We’re number one on TripAdvisor, and have had over 200,00 customers. Here’s exactly why Tongariro River Rafting give you the best Taupo white water rafting experience.
✅ Guaranteed Departures
Doesn’t it suck to receive a call to say your eagerly-awaited adventure activity has been cancelled due to low numbers?
That’s why we won’t do this to you – ever.
If you have reserved a trip with us, your departure is guaranteed. So you can go ahead and book with confidence.
We would only cancel your trip if there were severe weather conditions. Your safety comes first!
If this does happen (it’s pretty rare), we’ll make every effort to get you out on the river when conditions improve.
Rafting the Tongariro River is a year-round activity. A bit of rain won’t stop us, we’ll be getting wet anyway!
So if you have booked a local weather-dependent activity and it has been cancelled (such as the Tongariro Crossing or a skiing at Mt Ruapehu) give us a call – we’re an awesome alternative.
✅ FREE Pick Up From Taupo
No ride? No problem, just give us a call!
We offer FREE pickups from your accommodation in Taupo, Turangi or National Park for our afternoon Whitewater trips.
Please note we cannot offer pickups for morning Whitewater trips or any of the Family Floats trips (where there are children under 10 years of age), but we’re happy to advise on alternative ways to get to us.
✅ GoPro Friendly
We capture high quality photo memories throughout your rafting trip: check them out on the big screen when you return to base, they’re all available for purchase.
If you prefer the DIY approach, feel free to bring your GoPro along for the ride.
We can attach it securely to your helmet, which will free up your hands for paddling and give you the best view. If you don’t have the correct attachment pieces, we have some spare for you to borrow.
✅ Most Experienced
We have rafted the Tongariro for over 30 years, 28 years of them commercially. We know every rock, every bump, and every Blue Duck on the river!
TRR has never changed ownership over the years, so you really are getting three decades of expertise and local knowledge when you raft with us.
While our Grade 3 rapids aren’t as big as some rivers, the Tongariro is known as a very “technical” river in the rafting world, requiring experienced guides who are familiar with its rocks and bumps.
Our guides are highly trained, with extensive knowledge of how the river behaves in all weathers & seasons. Relax – you’re in very good hands.
✅ 100% Local
We’re a small local operator, not an impersonal internationally-owned business – you’re always more than just a number to us.
You’re benefiting from decades of local knowledge & wisdom… and not just about rafting!
Want to know where to get prize-winning pies in Turangi? The gnarliest mountain bike trails? The best flat white?
Come and have a yarn with us, we’ll share our best local tips.
We’re super proud of our community conservation initiative, the Blue Duck Project. We work together with local businesses, landowners and local volunteers to preserve the habitat of our highly endangered Blue Duck (Whio), and keep predators far away from their nests.
Another benefit of being local? We have strong relationships with other Taupo & Turangi activity providers to bring you heaps of great savings: check out these exciting Activity Combo deals!
✅ Fully Certified
To make sure we’re operating to the highest possible standards, we undergo regular certification and assessments with a range of professional bodies including:
- The New Zealand Rivers Association
- Skills Active Aotearoa
- Maritime New Zealand
- New Zealand Department of Conservation
- Qualmark
- Adventure Mark
Learn more about our certifications here.
✅ Taupo’s Friendliest Guides
Our guides are all-stars and then some: you wouldn’t want to navigate a fast-flowing river with just anyone, would you?
TRR guides are responsible, patient and above all they’re heaps of fun. They’ll listen and get to know you, and they know how to put first-timers at ease.
We’re immensely proud of our guiding family, and we get to watch them grow season after season. Many have travelled and led rafting trips all over the world, before returning to us on the Tongariro, the best river of all (we’re not biased – honest).
✅ Trusted by over 200,000 Guests Since 1987!
Over the years we have guided over 200,000 thrill-seekers through the Tongariro’s rapids, from toddlers to pensioners and everything in between.
Our fantastic guests come from all walks of life: school groups, friends, international visitors, honeymooners, corporate businesses, and Kiwi families on a getaway from the city.
Wherever you’re from, you’re warmly welcomed into the TRR whanau (family) from the moment you arrive. You’ll learn some new skills in a fun, safety-focused environment with plenty of thrills along the way.