Canterbury Whitewater Rafting, New Zealand

Join our day trip from Christchurch or drive yourselves

The Ultimate Canterbury Whitewater Rafting Trip

Feel the exhilarating thrill of adrenalin surging through your body as you conquer the Grade 5 white-water rapids of the Rangitata Gorge with your world class guide. Ride the "Roosters Tail", drop into "Pigs Trough" and hang on tight through "The Pinch".

But before reaching the exciting rapids of the gorge, practice paddling and safety drills on the initial calmer waters while being surrounded by the same stunning mountain scenery which formed the backdrop for 'Edoras', Lord of the Rings.

Extremely well organised, confident and knowledgeable staff, excellent progression of rapids. An absolute Must – good even for first timers.
Comment from survey

Rangitata Rafts offers you longer time on the river than most one day NZ white water rafting trips and is privileged to be the only operator on this unique stretch of river, thus allowing time towards the end for you to swim in the calmer turquoise waters, surf the rafts in the smaller rapids and an optional 'leap of faith' from a jump rock.

Very professional, small company. We were not rushed at any time – felt like we were 'important' to them.
Comment from survey

Mind-blowingly beautiful were the surroundings, reassuringly wonderful were the guides, rafting the Rangitata was all we hoped it would be and more.
Louise, NZ

Rangitata Rafts offers the closest Grade 5 NZ white water rafting to Christchurch – join our day trip from the city centre or self drive, located only 30 minutes from the Christchurch – Queenstown road. This is the perfect and exciting way to break your journey.

A must do NZ experience. Forget 10 seconds of adrenaline in Queenstown have three hours at Rangitata Rafts.
Comment from survey

No previous experience necessary as full training is provided as the rapids get progressively exciting from grade 1 to 5 with the option to walk around any rapids.

It is not just a regular guided activity. You bond with the people on your rafts and those around you and it becomes this amazing and truly unique experience.
Comment from survey

Additional Information about our Canterbury Whitewater Rafting

The itinerary for our Canterbury river-rafting trips is:

• Optional return transport from Christchurch to our river base. Pick up is at 8:15 am, returns at 7:00 pm.
• Self-drive, arrive at our lodge 10:30 am. The rafting base is located off the main route from Christchurch to Queenstown, 30 minutes from Geraldine through Peel Forest Village.
• On arrival at the rafting lodge enjoy an appetising fresh lunch with your fellow rafters.
• All rafting safety and comfort equipment is provided, but bring along your swimsuit and towel.
• Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of fantastic Canterbury rafting.
• Hot refreshing showers welcome you back to our rafting lodge.
• Enjoy a delicious BBQ meal and view the photos of your trip.
• No previous experience is necessary, although clients do need to have a reasonable standard of fitness and a minimum age of 15 years.

This was one of the best outdoor activity companies I got to know here in New Zealand. Definitely the best way for me to spend my last day in New Zealand.
Rosa, Germany

High Country Lodge Accommodation

Relax and enjoy the rural beauty of New Zealand at Rangitata Rafts lodge, located on one of New Zealand's first high country sheep stations at the foot of the Southern Alps. Backpacker style accommodation available. Campervans and tents welcome.

Two nights in this lovely hideaway and a superb day rafting—what an excellent way to end my New Zealand trip.
Pam, United Kingdom

The Peel Forest Park is only 13 kilometres down the road with a variety of magnificent native bush walks where you will enjoy listening to the songs of New Zealand's native birds in peaceful surroundings away from crowds of people. Or join a horse trek.

For further information about our NZ white water rafting, please contact us or visit our Canterbury whitewater rafting Web site.