Kawarau River
- Address:Queenstown
- Admission:Free
7:33 AM Monday, May 28
Clear. Cool.
7 day forecast »
If you’re a bungy enthusiast you’ll know that Kawarau River is the site of the world's first commercial bungy. It’s still possible to take a dive from the bridge that started it all. On your way down you’ll see the trademark sky-blue water and green cliffs of Kawarau River, you might even touch the water!
The river is extremely popular with thrill seekers who come for river surfing, riverboarding and jet boating. The white-water rafting is particularly excellent with rapids to suit beginners to experienced rafters and some calm stretches where you can rest and take in the spectacular scenery.
More sedate history seekers come to check out the gold-miners huts and relics from the river’s gold-rush days.
Latest Reviews All Kawarau River Reviews »
Serious Fun Riversurfing - The trip was amazing, a great way to get up close and personal to the rapids on the Kawarau River. The guides were friendly and did a great job teaching us how to surf a river wave. Trip ends with a big class 4 rapid where we crashed through some massive waves. I would definately do it again.
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Was told that Kawarau River didn't have enough people for the tour so instead they upgraded to Shotover. Amazing experience and highly recommended! Continue Reading »
This tour was cancelled and we were placed on the shotover rafting instead. Very happy that they did. Shotover was excellent. Continue Reading »
Practical Info
The river is a short drive from Queenstown and plenty of tour groups will shuttle you to the river if you book an activity with them.
