25th April 2025

Top 5 Epic Rafting Trips That Redefine Adventure

There’s adventure — and then there’s epic.

Epic is waking up to the sound of a wild river echoing through jungle cliffs. It’s hiking into a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, paddling through ancient rainforest, or flying into a river that few humans have ever seen. These aren’t just rafting trips — they’re full-blown expeditions into the raw, remote, and truly wild.

If you’re ready to ditch the ordinary and paddle into something unforgettable, here are five rafting adventures that reset your perspective — and probably your life.

1. New Zealand River Rafting Road Trip

February.

A two-week journey across the ultimate adventure playground. This trip blends heli-rafting, glowworm caves, forest canyons, and rivers you’ve never heard of but will never forget. You’ll paddle the North and South Islands, explore natural hot springs, and road trip in between some of the most scenic drives on Earth. It’s rafting, reimagined.

Why it’s epic:
Multiple world-class rivers, epic scenery, and the kind of camaraderie only a proper road trip brings.


2. Zambezi River, Zambia

August–October 

This is a river that needs no introduction — but we’ll give it one anyway. The Zambezi is big water at its finest: warm, wild, and loaded with legendary Class IV–V rapids like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Oblivion.” Every wave is a hit of adrenaline — and the finale? Pure theatre.

You’ll finish your journey paddling Ghostrider, one of the biggest and most iconic rapids on the river. And just when you think it can’t get any better, a helicopter swoops in to pick you up from the canyon floor, flying you over Victoria Falls and delivering you to your luxury lodge at Taita Falcon — perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge.

It’s bold, beautiful, and wildly unforgettable — just like the river itself.

Why it’s epic:
The Zambezi delivers everything: world-class rapids, wild camps, big skies — and a finish you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.

Helicopter flying back from Zambezi River at sunset


3. Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru

May – June 

You want remote? This is as remote as it gets. Cotahuasi is the deepest canyon in the world — and the river that runs through it is a wild, challenging descent filled with whitewater, hot springs, and Andean magic. Throw in the chance to explore Machu Picchu afterward, and this is the Peru few people ever get to see.

Why it’s epic:
Incredibly remote, geologically mind-blowing, and paddle-to-hike-to-pisco-perfect.

Rafting the Rio Cotahuasi in Peru
Thrill a minute rafting on the Rio Cotahuasi in Peru

4. Papua New Guinea – The Watut River

Contact us for next departure

This one’s for true explorers. The Watut River is wild, remote, and rarely paddled — twisting through thick jungle, steep ridgelines, and communities only accessible by water. You’ll navigate powerful, technical whitewater, camp deep in the rainforest, and raft stretches where no other commercial trips go. It’s bold, beautiful, and deeply immersive.

And just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the second act begins.

After the river, we fly to New Ireland Province for a few well-earned days of rest and relaxation at the beautiful Nusa Island Resort. Crystal-clear water, reef snorkelling, white-sand beaches, and cold drinks on the deck — the perfect contrast to the wildness of the Watut.

Why it’s epic:
This is a highly rewarding expedition for adventurers with previous multi-day rafting experience — and a taste for the truly untamed. One of the most remote, off-the-map experiences we offer, with a soft landing in paradise to round it off.


5. Karnali River, Nepal

April & October 

Nepal’s longest river offers a beautiful blend of action and peace. The Karnali flows through deep gorges and jungle lowlands, with Class III–IV rapids and serene beach camps. Wildlife sightings are common, the scenery is spectacular, and the connection to nature runs deep. It’s a great mix for both first-time expeditioners and seasoned rafters alike.

Why it’s epic:
It’s wild, welcoming, and full of moments that stick with you long after you leave.


Final Thoughts

Epic rafting isn’t just about the biggest rapids — it’s about where the river takes you, who you meet, and how you come back different.

Ready to answer the call of the wild?

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by Hamish McMaster

Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.


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