Take a gentle white water rafting trip with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures on the Hutt River. Perfect for families and beginners, this 2.5–3 hour journey mixes mild rapids with impressive natural scenery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including children aged 4+, requires basic swimming comfort
Wildlife
History
The Hutt River holds significance for local Māori iwi, who have long utilized its waters and land for sustenance and cultural practices.
Conservation
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures actively supports river health by practicing low-impact rafting techniques and educating guests on local ecology.
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures
Take a gentle white water rafting trip with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures on the Hutt River. Perfect for families and beginners, this 2.5–3 hour journey mixes mild rapids with impressive natural scenery.
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 quick-dry clothing
Bring swimwear or quick-dry shorts and a lightweight top to stay comfortable when splashed.
Secure your belongings
Leave valuables behind or ensure they are in waterproof bags, as the raft will pass through rapids.
Arrive early for equipment fitting
Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to departure to receive helmets, life jackets, and briefing.
Take advantage of shuttle service
Use the return shuttle from Wellington CBD for hassle-free transport to and from the river.
Quick-dry swimwear or shorts
Keeps you comfortable when wet and dries quickly after splashing.
summer
Waterproof jacket
Useful for unpredictable weather and light rain showers.
spring
Warm layers for after the trip
Helps you stay warm once off the river as temperatures drop.
fall
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Protect your feet from rocky shorelines and provide grip on slippery surfaces.