Rafting New Zealand
Rafting New Zealand
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Kia Ora and Welcome to Rafting New Zealand. A family run business established in 1991. We raft the best rivers, providing family fun rafting for ages 3 years and up all the way through to extreme whitewater action. With professional, fun, Kiwi guides, premier gear and facilities, Maori culture and an excellent safety record, book with us to experience the thrill of rafting, Aotearoa styles. Rafting NZ is NZ's most awarded rafting company.
Similar Experiences
Rafting New Zealand
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsContribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
1,536 reviews
Excellent
1,482
Very good
46
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Peter H
Cambridge, New Zealand3 contributions
Dec 2020
Despite the very strong southerly winds (100 km/h on the Dessert Road) for most of the day, we had a very successful day with Jessie from Rafting NZ.
Thankfully the steep gorges for the first half of the trip protected us from the weather and we were able to cast accurately.
We spent around 9 hours on the river and thoroughly fished a range of waters – from fast runs and deep pools to shallow runs and pocket water in which fish were actively feeding. Most of our success was in the slower and deeper water or shallower waters where sight fishing was very successful.
Jessie was the star. I estimate he landed about 30 rainbows – most of which were in good condition and gave a good fight. He demonstrated the importance of changing the rig for the particular conditions – and for the most part, the need to get the flies to the bottom!! He had developed some innovative techniques to achieve this.
The rest of us (3) all landed fish and were delighted with the day. I had the pleasure of landing a 5lb hen in excellent condition after modifying my set up.
Thankfully the steep gorges for the first half of the trip protected us from the weather and we were able to cast accurately.
We spent around 9 hours on the river and thoroughly fished a range of waters – from fast runs and deep pools to shallow runs and pocket water in which fish were actively feeding. Most of our success was in the slower and deeper water or shallower waters where sight fishing was very successful.
Jessie was the star. I estimate he landed about 30 rainbows – most of which were in good condition and gave a good fight. He demonstrated the importance of changing the rig for the particular conditions – and for the most part, the need to get the flies to the bottom!! He had developed some innovative techniques to achieve this.
The rest of us (3) all landed fish and were delighted with the day. I had the pleasure of landing a 5lb hen in excellent condition after modifying my set up.
Written December 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Awesome to hear you all had a great day despite the strong winds.
Thanks again and see you next year!
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written December 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mason H
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Had a brilliant day out with Rafting New Zealand. Even in winter it was nice and warm and the gear they give you is excellent quality and does a great job. The guides Jessie and Hannah were fantastic, very knowledgeable about the local area and they made the 1 and a half hour trip down the 50+ Rapids a breeze. The driver Owen also got some great photos of our experience making us look like pros. I would definitely recommend this activity to everyone its a must do while visiting Turangi.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Mason,
Thanks for choosing to raft with us and for leaving a great review - stoked to hear the entire RNZ Team on the day showed you a fantastic time.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written August 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
larajstevens
Feilding, New Zealand4 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Our group had a very enjoyable day out. We were all relatively new to rafting and after starting the day nervous felt instantly at ease once we were on the water. Our instructor Mason was amazing, we learnt so much from him and we all felt extremely safe in his hands. The trip was very well planned and the little touches like rock jumping, a swim and a break for hot chocolates were enjoyed by everyone!
This trip was a lot of fun and has left us all eager to do it again- Would highly recommend
This trip was a lot of fun and has left us all eager to do it again- Would highly recommend
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thanks for leaving a great review, stoked to hear that Mason put you at ease and you really enjoyed the rafting adventure.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written January 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bruce D
Berlin, Germany6 contributions
Jan 2020
I don't know how our Rafting New Zealand experience could be better!
Sure the weather helps but everyone there, and i mean everyone - drivers, guides, counter people and the young helpers, were most friendly and all in to making our experience enjoyable.
Jess and Owen were our guides - aside from instruction, they gave us some local info and kept it fun.
We would definately ride with them again.
Sure the weather helps but everyone there, and i mean everyone - drivers, guides, counter people and the young helpers, were most friendly and all in to making our experience enjoyable.
Jess and Owen were our guides - aside from instruction, they gave us some local info and kept it fun.
We would definately ride with them again.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Bruce,
Thanks for choosing to raft with us and for leaving a superb review - stoked to hear that you really enjoyed your rafting adventure with us.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written January 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan H
Lower Hutt, New Zealand50 contributions
Jan 2021
We have been white water rafting before many years ago. This trip didn't disappoint for a second time. Thanks to Johnny our raft guide he was a very experienced guide and great fun.
50 plus rapids a good thrilling timed by us all. Highly recommended trip.
50 plus rapids a good thrilling timed by us all. Highly recommended trip.
