Challenge Rafting’s Kawarau Jet 2 Raft trip blends jet boating and whitewater rafting on New Zealand’s Kawarau River, offering thrilling rapids, cliff jumps, and breathtaking valley views. Experience this 4.5-hour adventure near Queenstown that’s perfect for first-timers and families.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–4.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required: able to swim comfortably and handle physical paddling; suitable for active beginners.
Wildlife
History
The Kawarau River area was New Zealand’s first commercial bungy jump site, established in 1988, pioneering extreme adventure in the region.
Conservation
Challenge Rafting emphasizes river health through low-impact practices and educates visitors on preserving the fragile aquatic ecosystem.
Challenge Rafting
Challenge Rafting’s Kawarau Jet 2 Raft trip blends jet boating and whitewater rafting on New Zealand’s Kawarau River, offering thrilling rapids, cliff jumps, and breathtaking valley views. Experience this 4.5-hour adventure near Queenstown that’s perfect for first-timers and families.
Challenge Rafting operates guided river adventures on the Kawarau and Shotover rivers near Queenstown, New Zealand. The company offers three distinct trips: Kawarau River Rafting, Kawarau Jet 2 Raft, and Shotover River Rafting.
Kawarau River Rafting is a grade 2–3 trip that takes participants down New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid, the 400 metre Dog Leg, and passes landmarks such as the Kawarau Bungy Bridge and the Gibbston Valley. This option is presented as suitable for beginners and focuses on accessible whitewater with scenic river sections.
Kawarau Jet 2 Raft blends jet boating and whitewater rafting in a 4.5-hour itinerary. Highlights include high-speed 360-degree jet boat spins, extensive Gibbston Valley viewpoints, Lord of the Rings filming scenery, navigation of the Dog Leg rapid, and opportunities for cliff jumping as part of the experience.
Shotover River Rafting is a higher-adrenaline grade 4–5 adventure that navigates six named rapids, including the notorious Mother rapid, runs the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel, and tackles the Cascade Rapid. The Shotover route also emphasizes the area’s gold-mining history and dramatic canyon landscapes.
Across these offerings Challenge Rafting describes a range of difficulty levels and scenery types, from gentler Kawarau sections to technical Shotover gorge passages. The publicly available trip descriptions focus on named river features, specific rapids and tunnels, duration for the Kawarau Jet 2 Raft, and notable local landmarks to help visitors choose the right trip. Information is presented to help guests understand river grades, key features and expected highlights before booking a trip online today.
Locations
Kawarau & Shotover
Rivers near Queenstown, NZ
Scenic Highlights
Gibbston Valley & Bungy Bridge
Iconic Central Otago scenery
Trips Offered
3 Rafting Experiences
Options for beginners to experts
Duration Range
From 2 to 4.5 hrs
Half-day to full-adventure options
Select the right trip for your skill level — from beginner-friendly Kawarau rafting to adrenaline-pumping Shotover runs.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to get fitted with gear and attend the safety briefing.
Wear Swimwear Under Your Wetsuit
Bring swimwear to wear beneath the provided wetsuit for comfort and quick drying post-rafting.
Bring a Towel and Warm Clothes
Have a towel and a change of warm clothes for after your rafting adventure when you’ll want to warm up quickly.
Be Prepared for Getting Wet
Rafting and jet boating both guarantee getting wet even on sunny days—embrace it and plan accordingly.
Swimsuit
Worn under your wetsuit for comfort and quick drying after rafting.
Water Shoes or Sandals
Protects feet during rafting and walking on rocky shores.
Quick-Dry Towel
Helps dry off after the trip and stay comfortable.
Base Layer or Thermal Top
Adds warmth under your wetsuit during cooler months.
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