The Spectacular Rangitata Gorge

“Mind-blowingly beautiful were the surroundings, reassuringly wonderful were the guides, rafting the Rangitata was all we hoped it would be and more.” Louise – NZ

Rangitata Rafts offers the closest Grade 5 White water rafting to Christchurch – only a day trip from the central city or self drive.

Feel the adrenalin surging through your body as you conquer the exhilarating grade 5 white-water rapids of the Rangitata Gorge with your world class guide. Be in awe of the rugged mountain scenery surrounding you as you practise your paddling and safety drills on the initial calmer waters.

Feel your confidence and excitement grow as the rapids get progressively exciting from grade 1 – 5, as the full volume of water squeezes through the narrow gorge.  We never have a problem with lack of water – there is always enough to provide you with plenty of thrills.

If you feel apprehensive, you still don’t need to miss out on this amazing adventure, you can walk round the grade 5 rapids with our photographer and then rejoin the rafts for more fun.

“Safety was of utmost importance but still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.”  Mick – Ireland.

Enjoy the feeling of being away from the crowds as Rangitata Rafts is the only operator on this unique stretch of river. We also love the fact that with only one scheduled trip per day and longer time on the river, than most other New Zealand one day rafting trips, we do not have to rush you through to get another group on the river.

“Very personal, small company. We were not rushed at any time – felt like we were “important” to them.” Comment from survey.

Float in the calmer turquoise waters, have fun surfing the rafts in the smaller rapids, take an optional ‘leap of faith’ from a jump rock and keep an eye out for any wildlife along the way.

“A must do NZ experience. Forget 10 seconds of adrenaline in Queenstown have three hours at Rangitata Rafts.” Comment from survey.

Hot, refreshing showers welcome you back to our beautifully located lodge situated on one of New Zealand’s first high country sheep stations. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and a delicious BBQ, the second meal of the day, while sharing your rafting stories with your fellow rafters and guides. Watch in amazement at the photo evidence of your rafting action. The photo CD is available for you to purchase at the end of the day.

“Beautiful surroundings, great staff and awesome rafting! Great day and great food!” Comment from survey

Join us as a day trip from Christchurch or drive yourself. Directions.  Rafting with Rangitata Rafts is the perfect adventure stop between Christchurch and Queenstown.

• Optional return transport from Christchurch. Departs 8.15am returns 6.30pm. The Rangitata Rafts bus departs from the Cathedral Square, at the Tram Stop, which is located out from in front of the Visitor Information Centre at 8:15 am. Please contact us to discuss alternate pick up locations.  It is a two hour scenic journey across the Canterbury Plains to our lodge located at the base of the Southern Alps.
• Or Self drive to our rafting lodge by 10.30am located 13km from Peel Forest and only 30 minutes from the Christchurch – Queenstown highway.
• An early appetising lunch/brunch is served on arrival at our lodge.
• All safety and comfort equipment is supplied
• With 2.5 hours on the river there is time for safety training and plenty of fun and excitement. Optional swimming, playing and leaping from a jump rock.
• Exhilarating grade 5 rapids.
• Option to walk around any rapids with the photographer if preferred
• Hot refreshing showers welcome you back to our lodge.
• Delicious BBQ meal.
• View your action photos of the day. CD available to purchase.
• All you need to bring is your swimsuit, towel and sense of adventure

Our friendly and professional team at Rangitata Rafts truly believe that we are offering you the most amazing, one day rafting package in New Zealand. Incredible mountain scenery (without the expensive of a helicopter), exciting white-water rafting, optional water activities, a relaxed atmosphere which guests rave about and meals – this is a genuine Kiwi rafting adventure away from the crowds. So come and join us for an unforgettable adventure, you won’t be disappointed.

• Day Trip From Christchurch – NZ$218 per person – Includes; return transport from Christchurch, appetising lunch, all safety and comfort equipment (wetsuit, booties, polypro, spray jacket, lifejacket, helmet), 2.5 – 3 hours on the river, hot showers and a traditional Kiwi BBQ meal. Bookings or enquiries.
• Self Drive To Our Lodge – NZ$198 per person – Includes; all of the above except transport. Situated 30 minutes off the main highway between Christchurch and Queenstown closest town Geraldine. Only 13 km from Peel Forest Village. Bookings or enquiries.

• Group discounts: – available for groups of 10 people or more. Please contact us for further details. Applies to direct bookings only.
• Family discounts – please contact us for further details. Direct bookings only.
• Backpacker accommodation available at our lodge, campervans welcome. Accommodation

Driving times to our lodge: Get directions here.

• Christchurch – 2 hours
• Lake Tekapo – 1.5 hours
• Mt Cook – 2.5 hours
• Queenstown – 4.5 hours
• Dunedin – 3.5 hours
• Arthurs Pass – 3 hours