Written January 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Jan,
Thanks for leaving a great review.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written January 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lebron
2 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
The most fun we’ve had in a long time, so cool to see more of our own backyard in a fun and exciting way. The whole day is well organised, and everyone at rafting nz is super friendly.
Ritai, our guide, was awesome. He was a great leader and we felt very safe with him. We really enjoyed the stories and interesting facts on our way down. He made the day what it was!!
Thanks so much for welcoming us onto your awa!
Ritai, our guide, was awesome. He was a great leader and we felt very safe with him. We really enjoyed the stories and interesting facts on our way down. He made the day what it was!!
Thanks so much for welcoming us onto your awa!
Written February 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Lee,
What an awesome review to receive - thanks for leaving it.
Stoked to hear Ritai showed you a safe and enjoyable time.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written February 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichaelBAZ
Kerikeri, New Zealand1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Family
If your going to be in the area and have 1/2 a day to enjoy a magical experience book this one! We loved it and we will be back.
Great Crew and Staff. Super well organised outfit. I have done the Grand Canyon and other rivers but this one needs to be in your top 5 must do rivers. Enjoy
Great Crew and Staff. Super well organised outfit. I have done the Grand Canyon and other rivers but this one needs to be in your top 5 must do rivers. Enjoy
Written December 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Michael,
Thank you for your awesome recommendation and for choosing to raft with us.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written December 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marcy F
St. Augustine, FL26 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Such a fun time rafting a beautiful river. There were lots of rapids which kept the trip exciting and the scenery along the river could not be beat. Our guide was great and made the whole experience easy. The company provided all the necessary gear, which kept it simple. Highly recommend taking this tour!
Written March 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdventureSheSaid
Brisbane, Australia223 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a wonderful river for gentle rafting - it's a grade 3, so perfect for beginners, families and just having fun. The staff are wonderful & the drink & hot dog afterwards hit the spot!
NB: The photos are expensive (as they are anywhere), if you can try go in with your raft group to cut costs - they can be shared via email
NB: The photos are expensive (as they are anywhere), if you can try go in with your raft group to cut costs - they can be shared via email
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thanks for choosing to raft with us and for leaving a review - great to know you had an awesome time out on the Awa (river) with us.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ebru A
Singapore, Singapore15 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
This was our first whitewater experience and it was AMAZING!
Before the adventure started we were welcomed by the team at Rafting NZ in a warm and friendly manner. They were completely accommodating for our dietary needs and also my need to have a private change room due to my religious beliefs.
Craig and Te Kooti (hope I spelt that right) were our guides and Te Kooti did a fantastic job with our induction.
On the way to the rapids we enjoyed fantastic Maori stories about the local area.
Once we arrived we got on the raft and despite my reservations due to nerves beforehand, it was hands down one of the best experiences I have had.
Craig was extremely entertaining, however ensured we all worked as a team to make sure none of us fell in. Both guys were extremely encouraging and that definitely made us feel like we really achieved something at the end of each rapid.
We got history lessons as we relaxed between rapids, the rock jump AND the hot chocolate were also fantastic.
We will definitely do it again and whenever someone is in NZ will recommend you guys.
Before the adventure started we were welcomed by the team at Rafting NZ in a warm and friendly manner. They were completely accommodating for our dietary needs and also my need to have a private change room due to my religious beliefs.
Craig and Te Kooti (hope I spelt that right) were our guides and Te Kooti did a fantastic job with our induction.
On the way to the rapids we enjoyed fantastic Maori stories about the local area.
Once we arrived we got on the raft and despite my reservations due to nerves beforehand, it was hands down one of the best experiences I have had.
Craig was extremely entertaining, however ensured we all worked as a team to make sure none of us fell in. Both guys were extremely encouraging and that definitely made us feel like we really achieved something at the end of each rapid.
We got history lessons as we relaxed between rapids, the rock jump AND the hot chocolate were also fantastic.
We will definitely do it again and whenever someone is in NZ will recommend you guys.
Written March 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Ebru,
Very cool review to have recieved from you - thanks for leaving. So great to hear that Craig and Te Kooti (yes you spelled it correct) gave you such personalised service and that you loved your time with us. Thanks for choosing to raft with us and we look forward to seeing you again one day soon, Nga Mihi, Luke.
Written March 3, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
De todos los raftings de new Zelanda me aconsejas este?
Hiciste algún otro deporte de aventura? Puenting etc me aconjas alguno en especial?
Written October 3, 2017
Kia Ora Jordi, We can help organise many different adventure activities - visit our website and click on the adventure centre tab for more information.
Nga Mihi,
Luke
Written October 4, 2017
Showing results 1-1 of 1