You won’t be let down by these top locations if you’re seeking for the ideal site to go white water rafting because New Zealand is the best playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With gorgeous rivers and valleys to explore, this outdoor activity is one of the greatest ways to take in the breathtaking beauty of the nation. Even some undiscovered treasures could be found along the route!
1. Tongariro White Water Rafting, Taupo
This white water rafting adventure lives true to Taupo’s reputation as the North Island’s center of adrenaline. On this 13 km-long river excursion, you’ll have to negotiate 60 rapids, which will raise your heart rate. There are no drops to navigate. Therefore, no prior knowledge is necessary.
You’ll see some breathtaking landscapes while paddling through the Taupo region’s center, which can only be reached by raft. Take in a variety of animals, such as the blue duck or the enormous New Zealand trout, before landing for a hot beverage.
2. Vector Wero Whitewater Park, Auckland
All ages and skill levels can participate in a variety of river activities at the Vector Wero Whitewater Park. Families with young children and beginners alike will enjoy the Tamariki River. This recreational route, which is rated as grade 1-2, features a calm 200-meter river course with a few little rapids for a little excitement.
Try River Rush, the advanced grade 3–4 course, which is 300 meters long and is sure to get your heart beating if you want to take white water rafting in Auckland to the next level. Take on the Pump waterfall, the highest artificial rafted waterfall in the world, which has a four-and-a-half-meter plunge, if you’re still up for a challenge.
3. Kaituna Cascades, Rotorua
The Kaituna Rafting Company, named the top rafting company in New Zealand by Trip Advisor, is a must-visit location for all white water rafting aficionados. With three waterfalls, including the 7-meter-tall Tutea Falls, the highest rafted waterfall in the world, the river is the white water playground of the North Island.
The combination of a somewhat calm river journey and some absolutely jaw-dropping falls makes this experience so fantastic. Additionally, you can customize your tour to suit your needs. What degree of the exhilarating ride would you select?
4. The Mohaka River Gorge, Hawke’s Bay
Full-day and multi-day trips on a variety of graded whitewater rivers are available from Mohaka Rafting. You can choose between a grade 2 voyage and a grade 5 experience that will make your heart race.
If you choose the latter, you’ll get one of New Zealand’s best whitewater adventures, complete with amazing canyons and challenging rapids. Try a grade 3 excursion for a well-rounded journey that lets you take in the distinctive scenery and discover the uncharted gorges along the river’s length.
5. Landsborough River, Queenstown
The Landsborough River journey is unlike any other white water rafting trip. This incredible three-day trip takes you to some of the most inaccessible places, allowing you to come close to the untamed wilderness that only a select few have seen. During this tour, you may anticipate seeing imposing mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and lush rainforests. It’s a beautiful rafting trip that will leave you with lifelong memories.
6. Rangitata Gorge, Christchurch
Grades 2 to 5 rapids that are suitable for a range of ages and skill levels are offered by the Hidden Valleys Rangitata rafting adventure. Take the family on tour filled with mild thrills and breathtaking scenery, or test your teamwork on a thrilling grade 5 excursion through some of New Zealand’s most exciting rapids.
Avoid the rocks as you hurtle down tight valleys and paddle past water walls as you soar over beautiful rapids. Enjoy a shower and a barbecue at the base while seeing some of the memorable pictures from the day.
7. Whataroa River, Franz Josef
Try glacial water rafting on the Whataroa River for a thrilling experience and breathtaking surroundings. There are numerous rapids (more than 20) to explore on the trek, which can take anything from half a day to a full day.
You can decide on this trip whether or not you want to participate in the greatest rapids, and there are walkway choices if you are too intimidated. Many options, including grade 5 rapids for the most daring adventurers, are available. This route has challenging rapids that are difficult to negotiate and call for strong navigational skills and teamwork.
8. Shotover River, Queenstown
The legendary Shotover River journey begins on a coach as you pass through Skippers Canyon, known for its towering cliff faces, to get your pulse rate up before the rafting starts. As you go through the canyons and rapids to get there, you can take in some breathtaking vistas. You’ll get to ride through the Oxenbridge tunnel as the journey draws to a close, but you’ll need to be a strong swimmer because capsizing is a moderate to likely possibility.
