THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Tackle over 30 rapids on the Rangitikei River followed by a scenic 27KM e-bike ride with River Valley Ventures. Discover why this thrilling combo is a standout adventure near Taihape.
Tackle over 30 rapids on the Rangitikei River followed by a scenic 27KM e-bike ride with River Valley Ventures. Discover why this thrilling combo is a standout adventure near Taihape.
Book with River Valley Ventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by River Valley Ventures · Taihape, Manawatū-Whanganui
River Valley Ventures offers a dynamic full-day outdoor adventure that perfectly blends heart-pounding river rafting with a scenic e-bike journey along New Zealand’s Rangitikei River. Situated near Taihape in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, this experience showcases one of the country’s most celebrated whitewater routes, carving through impressive limestone gorges and native bush.
Your day begins with navigating over 30 Grade 2 rapids on the Rangitikei River, known for its crystal-clear, emerald waters and dramatic canyon walls. This stretch delivers steady fun rapids suitable for everyone aged 10 and up, with the river’s rhyolite and sandstone cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. Midway, you'll pause to enjoy a picnic lunch beside quiet pools surrounded by native flora like ferns and manuka, soaking in the peaceful wilderness.
Post-rafting, the adventure shifts gears with a 27-kilometer e-bike ride back to River Valley Lodge. The route crosses the iconic Mokai Canyon Bridge, offering expansive views over the river valley below, and passes historic sites such as the former location of the Gravity Canyon bungy and flying fox. The e-bike’s pedal-assist makes this distance manageable while allowing you to absorb diverse landscapes—from dense forest patches to open river terraces.
River Valley Ventures stands out in the local outdoor adventure scene for its combined approach to river and land-based activity, giving visitors a fuller sense of the Rangitikei’s rugged terrain and natural beauty. Their thoughtful gear provisioning, including wetsuits and safety equipment for rafting and helmets and maps for the bike ride, ensures a safe and comfortable outing.
This journey is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a balanced blend of adrenaline and scenic tranquility, highlighting the Rangitikei River’s unique character and the surrounding wilderness of New Zealand’s central North Island.
moderate.
6 hours.
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle continuous rafting and a 27KM e-bike ride with pedal assist.
The adventure is suitable for ages 10 and up, ensuring family-friendly fun.
No prior experience is necessary; guides instruct all skill levels for safe participation.
River Valley Ventures supplies wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, neoprene booties, fleece tops, and paddle jackets.
Yes, but you must use provided dry bags or waterproof containers to keep electronics safe.
The e-bike's pedal-assist supports riders on the 27KM return trip, suitable for those in moderate shape.
Trips are postponed or canceled for safety if river conditions fall outside safe operating limits.
The Rangitikei River area holds deep significance for local Māori iwi and was the site of early European exploration in the 19th century.
River Valley Ventures upholds sustainable practices by minimizing waste and educating visitors about protecting the fragile river ecosystem.
River Valley Ventures operates from Taihape in the Manawatū-Whanganui region and specialises in adventure tourism and lodge accommodation. The business runs multi-day and day experiences centred on the Rangitikei River and surrounding high country, combining guided river trips, white water rafting, inflatable kayaking, guided horse riding holidays, e-biking and fishing options. Accommodation at River Valley Lodge includes private ensuite guest rooms, garden and riverside rooms, family rooms with bunks, bunk-room dormitory options and converted bus accommodation, all with access to communal facilities, farm-to-table meals and spa amenities. River Valley Ventures offers grade 5 white water rafting, scenic rafting excursions, full-day family river trips and extended river adventures such as multi-day canyon and Whanganui River dory journeys. Horse riding experiences include an eight-day River Valley Ride aimed at intermediate and advanced riders. E-bike options include full-day hires, guided backcountry rides and stay-and-ride packages. The operation emphasises small-group experiences, selected Maori cultural immersion on some trips, and professional guides trained for river safety and remote-scenario management. Booking options feature stay-and-play packages that combine accommodation, meals and guided activities for streamlined planning. Safety briefings, quality gear hire and clear local logistics support every booking and trip.
Book with River Valley Ventures