Everything you need to know before you raft. Can’t find your answer? Call us on 0800 865 226.
No, you don’t need to be able to swim. Everyone can enjoy rafting with no rafting experience or swimming ability required. You’ll get full training and a safety briefing before the trip starts, and your guide can give you extra personal instruction on the water if you need it.
Yes, we recommend it, especially during peak season when space can be limited. This also applies to mid-winter and school holiday periods.
You can book any of our trips through our website, in person at our base in Turangi (133 Atirau Road), or by phone on 0800 865 226.
Transport from Taupo is available for afternoon trips. Extra charges apply.
A swimsuit and a towel. Leave valuables at your accommodation, or use the secure lockers at our base. Be sure to bring any emergency medication you might need.
No – swim suit only 🙂
We provide wetsuit booties for the river, so you can wear your normal shoes to the rafting base.
Yes, though we recommend a sports strap or tie for glasses (available in-store). We can’t guarantee the safety of your glasses given the nature of the river, so if you can go without them, we’d suggest leaving them behind.
Not a standard camera, but you’re welcome to bring a GoPro or phone in a waterproof case. Cases can be purchased at our base before you raft.
Some medical conditions may rule out whitewater rafting, but most won’t. It’s important to let our staff know about any condition before you raft — not to stop you going, but so your guide is prepared if something comes up. If you need medication for a condition (e.g. asthma inhalers), bring it with you in case it’s needed.
No – rafting will have to wait for a while, due to New Zealand health and safety regulations.
Please chat to our team before you book so we can talk through the best options for you.
Yes, but you’ll be in a wetsuit the whole time — whitewater rafting is a great activity for rainy days since you’re dressed to get wet anyway.
It depends on river levels, but there’s always a chance, usually when a guide’s instructions aren’t followed. Guides are trained to handle this, and you’ll get a full safety briefing before the trip explaining exactly what to do if it happens.
No, but your guide will show you how to brace yourself in the raft to minimise the chance of falling out.
There’s no maximum age or weight limit, but you do need to physically fit our gear and safety equipment — we carry a number of extra-large wetsuits. Being reasonably physically fit helps you get the most out of the trip.
Yes, every raft has a qualified, certified guide who keeps you safe on the river and shares stories about the area as you go.
Tipping isn’t expected in New Zealand, but if you’d like to show your appreciation, that’s entirely up to you and always welcomed.
Yes. A professional photographer will be with you at the start of the trip and again at the last rapid. You can view and purchase your photos when you’re back at the shop.
Yes, toilets are available at our base in Turangi.
Opportunities to watch are limited given how remote the rivers are. On our NZ Rapids Adventure trip, you can view from the river track and Major Jones Bridge.
Water temperature varies by season, but you’ll be kitted out with waterproof booties, a full-length 3mm wetsuit, two fleece tops, a spray jacket, and a life jacket — plus a fleece hat, woollen socks, and neoprene gloves to keep you warm from top to bottom. The paddling itself keeps the blood flowing too. We carry extra woollen socks and gloves for winter trips.
June to September.
Whitewater rafting goes ahead as normal in the rain — you’re getting wet either way, and the river’s often at its best. We won’t refund short-notice cancellations due to rain or bad weather.
Refund policy:
There will be no refund given if a participant fails to turn up for a confirmed booking.
There will be no refund for a booking cancelled within 24 hours of departure.
A 50% cancellation fee will apply to any cancellations within 2 days of a confirmed bookings departure.
There will be no credit refund if a participant is excluded from rafting due to being under the influence or alcohol or drugs.
There is also no credit refund if a confirmed booking is not taken up, unless Tongariro River Rafting cancels the trip.
Â
Terms & Conditions:Â
Adventure activities have a degree of risk. Participants should be aware that no operator can absolutely guarantee their safety. Tongariro River Rafting cannot be held responsible for injury and loss or damage to personal property if you fail to follow our instructions.
To ensure safety, Tongariro River Rafting reserves the right to cancel or alter a rafting trip due to adverse weather or river conditions, or if a client is unsuitable due to age, size, ill health or poor fitness.
These terms are subject to rights and remedies you have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 2003.