New Zealand White Water Rafting Road Trip
"From rafting iconic rivers to thrilling helicopter or plane rides to dining on Akaroa salmon or green lipped mussels, this is probably the most enchanting way to see New Zealand."Anna Dabu
Are you a true whitewater rafting addict? Experience the very best of Aotearoa on the ultimate New Zealand River Rafting Road Trip. An unforgettable small-group adventure that brings together the country’s top rivers, iconic scenery, and the warm, welcoming spirit Kiwis are famous for. This action-packed journey takes you through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes as you raft everything from crystal-clear wilderness stretches to exciting grade-IV rapids, each river offering something unique and exhilarating.
Beyond the water, you’ll explore charming towns, enjoy great food and comfortable accommodation, and experience the relaxed, friendly lifestyle that makes New Zealand so special. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to discover local secrets, meet memorable characters, and soak up the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Carefully timed for the best weather and ideal water levels and scheduled outside the busy holiday season, this trip showcases New Zealand’s finest rafting conditions while offering a deeper insight into the heart of Aotearoa. Please note that while we follow a planned itinerary, river selections may be adjusted to match weather and water conditions.
This is New Zealand at its most adventurous, welcoming, and endlessly scenic.
Itinerary & Map
Arrive into Auckland where you’ll be met by your Trip Leader and fly onto Rotorua. Today we get to raft the incredible Kaituna River, complete with 7 meter waterfall before driving on to Taupo where we’ll spend our first night.
Included: Dinner
After waking up beside New Zealand’s largest lake, we take the gorgeous drive past volcanoes to the rural town of Taihape. We’ll overnight at River Valley Lodge. You’ll have the opportunity for an afternoon horse ride if you wish.
Included: All meals
Our first day of rafting and what a way to start! On one of New Zealand’s best rivers, The Grade V Rangitikei. The afternoon sees us drive to Wellington and we’ll have some time to explore the nations capitol by taking the Cable Car overlooking town and the harbor or exploring Te Papa. (The Museum of New Zealand.)
Included: All meals
We take an early morning flight to Nelson where we drive to Murchison for our first South Island river, the Buller Gorge. Enjoy a riverside lunch. We take the gorgeous drive to Karamea where we’ll stay overnight at The Last Resort
Included: All meals
One of the best day’s rafting anywhere. We fly in by helicopter for a one day trip on the Karamea River. This trip is awesome. We’ll return to our hotel for the evening and a meal with plenty of stories to tell.
Included: All meals
Today we’ll drive down past the Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki) which can produce some spectacular blowholes at high tide, to Greymouth. Shortly afterwards, we’ll run the Grey River. Overnight in Hokitika with pizzas on the beach from Fat Pipis!
Included: All meals
This morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to Whataroa where we will meet our flight to go and run the crystal clear waters of the Perth River. We’ll drive to Fox Glacier where we overnight. Dinner at Lake Matheson.
Included: All meals
How about an early morning Skydive or flight up to the glacier by helicopter? We drive to the meeting point of our multi-day adventure at Clarks Bluff. You’ll get to the river in time to relax in stunning surroundings, or take a short hike while the guides prepare your 4 course meal!
Included: All meals
Lets go rafting! You’ll wake up from your spacious tents and enjoy views over Deacon Glacier as you sip your coffee. This is a stunning place to be. We’ll get to raft a river few people ever even get to see. A few big rapids to run today including Hellfire.
Included: All meals
After a hot shower (yes in the middle of the wilderness) and breakfast, we raft out to the confluence on the Haast River. From here we’ll pack up our gear and take the beautiful drive via Wanaka back to Queenstown. Enjoy a wonderful meal in this gorgeous lakeside town.
A day of leisure to explore this fun town. We have arranged a jetboat trip on the World Famous, Shotover Jet and dinner at Walter Peak Sheep station. The rest of the day is yours to explore and have fun!
Included: All meals
A morning trip on the large volume Kawerau River featuring the incredible Chinese Dog Leg Rapid to finish on.
The afternoon, we raft the famous Shotover River. Tonight we drive to Braemar Station in the shadow of Mount Cook for a meal together.
Included: All meals
We depart our gorgeous accommodation for the drive to raft our final and awesome river, the Rangitata River with it’s incredible Grade IV and V rapids. We return to Christchurch for an incredible final night dinner together.
Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, a transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sunday 1 February 2026 - Saturday 14 February 2026 Total Cost: $9950 | £7950 | €9450 | 14 days |
| Sunday 31 January 2027 - Saturday 13 February 2027 Total Cost: $10950 | £7950 | €9250 | 14 days |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for an adventure holiday. Bear in mind, your trip to New Zealand may involve many different types of weather from hot sunny days (expected) to cold rainy days and everything in between. Bear in mind as you will be flying internally in New Zealand, we recommend being under 20kg (32 lb) of check on baggage.
Download equipment file- Lightweight long trousers.
- Lightweight Long Sleeved shirts.
- Fleece jacket.
- Warm woollen hat
- Polypropylene or capilene thermal quick drying layers (top and bottoms)
- Light down jacket
- Comfortable cross trainers or light hiking boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
- Nice outfit or two for evening meals
- Flip flops or jandals (this is the kiwi word for flip flops)
- Good quality rainwear
- Underwear.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, personal items, biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Insect repellant (NZ sandflies LOVE tourists)
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Wide brimmed sunhat
- Factor 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses.
- Travel adaptor plug for New Zealand
- A pair of Chacos or Keens. Trainers are also okay. Wetsuits and booties will be provided
- A pair of river shorts or swimming costume.
- Polypropylene or capilene thermal quick drying layers (top and bottoms) This is in addition to the set stated above.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased from our Water Shop.
- Nalgene or similar water bottle – can be purchased from our Water Shop.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof case for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card and charging leads. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
- Waterproof GoPro for the “action” shots.
- The only money that you need to bring is for personal spending, souvenirs, personal items and alcoholic beverages if you drink. New Zealand offers widespread Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- Your trip leader will take care of gratuities for suppliers and guides throughout your trip, which can be settled with him at the end of your trip.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
New Zealand White Water Rafting Road Trip Reviews
Nurtured by Nature
From rafting iconic rivers to thrilling helicopter or plane rides to dining on Akaroa salmon or green lipped mussels, this is probably the most enchanting way to see New Zealand. Breathtaking views and laughter to last a lifetime
Rafting Lovely Unspoilt Rivers
Great road trip exploring most of South Island and a little of North Island. Wonderful scenery, great food (Eggs Benedict breakfasts a highlight) super friendly people. Even the weather was outstanding. All the best features of small group travel.
Rapids Road Trip
Have recently completed 2 weeks of rafting with WBN and in one word ….AWESOME. After 20+ years of visiting NZ I’ve seen parts of the country that I didn’t know existed. May be one of the best tripsI’ve been on -my 8th trip with WBN
Our guide Nathan is dialed into the local rafting community and worked overtime to ensure each day was a bit more epic than the last. If you’ve ever considered visiting NZ and you enjoy rafting (or a first timer) I can promise that you won’t be disappointed.
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