South Island New Zealand

Rafting on the New Zealand’s South Island is located close to Queenstown. The three main rivers for rafting trips are the Kawaru, the Shotover, and the Landsborough. All of these rivers flow out of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Kawarau River Rafting Trips (Class III):
This popular half-day, four mile river trip consists of beginner Class III rapids. It is a large volume river with flows ranging from 2,000-20,000 cfs.

Shotover River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
The Shotover River is the most popular river in New Zealand. With exciting Class III-IV whitewater, this nine mile section is narrow with large boulders resulting in large rapids.

Landsborough River Rafting Trips (Class II-III):
Multi-day whitewater rafting trips are rare in New Zealand. On a Landsborough wilderness river rafting trip, you’ll spend three days rafting seventy kilometers starting in the shadows of Mt. Cook.