Navigate New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid with Challenge Rafting on the Kawarau River. Perfect for newcomers eager for Grade 2-3 thrills amid spectacular Otago scenery.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–4.5 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness required; ability to swim and participate in paddling with occasional exertion.
Wildlife
History
The Kawarau River was a vital route during the Otago gold rush of the 1860s and now hosts one of the world's first commercial bungee jumps.
Conservation
Challenge Rafting follows strict environmental guidelines to protect river ecosystems including limiting group sizes and minimizing waste.
Challenge Rafting
Navigate New Zealand’s longest commercially rafted rapid with Challenge Rafting on the Kawarau River. Perfect for newcomers eager for Grade 2-3 thrills amid spectacular Otago scenery.
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
Check in at least 30 minutes before departure at Arthurs Point to get fully geared and briefed.
Bring Swimwear and a Towel
Wear swimwear under your wetsuit and pack a towel for after your raft trip to stay comfortable.
Be Ready for a 4-Hour Adventure
Set aside 4 to 4.5 hours including drive time, rafting, and changing so you can enjoy every moment stress-free.
Safety Comes First
Listen carefully to your guide’s briefing to understand how to respond if you fall in or face rapids.
Swimwear
To comfortably wear under your wetsuit and stay dry after rafting.
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin from strong sun exposure on reflective river waters.
spring|summer|fall
Quick-Dry Towel
Useful for drying off during the trip’s end when returning to the lodge.
Warm Change of Clothes
Necessary to stay warm after rafting, especially in cooler seasons.
fall|winter