Today we are going white-water rafting on the Shotover River near Queenstown with Queenstown Rafting.

 

We decided to go for a half day on the Shotover River which is known as one the most popular rivers for rafting in the world. Rivers can be ranked from I to VI, VI being considered as "unraftable"...The Shotover River varying from III to V+, we were sure to get some exciting moments!

 

Queenstown Rafting has been operating in Queenstown since 1974 and offers a whole bunch of packages including the possibility of combining rafting with many other activities.

 

Departing from Queenstown rafting retail centre, our shuttle takes us to a 'secret' base' :-) where the crew is there to welcome us and give us all the necessary equipment to go rafting in the best possible conditions, e.g. wetsuits, helmets, life jackets..even waterproof socks! Hard to imagine that anyone would get cold with so much gear on!

 

Once everyone back on board, we head towards the Shotover River. The trip goes for about 20-30 minutes as we drive through the frightening and sinuous Skippers Road, one of the most dangerous roads in NZ! The road, though scary, allows some magnificent views. On the site, an exhaustive safety briefing is giving to all of us to ensure a comfortable and safe trip on the river. Queenstown Rafting has been recognised as a leader in the field of river safety for many years now and actively contribute to the development of New Zealand rafting standards. Before hopping onto our rafts, we cannot help ourselves asking someone to take a picture of ourselves wearing our stylish wetsuits ;-)



Elsa, our instructor for the day, then welcomes us on board with 5 other people. Handling a raft is not that easy and the first 15 minutes are therefore spent on getting used to paddling together and listening to Elsa!

 

Now the adventure can really begin. Going through a series of exciting and challenging rapids, we get our fix of fun and adrenaline :-)




  (Photographs courtesy of Magic Memories)

 

 

The trip finishes with the impressive 170-metre long Oxenbridge Tunnel; a narrow dark tunnel that leads to a final exhilarating rapid...An unforgettable experience! Back at the base, some tea, chocolate and coffee as well as cookies and fruits are awaiting for us.

 

This rafting rip on the Shotover River offered by Queenstown Rafting treated us to some action-packed rapids and stunning views while being under the supervision of dedicated and experienced staff. The Shotover river being known as one of the best rivers in the world for white-water rafting, we could not possibly stop in Queenstown without going rafting at least once...and neither should you! Go experience some serious fun with one of Queenstown's most popular attractions!

Queenstown Rafting
35 Shotover Street
Queenstown, New Zealand
Free Phone: 0800 RAFTING (0800 723 8464)
Phone: +64 3 442 9792
Email: info@queenstownrafting.co.nz

web: www.queenstownrafting.co.nz