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White Water RaftingThe ultimate adrenaline rush!White water rafting would be one of the most popular outdoor activities visitors to New Zealand participate in. Filled with water from surrounding mountains, we have so many beautiful rivers to choose from. They provide an all round experience of excitement and thrills, along with amazing scenic beauty, as they course through often narrow ravines and valleys, bounded by cliffs, untouched thick bush, and a true wilderness environment. There are many companies offering white water rafting tours ranging from 45 minutes to half days, or incorporated into a 3-4 day combo. All are offering a selection of blood curdling excitement and never to be forgotten experiences to get that adrenaline pounding!
I will outline where you will find white water rafting companies operating, rather than name them, as there are far too many all offering different choices. I also detail the rating for the river, and how to best decide which company offers the best experience for you and your capabilities. White water rafting has an element of risk, but in New Zealand recognised operators will have gone through stringent training. Many operators will display an orange and black fern leaf logo which says they are an accredited operator. These are specific to tourism businesses. To qualify for this they are accessed on : • The quality of their customers experience • Service facilities offered • Equipment used • The safety and welfare business practices for their clients
Rivers are graded 1 – 6 for the degree of difficulty. This is important when choosing which rafting tour you will do. If you are a non or poor swimmer, or have never white water rafted before, you will need to go for a smoother, easier ride first time.It will be just as exciting an adventure. Many rivers have different Grades for different parts of the river. So if members of your group have varying abilities, you can all choose a white water rafting tour at your level. • Grade 1 - has small waves, little or no current and no obstacles. • Grade 2 - More current, bigger waves, no obstacles • Grade 3 - a bigger current, more turbulent, longer rapids, holes, and some obstacles. This is intermediate level. • Grade 4 – Steeper, more obstacles such as rocks and boulders, holes etc. • Grade 5 - big waves, very strong currents and boulders and holes. • Grade 6 - is extremely difficult and should be left to professionals if anyone at all. For further info go to
www.raft.co.nz/qualmark.asp
( This will open a new window so you can come back) River GradesNORTH ISLAND • Grade 1 - None • Grade 2 - Waiohine, Mohaka (2-5), Ngarururo (1,4,5), Rangitaiki (2,3,4) • Grade 3 - Motu, Wanganui • Grade 4 – Mongohau – (4,5) • Grade 5 – Wairoa, Kaituna
• Grade 1 - Taieri (1-3) • Grade 2 - Waiau (2,3), Waimakariri (2-4), Buller, Clarence (2,3) • Grade 3 -4 - Kawarau • Grade 4 – Arahura (4,5), Waiatoto, Grey, Hokitika • Grade 5 – Shotover, Rangatata, Karamea
Most accessible White Water RaftingIn the North Island there will be a range of companies operating tours from Rotorua and Taupo.The Rangitaiki river has many options for different rafting, and bungy experiences. It is near Taihape in the central North Island so would entail some planning to include in your itinerary, as it is a little more off the usual tourist routes.
My son and daughter-in-law had a great experience there staying in a lodge on the edge of the Rangitaiki river as part of the package, when they were home from Japan last year. They made the trip specially, having researched North island white water rafting experiences.
There are other rivers with operators offering tours, but for the majority of visitors these locations will be where you are most likely to be travelling to. The Shotover is probably our most famous white water rafting experience and being near Queenstown is easily accessible. The Kawarau, is another near Queenstown which also has many other thrilling activities such as the original bungee.
To get that adrenaline and excitement going - have a look at this You Tube cut.
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