Kawarau River Tours and Tickets

Access remote wilderness areas on this Queenstown jet-boat tour across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River. The high-speed 1-hour ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as your expert driver maneuvers into 360-degree spins, performs fishtail turns and navigates between narrow canyon walls. Snap photos of your scenic surroundings, including the Remarkables mountain range, and watch bungy jumpers plunge from the Kawarau Bridge. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day.

Get to know Queenstown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery on this half-day tour. With a small group limited to just 11 people or fewer, travel in a minivan to locales such as Crown Terrace Viewpoint, the Shotover River, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, and others. Pickup and drop-off in central Queenstown included.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River and speeds through the milky waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water. You'll cover more ground in less time, and receive a complimentary entrance ticket to Queenstown's Underwater Observatory.

Shoot the grade II and III rapids on the Kawarau River with a guide on this half-day tour from Queenstown. Even beginners will feel safe and comfortable with expert supervision and instruction, as well as all provided equipment included. Take a swim through a rapid, jump off a cliff, and learn about the natural environment on this family-friendly trip that includes plenty of calm spots for splashing and floating.

Take a thrilling helicopter ride and white-water rafting trip down the Shotover or Kawarau rivers. This Queenstown heli-rafting adventure for adrenaline junkies departs in winter as well as summer. Soar through Skippers Canyon and raft from Deep Creek or Boulder Beach on a rollercoaster ride through white-water rapids. You'll learn rafting techniques from your expert guide and have the use of a sauna and hot shower afterward.

Go bungy jumping in New Zealand from the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, the original site of the Queenstown bungy jump. You'll experience the ultimate Queenstown challenge, transforming from nervous to elated as you plunge 141 feet (43 meters) in five seconds. Choose from a variety of options, including a water touch or full immersion in the gorgeous Kawarau River. It may just be the best thing you've ever done!

This Queenstown rafting trip on the Kawarau River takes you on a thrilling ride over Class II and III white-water rapids. You'll learn paddling techniques from an expert river guide who leads you down the scenic river, which drains Lake Wakatipu. You may feel like you're in Middle-earth, as the Kawarau River starred as the River Anduin in 'The Lord of the Rings' movie trilogy. After, warm up with a sauna and hot shower. No experience is necessary of this half-day tour, suitable for all fitness levels.

For your next activity in the proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of the World,’ set out for Queenstown’s off-road terrain aboard a Suzuki sports quad, led by an expert guide. You’ll bump along dirt-bike tracks with creek crossings and hill climbs boasting spectacular views, from the Kawarau River up into the mountains of the Kawarau Gorge. Each tailor-made tour runs with a select small group based on skill level, guaranteeing both beginning and advanced riders an exhilarating 1.5-hour ride.

Combine two exciting Queenstown adventures on a half-day 'helirafting' tour that explores the region by air and water. Board a helicopter for a scenic flight to the white-water rafting launch site, cruise above the rock walls and blue water of Skippers Canyon, then land on a river-side beach. Next, suit up for a challenging white-water rafting trip down the Shotover River, taking on a series of rapids that flow through high cliffs and chutes.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand on this half-day Wakatipu Basin 4-wheel drive tour from Queenstown. Cruise along off-road routes toward the Remarkables mountain range - widely used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Admire panoramic views over Deer Park Heights and the Kawarau Gorge, and then head onward to the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Traverse bumpy river crossings along the Arrow River, and pan for gold on the riverbank. Then gaze over the Wakatipu Basin from Coronet Peak en route back to Queenstown.

Amp up your Queenstown adventure by white-water sledging down the Roaring Meg section of the Kawarau River! Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you lie on a purpose-built riverboard that allows you to steer through the rapids, waves and whirlpools before you catch your breath in a flat section. No previous experience is necessary, just confidence in the water as you're accompanied by a guide. Wetsuit, booties, helmet and fins are included on this small-group experience, limited to 10 people.