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Challenge Rafting
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Challenge Rafting

Info last verified · 14 Jul 2026

About

There's something primal about the roar of the Shotover River as it carves its way through the narrow schist walls of Skippers Canyon – and Challenge Rafting has been introducing thrill-seekers to this liquid highway since the early days of Queenstown's adventure tourism boom. What started as a handful of guides with rubber boats has evolved into one of the most respected rafting operations in New Zealand, but they've never lost that raw edge that makes their trips legendary among locals and visitors alike.

Highlights

  • Legendary 'Mother' rapids - six consecutive grade 4-5 rapids on the Shotover River
  • Surreal journey through the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel in complete darkness
  • New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid - the 400-metre Dog Leg on Kawarau
  • Float past the world's first commercial bungy site where AJ Hackett made history
  • Lord of the Rings filming locations throughout the dramatic Kawarau Gorge
  • Professional guides with decades of local knowledge and legendary storytelling
  • Early morning trips offer magical canyon lighting and smaller crowds
  • Waterproof action photography included so you can focus on the thrills

Contact & Book

Location

Frankton

19 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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whitewater raftingshotover riverkawarau riveradventure sportsskippers canyongrade 4-5 rapidsfamily adventuregibbston valleybungy bridgelord of the ringsoxenbridge tunnelqueenstown adventure

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