New Zealand is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, and when it comes to white-water rafting, it’s hard to beat the thrill of its numerous and scenic wild rivers. The country offers a variety of rivers that cater to all ability levels, from adrenaline-pumping challenges to scenic, mellow floats. Here are a few of our picks for the best rivers to run (in no particular order).

North Island Rivers For Rafting in New Zealand

The Rangitikei River:

A top destination for white-water rafting, offering an exciting mix of Class IV and V rapids. Its fast-moving currents and thrilling drops provide a perfect challenge for adventurous rafters, while the remote, stunning gorge landscape adds to the intensity of the experience. The river’s crystal-clear waters and varied rapids create an unforgettable adventure, with sections that are both technical and adrenaline-pumping, making it ideal for those seeking a high-energy but scenic rafting journey.

The Wairoa River

Experience one of New Zealand’s best whitewater rafting trips on the Wairoa River in the central North Island, just 2.25 hours from Auckland. Known for its thrilling rapids and dramatic gorge, this technical Grade 5 adventure is perfect for active thrill-seekers aged 13 and up. With exciting drops and turbulent waters, it’s a local favorite and recognized worldwide for its rafting quality. Available only 26 days a year, this hydro-controlled river offers a unique, unforgettable experience for those ready to take on the challenge. Contact River Rats

The Kaituna River

More like a theme park ride than a rafting trip, this 40 minute trip  is a must-raft destination for thrill-seekers, offering an adrenaline-packed ride. Known for its world-famous 7-meter Tutea Falls—the highest commercially rafted waterfall—the Kaituna combines exciting Class V rapids with stunning natural scenery. Perfect for both seasoned adventurers and those looking to push their limits, rafting the Kaituna delivers an unforgettable experience of fast-paced, action-filled fun.

South Island Rafting Rivers in New Zealand

The Karamea River

The Karamea River is without a doubt one of the best rafting trips in New Zealand. Start your adventure with a helicopter flight into the untouched heart of Kahurangi National Park. The trip begins with fun, bouncy rapids and gradually builds to more challenging whitewater. Along the way, stop to admire stunning scenery and spot native wildlife like Whio ducks. The excitement peaks in the afternoon with thrilling rapids like “Holy Shit” and “Staircase,” making this one of the best white-water rafting experiences in New Zealand.

The Buller River

Rafting the Buller River offers an action-packed experience with a variety of rapids that cater to all levels. The river’s most popular sections, the Upper Buller and Lower Buller, feature a thrilling mix of Class III and IV rapids. The Chasm Rapids on the Upper Buller deliver fast, technical whitewater, while the Sawmill Rapids offer exciting drops and powerful currents. As you make your way down, the river’s scenery becomes even more stunning, with towering cliffs and lush forests surrounding you. This diverse river is perfect for both experienced rafters and those seeking an adventurous introduction to whitewater rafting.

The Perth River

A spectacular river on the West Coast of the South Island. Originating in the Southern Alps, the river is a challenging Grade V run and previous experience is essential. The starting point is accessible by helicopter where you’ll be rewarded with the most intense but rewarding rafting experience in the country. The river is incredibly water dependent, so if levels are too high due to rain on the coast, the trip won’t be possible. A high level of fitness is required for this trip.

The Landsborough River

An unforgettable adventure, beginning with a scenic helicopter flight over the remote Southern Alps into one of New Zealand’s most stunning wilderness areas. After landing, you’ll begin your journey through thrilling Class IV and V rapids, including the exciting Big Drop and The Falls, surrounded by towering mountains and lush rainforests. Over the course of two days, you’ll camp along the river, enjoying delicious meals expertly prepared by your guides, creating a true back-to-nature experience. With plenty of time to relax by the campfire, immerse in the wilderness, and tackle incredible whitewater, the Landsborough trip offers the perfect blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and comfort.

The Kawarau River

This fun river, close to Queenstown on the South Island offers an adrenaline-packed rafting adventure, with a mix of Class III and IV rapids. Notable rapids include Twin Bridges, known for its intense drops and powerful flows, and The Dog Leg, the longest commercially run rapid in New Zealand at around 400 m with its sharp right turn and big waves. You’ll also get to float beneath AJ Hacketts original 43 meter bungy bridge. The river is surrounded by stunning hills and why not take a stop at Gibbston Valley winery on your way back to Queenstown?

The Shotover River

This Queenstown ‘classic’ is a fun white-water adventure, offering some of the most exciting rapids in New Zealand. The trip covers 13 kilometers of thrilling Class IV-V rapids, including famous sections like Cascade Rapids and Toilet Bowl. One of the highlights is navigating through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, a narrow, dark passage that adds an extra element of excitement. This 3 hour trip takes you through narrow canyons, rocky gorges, and wild, fast-moving water, delivering a heart-pounding experience against a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery.

The Rangitata River

The Rangitata, near Peel Forest on the South Island is a river rafting trip featuring a thrilling mix of Class IV and V rapids. Notable rapids like The Butcher and Pigs Trough known for its steep drops and powerful currents, and The Shark’s Tooth, with its tight, technical turns, offer a heart-pounding experience. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and remote wilderness, this river delivers an exciting challenge for experienced rafters, making it one of the top white-water destinations in New Zealand.

New Zealand is a white water mecca for whitewater rafting. No matter whether you are travelling in the North or South Islands, there are plenty of rivers to inspire you, or if you want to experience many of those listed above, book yourself onto our New Zealand Whitewater rafting Road Trip which takes in many of the fabulous rivers listed above.