The Spectacular Rangitata Gorge

Travel in the comfort of our bus/van from Christchurch for the two-hour scenic journey to our lodge. Departs from the Tram Stop outside the Visitor Information Centre, Cathedral Square at 8:15 am or by prior arrangement. Bookings required.

Or drive yourself to our rafting lodge by 10:30 am. Get directions here!

On arrival at our beautifully located lodge, situated at the foot of the Southern Alps, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow rafters and guides while enjoying an early fresh lunch. Take a moment to appreciate the wonderful views of some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our lodge is located on Mt Peel Station, one of the first high country sheep stations to be settled in New Zealand.

You will then receive a briefing for the day’s activities and change into the safety and comfort equipment provided by Rangitata Rafts for your 2.5 hours of river excitement.

At the beginning of the river trip, relax as you get the feel of the raft on the calm stretches of water and soak up the magnificent views and crisp clean New Zealand air. A full safety brief and practical training is given in the first ½ hour on the flat Grade 1 water. The rapids then build in a natural progression to the intense Grade 4 and 5 section where the full volume of the river narrows to a pinch. We stop before these rapids to show you the planned route through. If you feel at anytime that you would prefer to walk around the rapids with our photographer and then re-join the rafts, this is absolutely fine.

We love the fact that we have plenty of time for you to be able to appreciate every aspect of the day and we are not rushing to get another group of people onto the river. You get the opportunity to play in the smaller rapids, swim in the crystal waters and challenge yourself with a leap from one of our ‘jump rocks’.

Hot, refreshing showers welcome you back at our lodge. Have a laugh and share your rafting stories while enjoying a delicious BBQ with your fellow rafters and guides. Watch in satisfaction and awe at the action photos of what you have just achieved. You can purchase the CD of your trip.

• NZ$195 per person – includes: return transport from Christchurch, fresh lunch, all safety and comfort equipment (wetsuit, booties, polypro, spray jacket, lifejacket, helmet), 2.5 hours on the river, hot showers and a traditional Kiwi BBQ meal.
• NZ$185 per person – as above but self-drive to our lodge, situated 30 minutes off the main highway between Christchurch and Queenstown. Only 13 km from Peel Forest. Get directions here!
• Group discounts: available for groups of 10 people or more. Please contact us for further details. Applies to direct bookings only.

All you need to bring is your swimsuit, towel, a sense of adventure and a big smile.