Tongariro River Rafting

Action-packed thrills and spills on the Tongariro River in Turangi. All abilities catered for, professional instruction and family-run company with 25 years experience.

Tongariro River Rafting guarantees to get that adrenalin pumping as you face down white water rapids and feel your heart in your mouth as the river takes you on one of nature's most spectacular journeys.

Your hosts, Garth and Leigh Oakden, have decades of experience in these waters, and Garth, like the other guides, is a fully trained rafting professional, so take a leap of faith and get wet and wild for a day out you won't forget.

If it's your first time rafting, take a 'Gentle Family Float' over the softer waters of the Lower Tongariro. This 90-minute guided ride lets you do some paddling, and enjoy the more manageable bumps of the baby rapids. Kids, especially, will love the thrill, whilst also feeling safe and secure.

For the more experienced rafter, or those who like to be scared, take the half day 'White Water Rafting' trip over grade 3 rapids; two and half hours of flying wildly over 60+ different whirlpools of water, with your guide navigating every inch of the river with expert precision. You'll also get to see some amazing landscape, as this ride takes you along places of the river you can't access any other way. For extra thrills, why not time your visit to coincide with one of the 'Natural Flow Days', when the hydroelectric power stations stop diverting the water from the rivers. This means more natural power and water volume shooting through the gorges...and more exciting rafting. Check the website for specific dates.

If you're feeling particularly brave, why not pilot your own dinghy with three friends? Don't worry, there'll be a guide following close behind to keep an eye on you, but there's nothing quite like feeling in complete control of your own boat, so this is your chance to pretend you've been white water rafting your whole life! Tongariro River Rafting also does 'Multi-Day Rafting' trips, designed for those who really love to feel close to nature. Excursions can be tailored to suit you, anything from 2 to 5 days, and can explore the Mohaka, Rangitikei and Motu Rivers, as well as the Tongariro and Ngaruroro headwaters.

Also available at Tongariro River Rafting, you can go trout fishing with an expert guide, go mountain biking along some challenging trails open exclusively to the company, or try kayaking in the mild (or wild!) waters of the stunning Tongariro River. Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the lower river, relax beside the awesome mountain scenery all around you on a scenic trip, or go for broke on an adventure kayaking spree - the choice is yours.

Pricing:

Gentle Family Float - Adult: $75, Child: $65

White Water Rafting - Adult: $115, Child: $105

Multi-Day Rafting - price on application

Self-Guided Tours - price on application

Kayaking, fishing and mountain biking - price on application