New Zealand White Water Rafting

The Kiwi water rafting thrills that creep up your spine is to be experienced to be believed. Though its origins were in America, water rafting has grown incredibly in New Zealand since the late 70s to emerge as a leading adventure activity in the current era.

Whitewater is formed in a rapid, when a river's gradient (rate at which a river loses its elevation) drops enough to form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white. The term is also used loosely to refer to less-turbulent but still agitated flows.

The term "white water" also has a broader meaning, applying to any river or creek itself that has a significant number of rapids. (Source: Wikipedia)

New Zealand water rafting industry owes its success to New Zealand being blessed with a plethora of fast flowing rivers giving rise to wonderful rapids the source of which is in the mountains. These waterways snake their way through forests into the sea.

In its initial growth phase, rafting was hampered by the poor design of rafts and the guides though keen were quite green. Over the years, this sport has made astounding progress with state of the art technology streamlining raft design and guides are more advanced and qualified than ever before when it comes to keen interest and safety issues.

Rafts are also of various types suited to the changing river flows.

The different flows are high flows which require self bailing rafts,medium to low flows that need self bailing rafts and really low flow for the inflatable kayak varieties.

Rivers are usually graded as Category 1 to Category 5.

Rafting can range anywhere from drifitng along tranquil rivers to mind blowing full scale assault on the senses with hardly any space to breathe as you get wet and drenched down tumultous and wild Grade 5 river course.

Please note that an age limit of 12 to 13 years applies on the rougher river courses.

A detailed listing at the bottom of this article explains the various Class gradings.

You will be provided all safety gear by your tour operator. You will be well advised to take a towel, a swimsuit and some cash for snacks along the trip to or from the river.

The most popular white water rafting spots in the South Island of New Zealand are along the Kawarau, Shotover and Rangitata rivers (one of the premier courses in the country). The Karamea and Buller rivers to the north of the island offer superb rafting adventures. The Waiho and Arnold rivers on the West Coast offer great rafting adventures.

In the North Island of New Zealand, the Rangitaiki, Rangitikei, Tongariro and Wairoa rivers offer fantastic white water rafting adventures. Rotorua showcases
the Kaituna cascades which has a spectacular 3 metre drop at Okere Falls.

You can see that the white water rafting activities are well spread out over both the North Island and South Island. To travel form one site to another, you will need a good vehicle. This is where we can assist you by providing a fine New Zealand car rental and/or a New Zealand campervan.

Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)

Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)

Class 3: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe a 3-5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level:Experienced paddling skills)

Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)

Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)

Class 6: Whitewater, typically with huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, huge drops, but sometimes labeled thusly due to largely invisible dangers (i.e., a smooth slide that creates a near-perfect, almost inescapable, hydraulic, as at Woodall Shoals/Chattooga). Class 6 rapids are considered hazardous even for expert paddlers using state-of-the-art equipment, and come with the warning "danger to life or limb." (Skill Level: Expert)


(Class Definition Source: Wikipedia)

Tim Alpe is the CEO of Jucy Rentals. Jucy is the market leader in the New Zealand car hire and campervan rental industry. With a tourism background and a passion for cars, Tim inspires the growth of Jucy with his dynamic vision and energy. It is time you enjoyed some New Zealand rafting thrills in a Jucy New Zealand car rental.

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