're in the water on a board instead of sitting in a boat, but you're not paddling alone. The guides lead the group through the rapids, showing you where to position yourself and how to read the current. You'll practice manoeuvres in the training eddy first, so you're not thrown into the deep end.

What’s included

• All equipment provided including wetsuit, booties, buoyancy aid, helmet, fins and bodyboard.
• safety briefing and instruction from a live guide.
• training in a calm eddy before entering the rapids.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Czech

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Serious Fun Riverboarding Ltd

Is this one for you?This activity suits anyone who wants to be in the water and actively riding the rapids rather than watching from a boat, and who has at least moderate fitness. The four-and-a-half-hour format means you spend most of the time on the water after the initial briefing and practice.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Czech.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 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.

What's the difference between riversurfing and regular whitewater rafting?

Riversurfing puts you in the water on a bodyboard with fins, riding the rapids directly instead of sitting in a boat. You're more immersed in the whitewater and have more control over your own movement through the current.

Do I need experience to go riversurfing in Queenstown?

No prior experience is needed. The guides teach you board positions and techniques in a calm training eddy before you enter the rapids, so you learn the basics in safe water first.

What happens if I fall off the board in the rapids?

You're wearing a buoyancy aid and helmet, and the guides are with you throughout. The rapids are Grade 3, which is moderate intensity, and the guides assist with technique to help you stay stable on the board.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the activity.