Things to do in Queenstown, South Island: The Best River Rafting & Tubing

The ultimate Queenstown water activity for true adventure seekers. Come Riverboarding on the Kawarau River, home of river surfing, with the world's pioneering company. Ride grade 2 to 3 rapids on modified bodyboards or specially built sledges for an exciting, thrilling and proactive adventure. If you love thrills, nature, pristine waters, amazing scenery and a good dose of adventure, look no further. During this epic Queenstown activity experience the rush of swimming through raging rapids, surfing standing waves, riding whirlpools, squirting, playing on eddy lines and trying some wicked rock jumps. Choose the trip that suits you the most, harness the power of the Kawarau River and be prepared to have the trip of a lifetime. They are all designed to quench your thirst for adventure. Highlights: * Surf a river wave * Enjoy pristine New Zealand scenery * Play on giant eddy lines * Conquer a wild river with rapids grade 2 to 3 * Experience the river at face level

A gentle scenic excursion packed with family fun for everyone from 3 to 103 years old. We take a unique 45 min drive into Skippers Canyon, an iconic area steeped in gold mining history, then float down gentle grade 1 and 2 rapids on the famous Shotover River in either guided rafts or inflatable kayaks. See gold mining relics and sheer canyon walls as we navigate the river with rapid swims and rock jumps.

Changing the way you see the map.... Whether you want to challenge your boundaries or are solely looking for a relaxing and unique way to see areas of our great wilderness that lay off the beaten track, we can cater for you. Our fun packed packrafting trips are created as an overall outdoors experience. Hike, climb, swim, play, raft or simply float and take in the breathtaking scenery, armed with your own paddle, a packraft and walking boots the opportunities are endless. With these lightweight boats you'll be able to access some of the most remote and undisturbed rivers in the Southern Hemisphere, these hidden gems would usually be unreachable with conventional boats and kayaks alone.

Specifically designed for those seeking a relaxed and scenic water adventure. You literally 'go with the flow' and soak up the scenery along a beautiful stretch of the Kawarau River with the Remarkable Mountains as your backdrop. Float/paddle down the picturesque river in a raft or inflatable canoe with an experienced guide accompanying the trip while you take in the views!

We offer guided packrafting trips, courses and packraft rentals based in and around Queenstown, New Zealand. We specialise in small groups, going off the beaten track to deliver personalised, high quality authentic adventures. We aim to offer something for everyone whether you are looking for a gentle hike and an easy float or exciting rapids, glamping or full blown multiday adventures.

Challenge Rafting operates exciting half-day trips on the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers in Queenstown. The Kawarau River is suited to first time rafters or those wanting a taste of rafting and is accessed by vehicle. The Shotover River is accessed by vehicle through the historic Skippers Canyon forged out by goldminers during the big Gold Rush. This road is inaccessible in winter and for this reason Heli-rafting is offered in winter on the Shotover River.

Whitewater rafting is on of the last extreme experience in the adventure capital of New Zealand and we intend to keep it that way. You will embark on a man V nature battle of willpower in one of the most scenic environments in the world. Raft where the jetboats fear to go and prepare to take a rapid in the face as you hold on during this four hour paddle experience. Don’t take photos of the river, take on the river.

Looking for things to do in Queenstown? We offer a full travel information & booking service for all things snow, biking, adventure & sightseeing. After many years of living and working in the adventure capital of the world we've confidently hand-selected the best Queenstown has to offer. Every activity listed has been tried and tested, every line skied and every trail ridden. It’s a pain staking job but someone has to do it!