Our Rafting Adventures
Choose your perfect river experience
Available Trips
From family-friendly day trips to multi-day wilderness expeditions.
Discover the rugged beauty of the Waiau Toa/Clarence river, tucked between the dramatic Seaward and Inland Kaikoura ranges. A true back country experience in some of New Zealand’s forgotten wilderness areas.Slow down, disconnect, and savour the very best this remarkable country has to offer.
Half Day - Clarence River
Our signature experience! Raft the Clarence River (Waiau Toa) through stunning geological features created by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. Perfect for families and first-timers.
Highlights:
- Earthquake geology and fault lines
- Family-friendly Grade II rapids
- Expert local guides
- Handmade pizza lunch option
- Shuttle service available
Multi-Day - Clarence River
Extended wilderness adventures on the Clarence River system (Waiau Toa). From 2-day journeys to 5-day expeditions with riverside camping.
Highlights:
- Wilderness camping on river beaches
- Remote sections of the Clarence
- More challenging rapids available
- All meals and camping gear included
- Experienced wilderness guides
Minimum 4 people. Available October - April
Waiau River Expeditions
The Clarence's bigger sister - multi-day expeditions on the Waiau River through remote gorges. More sustained whitewater, deeper wilderness immersion.
Highlights:
- Spectacular gorge sections
- More sustained Grade II-III rapids
- True wilderness camping
- Trophy trout fishing opportunities
- Remote, rarely-rafted sections
Minimum 4 people. Available November - March
Custom Group Trips
Perfect for families, corporate groups, or special celebrations. We'll customize the experience to suit your group's needs and abilities.
Highlights:
- Exclusive private rafting experience
- Customizable itinerary and timing
- Team building options available
- Flexible catering packages
- Group discounts for larger parties
Book 2-4 weeks in advance
Learn More About Our Two Great Rivers
We raft two distinct river systems in the Kaikōura backcountry - each with its own character and charm.
Clarence River / Waiau Toa
"The Brave Flowing Water"
Discover the Waiau Toa - "the brave flowing water" - its earthquake geology, ecology, and why it's perfect for families.
- Length: 209 km
- Character: Wide braided channels
- Grade: II (family-friendly)
- Best For: Day trips, families, first-timers
- Special: 2016 earthquake features
Waiau River / Waiau Uwha
"The Foaming Water"
Explore the Waiau Uwha - "the foaming water" - its dramatic gorges, powerful rapids, and wilderness character.
- Length: 169 km
- Character: Confined gorges, deeper pools
- Grade: II-III (more challenging)
- Best For: Multi-day expeditions, wilderness
- Special: Dramatic gorge scenery
Compare Our Trips
| Half Day Clarence | Multi-Day Clarence | Waiau River | Custom Trips | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River | Clarence / Waiau Toa | Clarence / Waiau Toa | Waiau / Waiau Uwha | Either river |
| Duration | 3.5-4 hours | 2-5 days | 3-5 days | Flexible |
| Minimum Age | 5+ years | 12+ years | 14+ years | Varies |
| Grade | Grade II | Grade II-IV | Grade II-III | Grade II+ |
| Group Size | Join scheduled trips | Minimum 4 people | Minimum 4 people | Minimum 6 people |
| Price From | $120 per person | $450 per person | $750 per person | $130 per person |
| Best For | Families, first-timers | Adventure seekers | Wilderness lovers | Private groups |
| Camping | No | Yes - wilderness | Yes - wilderness | Optional |
| Meals | Pizza lunch optional | All meals included | All meals included | Customizable |
| Booking | Book online or call | 2+ weeks ahead | 4-6 weeks ahead | 2-4 weeks ahead |
What's Included on All Trips
Everything you need for an amazing experience on the river
Safety Equipment
Life jackets, helmets, paddles, and all necessary safety gear provided
Expert Guides
Experienced, qualified guides with extensive river and geological knowledge
Transport Options
Shuttle service available from Kaikōura and Blenheim to the river base
Photo Opportunities
Professional photos of your adventure available for purchase
Earthquake Education
Learn about the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and ongoing geological processes
Fully Licensed
Operating under WorkSafe AAR regulations with DOC concessions
When to Visit
🌸 Spring (Sept - Nov)
Water: High volume from snowmelt
Weather: Variable, can be windy
Best for: Experienced rafters, higher flows
Note: Minimum ages may increase
☀️ Summer (Dec - Feb)
Water: Perfect levels and temperature
Weather: Warm and sunny
Best for: All trips, ideal conditions
Note: Book early - peak season!
🍂 Autumn (Mar - May)
Water: Lower, clear and calm
Weather: Mild, stable
Best for: Scenic floats, fewer crowds
Note: Beautiful time to visit
❄️ Winter (Jun - Aug)
Water: Variable levels
Weather: Cold, snow possible
Best for: Hardy adventurers only
Note: Limited availability
Note: Minimum ages may increase during high water (spring). We'll advise current conditions when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
For first-timers and families with young children (5+), choose our Half Day Clarence. For multi-day wilderness, try Multi-Day Clarence or the more challenging Waiau River. For private groups, book a Custom Trip.
The Clarence has wide braided channels and is perfect for families (Grade II). The Waiau flows through dramatic gorges with more sustained rapids (Grade II-III) and is better for wilderness expeditions.
No experience needed for our Half Day Clarence trips! Multi-day trips welcome beginners but involve more remote locations. We provide full instruction for all trips.
Half Day Clarence: Ages 5+ (may increase to 8-10 during high water). Multi-Day Clarence: Ages 12+. Waiau River: Ages 14+ (16+ for extended trips). We'll confirm age requirements based on current conditions.
Half Day trips can often be booked 24-48 hours ahead. Multi-day Clarence trips need 2+ weeks notice. Waiau River trips need 4-6 weeks for planning and preparation.
Yes! We provide wetsuits and splash jackets when needed based on water temperature. In summer, many people raft in swimsuits and t-shirts.
Ready for Your River Adventure?
Book your trip today or contact us with any questions
Call or Text: Jordan 020 405 1929 | Nicole 027 426 2027