Tongariro White Water Rafting
The most fun you’ll have in Taupō – take on 60 heart-pounding, Grade 3 roller coaster rapids on the Tongariro river with an expert guide at the helm, guiding your boat.
Tongariro White Water Rafting – Overview | ||||
Adults:$199.00 per person Children (16 years and under):$174.00 per person Minimum age 11 years old. (11 and 12 year olds need a 1:1 adult ratio) Departure Times: | ||||
| SUMMER (Nov 1 – March 31) | 9am and 2pm | |||
| APRIL (April 1 – April 30) | 9am and 1pm | |||
| WINTER (May 1 – Oct 31) | 12 noon | |||
Departure Point:The Rafting Centre, 133 Atirau Rd, Turangi Taupo Turangi Shuttle Service:We do offer a shuttle service from Taupo I site for our afternoon Whitewater trips only (limited space, booking essential). Transport can be added to your booking as an extra activity ($59 per person) or get in touch via email. Departure time Shuttle: | ||||
| SUMMER (Nov 1 – March 31) | 1pm | |||
| April (April 1 – April 30) | 12pm | |||
| Winter(May 1 – October 31) | 11am | |||
What you need to bring:Swimwear, towel and a sense of adventure! Please ensure you carry any necessary emergency medications, including but not limited to those for asthma, severe allergic reactions, heart conditions, and similar medical needs. If you are the lead person in a group, kindly share this information with all group members. We will provide everything else including wetsuits, river shoes, helmets, life jackets etc. | ||||
Inclusions:
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Notes:Photos available for purchase after the trip Total time on water is 2 – 2.5 hours, total trip time 3.5 – 4 hours. | ||||
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Full description
We’re only 35 minutes from Taupō or Ruapehu and easy to find in Turangi.
We get started at our Turangi rafting base where our friendly crew will fit you with safety gear, including wetsuit and extra layers to keep you warm.
A swimsuit and towel are all you need to bring: we take care of everything else. 🙂 You can leave all of your belongings at our base, office staff would be happy to look after your valuables behind the counter so you know your gear is safe while you are out on the water.
If you’ve never rafted before, our article breaks down everything you need to know about rafting on the Tongariro.
Active participation is key on our Whitewater Grade 3 trip! You need to be able to follow paddle commands and safety instructions to ensure a safe and thrilling experience. If you or someone in your group has specific needs or you are wondering if this is the right trip for you and your group, please contact us to discuss your options.
Learn the ropes
We head to the banks of the beautiful Tongariro River for an on-shore briefing with your awesome Rafting Guide. You’re in good hands: our super-passionate, experienced guides will coach your team to paddle like a well-oiled machine before you know it.
Tame the Tongariro’s roller-coaster rapids
Unforgettable adventures await as you navigate 60 rapids in a 13km stretch – more rapids in one stretch than anywhere in New Zealand, how cool is that?
The Tongariro River’s grade 3 rapids are perfect for first-time rafters: thrills and spills galore without any extreme drops requiring experience.
Your pulse will be racing and your senses will be overloaded with all sorts of awesome.
When you’re in the moment – just you, your fellow rafters and the thundering water, you’ll truly understand why white water rafting is so so addictive!
We love nothing more than seeing the excitement on your face as you conquer the white water rapids of the Tongariro. We’ll take plenty of photos for you, so you can see for yourself and share with your friends.
Sights you can only see by raft
Paddle through the very heart of the Great Lake Taupō region, enjoying stunning scenery you can only access by water. Towering pine forests, native bush and volcanic cliffs surround you on your epic Tongariro River journey.
Discover New Zealand wildlife around every bend: look out for Whio, our endangered blue ducks, nesting along the river banks. Spot giant New Zealand trout swimming below you – so big they are known to feast on a mouse or two!
Back to base
Soaked to the skin and grinning from ear to ear, return to our base to get changed. Trip photos and video can be purchased at the front desk.
The best rafting guides
Your rafting guide is a massive part of the experience – and our guides are the best in the business – highly skilled, friendly and super supportive. Watch the video below to hear from Rene, our head guide.
To learn about our white water rafting hazard and risk disclosure, click here.
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Ready to raft?
Then book now and LET’S GO!
