What to do and see in South Island, New Zealand: The Best River Rafting & Tubing

Come with us on the most exciting half day adventure activity in New Zealand, jet boating beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of The Rings locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience jet boating on the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, And there is MORE… Deep in the mountains & off the beaten track enjoy a 50-minute walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams. Walk in awe beneath Avalanche Glacier when conditions permit or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Hear the stories of this unique ice carved landscape and see photo opportunities not to miss. For those who want to explore more add a glacier helicopter flight from the jet boat or a 4WD farm safari

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.

Ultimate Descents New Zealand is a White Water Rafting Specialist Company based in Murchison at the head of the Upper Buller Gorge. Offering 1/2 day and full day tours on the Buller River. From extreme adventure to family fun, something for everyone.

Feel the thrill of rafting one of New Zealand’s most scenic and exciting stretches of white water in the heart of the South Island. With no crowds and no rush you will have time to enjoy every aspect; spectacular scenery, rafting action with our professional team of guides, swimming in the calmer sections and the friendly atmosphere which people rave about not to mention a delicious kiwi style BBQ after the trip! Join our day trip from Christchurch or drive yourselves, located 30 minutes off the main Christchurch to Queenstown highway.

JET Hanmer Spring’s spectacular Waiau Gorge, for an unforgettable experience in a beautiful environment. Manoeuvre with classic jet boat power 30kms along the Waiau River, under the historic bridge and between deep canyon walls. BUNGY from the historic 135 year old Waiau Ferry bridge for an adrenaline-charged 35-metre free fall to the river canyon below! RAFT an alpine river and marvel at the twist rock, water holes, pink marble and faultline. Take off on a QUAD BIKE tour - challenge the terrain, river bed creek crossings, mud and Hanmer Springs farmland trails. CANOE your way down the scenic Waiau River on a fully-guided full-day trip - great fun for the whole family with lunch and return Jet ride included. You can also enjoy Paintball and Clay Bird Shooting in this wonderful natural environment. Groups, team building and conferences are also catered for. With a host of exciting and fun activities, this is an adventure for the whole family to enjoy! Open daily 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Booking booth located at the Fox and Franz Heli services building on the main road in Franz Josef Glacier, as well as the isite in Hokitika

He is no longer operating. Sorry. Pioneer Rafting operates private, non-commercial eco rafting adventures for river conservation donors. Our mission is to conserve and regenerate the river environment, by offering eco rafting adventures free of charge to donors on a strictly peer-to-peer basis, using no third-party booking agents. We navigate the Clutha Mata-Au River – the largest and most powerful river in New Zealand, flowing swiftly from Lake Wanaka into the golden semi-desert landscape of Central Otago. We encounter peaceful river sections, surging eddies, native birdlife, gold-rush tailings, and exciting but easy Grade 2-3 whitewater rapids that everyone can enjoy.

At Inland Adventures we offer stunning full day and multi day wilderness raft tours as well as a fun half day family trip. The rivers we raft range from friendly grade 2 to exhilerating grade 4 so there is something for everyone. Our day trip on the Upper Grey River/Māwheranui is our most popular tour. The grade 3 rapids keep you entertained all day and the towering mountains, steep walled gorges and lush green native forest mean this trip is jam packed with amazing scenery. If you are really wanting to spend some time in the New Zealand wilderness then a multi day trip is for you. Choose between a longer stretch of the Upper Grey River or the Waiau River near Hanmer Springs. We supply the camping gear as well as delicious meals and snacks. Evenings spent beside the river with a cozy fire are pretty special.

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!