Tackle New Zealand’s wild heart with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures’ 2-day team-building trip. Hike ancient forest, overnight by the Waiohine River, then raft thrilling rapids.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (4–5 hour hike + 5 hour rafting)
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with good cardiovascular fitness and endurance to manage all-day hiking and rafting activities.
Wildlife
History
The Waiohine River valley is part of traditional Māori land and features in local legends tied to the Tararua ranges’ formation.
Conservation
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures practices Leave No Trace principles, supporting native forest preservation and river health through sustainable tourism.
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures
Tackle New Zealand’s wild heart with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures’ 2-day team-building trip. Hike ancient forest, overnight by the Waiohine River, then raft thrilling rapids.
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures is an Upper Hutt–based adventure operator offering guided river and canyon experiences close to Wellington city. The company runs a range of activities including whitewater rafting on Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River and Waiohine Gorge, duckie tours, canyoning in the Little Akatarawa, electric mountain biking combined with river trips, and helicopter-access wilderness rafting.
Tours include entry-level canyoning trips with waterfall abseils and zip lines, family-friendly scenic floats and grade 2 rafting, plus longer wilderness-grade duckie and grade 3 rafting options. Several full-day packages combine activities—examples include the Ropes and Rivers Tour (canyoning and kayaking with a catered lunch) and Bikes, Boats and Brews (e-bike riding, rafting and a riverside meal). A helicopter-access option provides remote entry to Waiohine Gorge for an extended day on the river.
Guides are positioned as experienced river and canyon professionals who lead trips across a range of difficulty levels and terrain. Trips explicitly offer catered lunches on multiple tours and high-quality photos on select full-day adventures. Wellington WhiteWater Adventures operates from Upper Hutt, Wellington, and runs activities in nearby locations such as the Little Akatarawa Canyon, Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River and Waiohine Gorge. The operator provides options suited to families, groups, team-building and adrenaline-seeking visitors, with trip lengths that range from two-hour scenic floats to multi-hour wilderness outings.
Location
Upper Hutt, Wellington
Base close to Wellington city
Tours Offered
13 tours
Rafting, canyoning, bike and helicopter trips
Durations
2–5 hours & full-day
Half-day and full-day options available
Family Options
Family-friendly tours
Gentle rapids and scenic floats available
Secure a spot on rafting, canyoning, duckie or e-bike tours — limited availability for helicopter-access and wilderness trips.
Prepare for variable terrain
The hiking trail winds through uneven native forest ground; sturdy hiking boots are a must to navigate roots and rock.
Stay hydrated on the river
Bring a refillable water bottle for the rafting day—active time under the sun demands constant hydration.
Dress in layers
Weather can shift quickly in the Tararuas—moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof gear keep you comfortable.
Wear secure footwear for rafting
Choose rafting shoes or sandals with good grip to stay safe and comfortable during whitewater stretches.
Hiking boots
Supportive boots protect against rocky, uneven trail conditions during the forest hike.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry in unpredictable weather across seasons, especially in the Tararua ranges.
spring|fall|winter
Quick-dry clothing
Light layers that dry fast are ideal for both hiking and rafting on warm days.
summer
Helmet and life jacket (provided)
Safety gear essential for navigating whitewater rapids confidently.