White Water Rafting with Hurunui Family Float
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no prior experience needed
Overview
Experience the thrill of gentle rapids on the Hurunui River. Perfect for families, this scenic float delivers adventure and fun for all ages. Discover why this is a top choice in New Zealand’s Canterbury region.
Hurunui Family Float
For ages 5+ • Great day trip for families! • Perfect introduction to rafting for kids!
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of the "Jollie Brook" rafting adventure on the upper Hurunui River! Perfect for families, this 1.5-hour journey features exciting grade 1-2 rapids, stunning scenery, and a relaxing lunch at Devils Fang Falls. Capture unforgettable moments as you navigate fun rapids together, making memories that last a lifetime.
“Jollie Brook” 1.5 hours of fun rapids and calm waters!
Duration
8:30am - 3:30pm
About
River grade 1-2 rafting on the upper Hurunui River is a perfect introduction to rafting for the kids over the age of 5 and is also a fun trip for the adults! This section of river can be accessed by vehicles so other family members can watch the trip unfold and meet us at the lunch spot. They can also be your personal photographer with plenty of spots to photograph the trip from dry land. After driving to the river we will raft for around 1-1.5 hours through fun grade 1-2 rapids stopping for lunch along the way (Included).
Itinerary 8:00 AM Arrive at our base Please arrive at our base located at 272 Island road, Kaiapoi no later than 8.00am. We will issue all your rafting gear required for the day and give you a run down of the days events.
8:30 AM Depart Christchurch We depart our base at 8.30am and drive 1.5 hours up to the Hurunui river located in the Lake Sumner forest park. There are plenty of toilet and pie stops along the way.
10:30 AM Arrive at the river After arriving at the river we will get changed into our rafting gear and your friendly guides will deliver a safety briefing and all information you need before embarking on your adventure down river.
11:00 AM Let the fun begin The ”Jolliebrook” section is consistent grade 1-2 and is fun for both kids and parents. The kids can ride shotgun or assume a titanic style position at the front of the raft. You will get slightly wet as we tackle rapids such as, ”Nanas Pimple”, ”The rollercoaster” and ”Devils fang falls”. While our driver rattles off a few pictures from above.
12:00 PM Lunch Our lunch spot is located at ”Devils fang falls” where we stop to stretch the legs and have a bite to eat. Vehicle access to this spot is available for friends or family members that wished to stay on dry land. After lunch we get back on the river for more fun rapids, maybe a swim and a rock jump.
12:30 PM The end of an adventure We reach the trip end point. Get changed, load up and head for home.
3:30 PM Arrive back in Christchurch
Adventure Tips
Wear quick-drying clothing
Ensure clothing that dries fast be worn to stay comfortable in wet conditions.
Bring waterproof camera
Capture action shots without worry of water damage during the float.
Use sun protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses help shield against sun exposure during the river trip.
Follow guide instructions
Listening carefully ensures safety and maximizes enjoyment during the adventure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Natives such as kingfishers
- Introduced trout
History
The Hurunui River has been a vital part of Maori travel and fishing for generations, with cultural sites along its banks.
Conservation
The guiding company actively promotes river conservation and sustainable tourism practices to preserve this pristine environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in Christchurch
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Quick-dry clothes
Keeps you comfortable after splashes and gets dry quickly for the next trip.
spring specific
Waterproof footwear
Provides grip and keeps feet dry during the float.
summer specific
Sun protection
Helps prevent sunburn during sunny days on the river.
fall specific
Dry bag for valuables
Keeps personal items dry in case of splashes or rain.
winter specific