White Water Rafting and Rafting in New Zealand

Page sponsored by River Valley

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New Zealand is a young land still pushing its way up from the Sea. Steep mountain ranges, combined with plentiful rainfall, can only mean one thing – a huge variety of rivers that are a mecca for white water rafting and kayaking enthusiasts.

The guide below is not definitive, but will give you some guidance in finding the right trip for you. There is no such thing as having “Done” rafting. Every river is different, offering a new experience.

Grade 1 and 2

These are essentially float trips, but often with numerous small rapids. Trips on these sections can be great fun, especially for family groups, and more senior adventurers.

Combine with a picnic lunch and maybe a side hike, and you have a fantastic day out. An example of this type of trip would be found on the Rangitikei River that runs from River Valley Lodge downstream.

Grade 3

Grade 3 is that middle ground. More rapids of greater difficulty than Grade 1 and 2 trips, while not as intense as Grade 4 and 5. River rafting trips on these rivers can be excellent for older family groups, fit senior adventurers, and some work groups.

Grade 3 river trips are extremely popular in places such as the USA, and on a worldwide basis are probably the most commonly run rafting trips.

There are a number of examples in New Zealand, including the Tongariro, the Rangitiaki, the Kawarau, the Buller, and the Ngaruroro which all have extensive Grade 3 sections.

Grade 4 and 5

There is no doubt that if you are looking for an edgier rafting experience, then you need to be looking at Grade 4 & 5 trips. Grade 4 & 5 rafting trips are very popular in New Zealand.

Major rapids on these trips are complex, and often entail serious water hydraulics.

You need to be a person who will be an active participant in the raft. This will require average fitness and an ability to respond quickly to your guide's commands.

There is a very real chance - though small - that you may end up in the water.

Examples of these rivers regularly rafted in New Zealand are the Wairoa, the Rangitata, the Shotover, and the Grade 5 section of the Rangitikei River. This latter is one of the world’s classic half day Grade 5 rafting trips.

Multi Day River Trips

Multi Day river trips add in new elements.

Trips become less about the rapids, and more about the whole experience of spending days and nights on a river. Interacting with the river, natural surroundings and other people on the trip can be a simple and profound joy.

In the North Island, multi day trip are regularly offered on the Rangitikei, Ngaruroro, Mohaka and Motu.

In the South Island, multi day trips are regularly offered on the Clarence, Karamea, and Landsborough.

Important Points to Consider and Remember When Choosing a Rafting Trip

- Be honest about your own fitness and ability
- Be clear about what you want out of your trip - scenery, excitement, time out
- Be informed about the risks

Rivers are a fantastic, and sometimes life changing, way in which to explore a landscape. New Zealand is a an ideal place in which to experience them.

Words by Brian Megaw