Discover a day filled with mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and local flavors with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures. Perfect for adventure lovers seeking a diverse outdoor experience in New Zealand.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape to handle biking and rafting activities comfortably.
Wildlife
History
The Te awa Kairangi River has been a vital part of Wellington’s history, supporting transportation and local livelihoods for generations.
Conservation
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring the natural beauty of the river remains pristine.
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures
Discover a day filled with mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and local flavors with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures. Perfect for adventure lovers seeking a diverse outdoor experience in New Zealand.
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.
Wear appropriate gear
Bring sturdy cycling shoes and quick-drying clothing for comfort during biking and rafting.
Stay hydrated
Carry water bottles to keep hydrated throughout the active day.
Book in advance
Reservations are recommended to secure your spot for the full-day adventure.
Check weather conditions
Weather can impact river conditions and biking trails, so review forecasts before your trip.
Hydration pack
Keeps water within easy reach during biking and rafting.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Waterproof clothing
Prevents discomfort from splashes and rain during river activities.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sturdy shoes
Provides grip and support for biking and walking around the area.
Sun protection
Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen shield against strong UV rays during outdoor activities.
summer