Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 117 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown worth booking?
Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown is a 5-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $307 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 117 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (117)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $307 per person
Queenstown’s famous Shotover River provides the white water rafting action for those looking for extra excitement and thrills. Drive through Skippers canyon to the start of the rafting. Raft your way down the Shotover ri
What you get
- Courtesy coach transfers from centrally located meeting point
- All necessary equipment- wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet
- Bus Ride through Skippers Canyon
- White water rafting down the Shotover River
- Hot showers
- Safety briefing, professional guides
About this experience
Queenstown’s famous Shotover River provides the white water rafting action for those looking for extra excitement and thrills. Drive through Skippers canyon to the start of the rafting. Raft your way down the Shotover river taking on the wild and untamed rapids. Finish the trip rafting through the darkness of the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the drop into Cascade Rapid.
What's included
Included
- Courtesy coach transfers from centrally located meeting point
- All necessary equipment- wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet
- Bus Ride through Skippers Canyon
- White water rafting down the Shotover River
- Hot showers
- Safety briefing, professional guides
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
If you have chosen to self drive to our Raft Base, 1 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point, please advise us and we can update your booking accordingly. Check in is 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you have chosen to self drive to our Raft Base, 1 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point, please advise us and we can update your booking accordingly. Check in is 15 minutes prior to departure time.
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
- Challenge Rafting
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
- It is essential that all parties are confident swimmers and comfortable in deep water.
- Weight restrictions - Under 40 kg (88lbs) and over 120kg (264lbs) will not be permitted to participate. (weighing maybe required upon check-in).
- Minimum age - 13 years - Children aged between 13 and 15 years must be accompanied by a guardian
- If a traveller wishes to discontinue with the rafting experience during the trip, the traveller is liable for all costs associated with removing them from the river. This term is void if a medical or natural emergency arises and evacuation is required.
- If you are pregnant you cannot participate on this experience and if you do so without notifying the Raft Guides guides of your conditions you do so at your own risk
- Under 18 years - Guardian conditions apply.
- Suitable for water competent people of moderate fitness.
- People with a heart condition or taking heart medication are unable to participate.
- Trips are weather, river level and/or water temperature dependent.
- You must speak or understand English.
- Not able to participate if who have had Heart Surgery, Coronary Disease, Cardiac Arrest, or Heart-Related Medication excluding blood pressure medication
- Must be able to swim at least 25 meters unassisted and have moderate fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 117 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
117 verified traveler reviews for Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great fun
Our guide Will was great, very skilled and knowledgeable. Always felt safe and yet challenged. Would definitely recommend this company
Response from the operator: Kia ora, Thank you for the lovely review. We're delighted you had such a great time on the river with us and felt well looked after throughout. We truly appreciate the recommendation. Ngā mihi nui, Challenge Rafting
via Tripadvisor
Enjoy!
A great and fun experience with wonderful guides! Plenty of thrills on the water and on the way there in the bus with the sheer sided walls of Skippers Canyon Rd! Enjoy!
via Viator
10/10 experience
Sia was outstanding 👍🏻 That said all the staff that we dealt with were amazing but was but Sia was brilliant. We felt so incredibly safe and well briefed on everything to do with having a fun day whilst safety being paramount
Response from the operator: Kia ora, Thank you for your wonderful review. We're thrilled you had such a fantastic day on the river with us. Sia will be pleased to read your kind words. It's wonderful to hear that the entire team took good care of you from start to finish. Ngā mihi nui, Challenge Rafting
via Tripadvisor
So much fun and is such a...
So much fun and is such a beautiful river. So lucky to be in that environment. I highly recommend it. My whole family loved it.
via Viator
Shotover Rafting for the Win
The whole trip super cool. Guy was an excellent guide on the road to the start point. Props to Levi the driver, who made a sketchy road look like a highway. The drive, incidentally was an adventure. Then we come to the rafting. We had Benj as a guide. He kept everyone calm. Taught us all we needed early and then hit some exhilarating rapids. A highlight of our trip. High five to Benj for making it a truly memorable day out in Qtown.
Response from the operator: Kia ora, Thank you for your kind words. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us from beginning to end. We will share your compliments with the team, they will be happy to know that rafting was a highlight for you. Ngā mihi nui, Challenge Rafting
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 13+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $307 to $337
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 41
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown cost?
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Prices start at $307 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 Shotover River Rafting Trip from 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 Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 117 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 Shotover River Rafting Trip from 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 Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 13. 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 Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown?
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Around 41 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 Shotover River Rafting Trip from 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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