Queenstown: White Water Surfing Along the Kawarau River

Imagine riding powerful grade 2-3 rapids on a lightweight bodyboard, surrounded by stunning South Island scenery, with the rush of adrenaline pushing you out of your comfort zone. For just under four and a half hours, this tour offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty, starting with pickup in Queenstown and ending with your return—ready to tell stories of an epic water escapade. Guided by some of the best in the business, you’ll carve your way down the Kawarau River, catching waves and whirlpools, and even attempting to surf on standing waves.

One of the standout features is the ability to choose your own board based on your adrenaline level—whether you’re looking for a gentle ride or a full-throttle thrill. We love how this personal touch allows everyone from seasoned surfers to curious beginners to tailor their experience. Another highlight is the chance to take a break from the action and enjoy some of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery, plus a cliff jump option that adds a splash of daring.

A possible consideration is the physical nature of the tour—it’s best suited for non-swimmers and those comfortable in water, as it involves active riding on moving water and underwater currents. Also, note that this experience isn’t suitable for children under 8, or individuals with mobility issues or wheelchair users. If you’re craving an adrenaline-packed water adventure in a beautiful setting, this trip is ideal.

This experience suits adventure lovers who want a hands-on, active day out and aren’t afraid of a splash or two. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided small group experiences—limiting to just 10 participants ensures personal attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Key Points

• Adrenaline-filled adventure on grade 2-3 rapids with bodyboarding
• Up to 12km of river riding, including surfing on standing waves
• Spectacular scenery throughout the Kawarau River and optional cliff jumps
• All necessary gear provided, including wetsuit, helmet, wetshoes, and life jacket
• Includes return transportation from Queenstown, snacks, and refreshments
• Limited group size offers a personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at Queenstown’s White Water Surfing Tour

The Setting: Queenstown and the Kawarau River

Queenstown, often called the adventure capital of New Zealand, provides a dramatic backdrop of mountains, forested slopes, and shimmering lakes. While most visitors know Queenstown for bungy jumping or jet boating, this riverboarding tour takes you into a different kind of thrill—along the Kawarau River. Flowing from Lake Wakatipu in the south, this river is famous for its lively rapids and whirlpools, making it an ideal spot for whitewater bodyboarding.

The scenery along the river is nothing short of spectacular—verdant banks, rugged cliffs, and the distant peaks—setting a perfect stage for your watery adventure. The experience combines the excitement of navigating fast-moving water with the tranquility of being surrounded by nature.

The Tour Itinerary: From Transport to Action

Your day begins with pickup in Queenstown, typically from a designated meeting point at the Loading Zone at 5 Duke Street, opposite the Sofitel. Once onboard, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to the Kawarau Gorge, approximately 45 minutes from the town, depending on traffic. The journey itself is part of the experience, with views of the rugged landscape.

Upon arrival at Roaring Meg Power Station, you’ll gear up with a full steam 5mm wetsuit, helmet, wet shoes, and a life jacket—everything provided to ensure safety and comfort. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be ready to jump into the water.

The core of the tour involves bodyboarding for about 1 to 1.5 hours on the river. The guides, renowned for their expertise, will lead you through a series of grade 2-3 rapids, where you’ll navigate rapids, whirlpools, and even try surfing on standing waves. The light but maneuverable bodyboards allow for active riding, giving you more control and a better chance to catch the most exciting waves.

There’s also the opportunity to take a break on calmer sections, enjoying the spectacular scenery and perhaps even trying a jump from the cliffs along the riverbank. This is a true adventure, physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.

The Experience: What You’ll Feel and See

We loved the way the tour balances intensity and scenery. As you glide over the rapids, you’ll feel a rush of wind and water, with the roar of the river all around. The guides are skilled at keeping the group safe while encouraging fun and pushing your limits just enough.

You might find yourself catching a standing wave and feeling like you’re surfing, which adds a surreal twist to the whitewater experience. For the braver souls, underwater currents and whirlpools are part of the challenge—and part of the fun. The lightweight bodyboards are highly maneuverable, making it easier to stay on top of the water, but you’ll need a fair bit of energy and coordination.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy active pursuits and don’t mind getting wet. If you’re comfortable in water and enjoy a physical challenge, you’ll find this experience exhilarating. It’s also ideal for those who want to see Queenstown’s natural beauty from a different perspective—on a fast-moving river rather than a boat or hike.

Reviewers have described the experience as “intense” but also “perfect,” emphasizing the thrill of riding the rapids. It’s a great option for those seeking a full-body adrenaline rush combined with scenic views.

Practical Details: What to Know Before Booking

The total duration is 4.5 hours, with about 1 to 1.5 hours of actual river time. Included in the price ($158 per person) are transportation from Queenstown, safety gear, bodyboards, snacks, and refreshments. You’ll need to bring swimwear and a towel, and be aware that unaccompanied minors under 8 are not allowed.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, the meeting point is straightforward—at the Loading Zone opposite the Sofitel. For self-drivers, there’s a secondary meeting spot at the Roaring Meg Power Station, just 45 minutes after the departure, where you’ll wait in the car park.

Safety and Considerations

Safety is clearly a priority, with all gear provided and experienced guides leading the way. However, this activity is physically demanding and involves active water riding—so it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 8, or people with mobility issues. The company reserves the right to cancel or modify trips due to river conditions or safety concerns.

The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some flexibility should weather or other issues arise.

What Do the Reviews Say?

With a stellar 4.9 out of 5 from 21 reviews, most participants rave about the experience. One reviewer from Australia called it “everything was perfect,” highlighting the smooth organization and the thrill of the ride. Another from the UK described it as “intense,” emphasizing the adrenaline rush and memorable nature of the trip.

These reviews reinforce the idea that this experience delivers on its promise of excitement and scenic beauty. The small group size (limited to 10) ensures a personal and engaging atmosphere, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This whitewater bodyboarding trip is best suited for adventure-oriented travelers in Queenstown. If you’re comfortable with water activities and looking for a thrilling, active experience that combines adrenaline with stunning natural surroundings, this is an excellent choice. It’s not for the faint-hearted or those with mobility issues, but if you meet the criteria, you’ll likely find it a highlight of your New Zealand trip.

It’s especially perfect for groups of friends or couples seeking a memorable shared adventure, or thrill-seekers eager to try something totally different from typical sightseeing. The option to choose your board and the guided nature of the trip allows for a personalized experience, whether you’re looking for a gentle ride or a full-on adrenaline punch.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
No, transportation from Queenstown to the river is included, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not. You will meet at the Loading Zone at 5 Duke Street or self-drive to the Power Station.

How long is the actual river experience?
You’ll spend about 1 to 1.5 hours on the water, riding rapids and enjoying the scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. All safety gear and bodyboards are provided.

Is this activity suitable for children or non-swimmers?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 8, non-swimmers, or anyone with mobility impairments or wheelchair needs.

What safety measures are in place?
The tour includes helmets, wetsuits, life jackets, and experienced guides to ensure safety during the active water riding.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the river conditions are unsafe?
The company reserves the right to cancel or adjust the trip due to dangerous river conditions, ensuring safety always comes first.

This Queenstown whitewater surfing adventure offers a rare chance to combine thrilling river action with scenic beauty, guided by experts who know how to keep the fun safe. For those who crave an active, memorable experience that pushes your limits while soaking in some of New Zealand’s best landscapes, this tour delivers in spades.

You can check availability for your dates here: