Riversurfing
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 64 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Riversurfing worth booking?
Riversurfing is a 4.5-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $163 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (64)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $163 per person
We're the pioneers of Riversurfing operating since 1989. Also known as riverboarding or hydrospeed, similar to rafting but next level! We take you in the water, through Grade 3 rapids, on bodyboards. Why sit on a boat when you can get in amongst it and have some serious fun?
What you get
About this experience
We're the pioneers of Riversurfing operating since 1989. Also known as riverboarding or hydrospeed, similar to rafting but next level! We take you in the water, through Grade 3 rapids, on bodyboards. Why sit on a boat when you can get in amongst it and have some serious fun?
What's included
Included
- All equipment provided
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
Meeting point is at the loading zone at 5 Duke Street, at the back of the bakery and opposite Sofitel. Please arrive at the departure time.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meeting point is at the loading zone at 5 Duke Street, at the back of the bakery and opposite Sofitel. Please arrive at the departure time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cs, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Serious Fun Riverboarding Ltd
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 64 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
64 verified traveler reviews for Riversurfing. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Activity good, one guide terrible
One of the guides was beyond annoying. The other two were good. The annoying guy's name started with a P. Name might be Pavi. Trash mouth, questioning why we didn't get drunk in Queenstown and asking stupid questions to the guests while on the shuttle to the launch site. I would rate the overall tour higher but having to listen to him run his mouth was a big negative on the trip.
Response from the operator: Hi Derrick, Thanks for taking the time to write your review. It's great that you rate our trip highly overall. We do try to have fun on the shuttle to the river and get all the guests involved. Some guide's humour is different to others. Thanks for the feedback, which has been passed on.
via Tripadvisor
A wildly fun time
Highly recommended! We ended up with a very tiny group which made the experience even more unique. The guys were great fun and very attentive. Way better than rafting.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the amazing 5 star review! It's definitely wild and fun. Thanks for high recommending us. Our team are great and they love their jobs. We are next level to rafting for sure!! See you next time!
via Tripadvisor
Real blast!
We were fortunate that there were just 4 of us in our group. Jack and Neil were fantastic guides. Thorough safety briefing and time to learn the techniques before heading off. All the gear supplied was perfect for keeping us safe and warm in the water. I would say that if you would definitely enjoy this activity if you are a confident, competent swimmer who doesn’t mind waves. Other options on offer for those not as confident. Quite different to rafting being an individual activity. Loved it, such a unique activity. Scenery was great. Rock jump fun too!
Response from the operator: Hi Kirsten, Thanks so much for the fantastic 5 star review! Great description of the activity. Next level to rafting as you are in control of yourself with some help from the guides if needed. Beautiful part of NZ. See you next time!
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed
Took too long to get in the water - picked up at 14.00 but didn’t get into the water until 16.30 then exited at 17.15. It was a mixed ability group of 10 people and 3 guides so some people struggled more than others. All the guides were great but maybe controlled the participants too much and as a result we were congested and banging into each other most of the time. The brochure stated ‘up to 2 hours in the water and up to 12kms covered’. We were actually only in the water for 45 minutes and only covered 4.5kms. Apparently they used to do two loops of this section of the river whivj would have been a great option for those who wanted to do it. Sadly by the time people got used to the equipment and what to do it was all over. Definitely not worth $265 NZD sadly.
via Tripadvisor
Very different experience from rafting
Really enjoyed the experience. Myself and two teenage kids enjoyed smashing through the rapids. A lot of bumping into other people in the group as the river guides you down - somewhat out of control. I liked the experience for this reason as you have to work with the power of the river. What some things to expect - you will spend more time travelling to the section of the river, getting suited up and doing multiple training activities than the actual activity itself. By the last rapid my kids were like ‘is that it?’. You can try to surf some of the rapids - as a reasonably confident body boarder I actually managed to surf a couple of times for just fleeting moments. The actual camp setup is quite basic with just a pit toilet and a tent change room for one, so come dressed in your swimmers and bring a big towel. Plenty of bugs around as well! There seemed to be a lot of guides on my trip and they have a strong focus on safety. If I could improve the day I wish I could have gone down the rapids a second time as the first time seemed to go so quickly.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $163 to $290
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Riversurfing: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Riversurfing cost?
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Prices start at $163 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 Riversurfing take?
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Plan for about 4.5 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 Riversurfing worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 64 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 Riversurfing?
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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 Riversurfing suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Riversurfing?
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Around 22 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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Riversurfing 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, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. 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.
What is included in Riversurfing?
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Included: All equipment provided. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Riversurfing include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Riversurfing offered in?
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It is offered in Czech and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Riversurfing?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Riversurfing wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Riversurfing if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Riversurfing?
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Across 64 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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