Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand

Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

Outty Ranking 82 4.9 · 344 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $199

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$199
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 344 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown worth booking?

Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown is a 5-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $199 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 344 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (344)
Duration
5 hours
From
$199 per person

Raft the gentle upper reaches of the Shotover River on this half-day trip through Skippers Canyon. You'll drive from Queenstown through a former gold-mining region and learn about this significant part of New Zealand's h

What you get

  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Qualified rafting guide
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Transport to rafting base
  • Snacks
  • Specialized river rafting equipment

About this experience

Raft the gentle upper reaches of the Shotover River on this half-day trip through Skippers Canyon. You'll drive from Queenstown through a former gold-mining region and learn about this significant part of New Zealand's history. The Class I and II rapids are suitable for ages three years old and up.

What's included

Included

  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Qualified rafting guide
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Transport to rafting base
  • Snacks
  • Specialized river rafting equipment
  • All activities

Not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Queenstown

The Station building bus stop, corner of Shotover Street and Camp street. We meet 10mins before the start time.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

The Station building bus stop, corner of Shotover Street and Camp street. We meet 10mins before the start time.

Options you can book

  • Morning Rafting 2026-27.

    Morning Rafting Trip: We are specialists in soft adventure trips rafting the gentle upper reaches of the famous Shotover River. Suitable for everyone from 3 years old. Water confidence is not necessary!

  • Afternoon Rafting 2026-27

    Afternoon Rafting Trip: We are specialists in soft adventure trips rafting the gentle upper reaches of the famous Shotover River. Suitable for everyone from 3 years old. Water confidence is not necessary!

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Family Adventures

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Bring a swimsuit and towel
  • Member of the NZ Rafting Association
  • Qualmark accredited
  • TripAdvisor Excellence rating for 12 straight seasons

Photos

Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown in Queenstown, photo 2Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown in Queenstown, photo 3Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown in Queenstown, photo 4Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown in Queenstown, photo 5Fun for EveryoneFamily Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown in Queenstown, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 344 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

6 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Good for families

6 mentions

Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

Organization

4 mentions

Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

Knowledge and storytelling

3 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Photo opportunities

3 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Traveler reviews

344 verified traveler reviews for Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
325
4 star
19
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
Sort
G2945DRchristineg · April 2026

Excellent family fun with engaged, knowledgeable, and kind guides.

Enthusiastic, kind, and knowledgeable guides who took the time to engage with whole family. Family Adventures run an extremely well organised, fun, tour with attention to details that made us feel very comfortable and well looked after.

via Tripadvisor

DEAN_M · March 2026

Perfect for littles!

So fun! Perfect for families with young children. Ours is only 3 yrs old and he had a great time. Nothing was too scary or dangerous for him. Our guide Mark was friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. The gear you are provided keeps you warm and you don’t need to bring anything except maybe a towel for after if you plan on taking a dip in the river during the experience as it’s allowed in a couple of spots. Lots of great photo opps so bring waterprooof camera or cases. Will definitely do this again on next trip here

via Viator

Ben_K · February 2026

Great family experience

This is a family friendly experience with emphasis put on time spent swimming/floating in the beautiful Shotover River. The guides are very supportive and considerate of your skill and comfort levels. It was a great experience with my 13yr old kids.

via Viator

AmandaCBarton · February 2026

Amazing Day rafting with our kids

We had an amazing time with Family adventures and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. My husband and I took our two children, aged five and only just three, on a rafting trip and the staff were so friendly and accommodating and absolutely wonderful with the kids. They were nervous at first but Josh, Mark and Georgia were so great with them that they soon relaxed and were having a wonderful time. We felt entirely safe and well looked after the whole time, everything ran smoothly and the small touches like helping the kids get changed into their gear, and providing cookies at the end really made the experience extra special.

via Tripadvisor

Pamie_C · January 2026

Adventure, Laughs, and Stunning Scenery

Had an awesome day with Georgia and Josh. Josh kept things lively with a steady stream of dad-joke energy, very festive, very committed. The drive through Skippers Canyon was epic. The rapids were approachable and a lot of fun, and Georgia made the whole experience feel safe and relaxed while still keeping it exciting. Plenty of laughs and splashing around. Would absolutely recommend. Thanks legends!

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
3+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$199 to $329
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
120
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 82

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
Review evidence (18% weight)75
Booking momentum (14% weight)71
Value for money (12% weight)83
Listing quality (10% weight)80
Local standing (8% weight)56
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.

How much does Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown cost?

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Prices start at $199 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown take?

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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.

Is Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 344 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown?

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Around 120 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Queenstown?

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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Queenstown?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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