Tussock, Alex and their team at Rangitata Rafts welcome you to join them for a fantastic New Zealand rafting experience. Beautifully located in the wild landscape of the Southern Alps and yet only a day trip from Christchurch.
Few other rivers can offer you New Zealand’s most amazing scenery paired with the thrill and excitement of some of the most exciting New Zealand white water rafting action.
We are proud of the stunning and unique valley in which we work, and love sharing its magic with others. The view alone is worth a million dollars: or so Peter Jackson thought, as these mountains not only form the backdrop for our Gorge trip but also for the scene of Edoras in The Lord of the Rings.
We believe in offering you a top quality adventure experience and we make sure we have the time to deliver this. We want you to have a relaxed day enjoying every minute of every aspect – there is so much more to this day than just rafting one of New Zealand’s top rivers.
We are proud of maintaining the friendly, relaxed atmosphere our guests rave about.
We understand that different people enjoy varying levels of excitement so we offer two fantastic New Zealand white water rafting options to cater for your rafting requirements –The Spectacular Rangitata Gorge and The Fun Lower Rangitata.
About Us
Born and bred Kiwis Alex and Tussock Gualter are the proud owner/operators of Rangitata Rafts, along with their fantastic team.
Tussock began working as a guide at Rangitata Rafts when he returned from travelling the world by motorbike for five years. That was 17 years ago and a lot has happened since then!! Not only did he marry a lovely girl but they have now been in business together for over 8 years and have 3 children.
All the team at Rangitata Rafts have travelled in New Zealand and around the world so feel very fortunate to live and work in such a special part of the South Island. They love being able to share this unique valley with people who grasp the opportunity to explore ‘off-the-beaten-track’ locations.
The Spectacular Rangitata Gorge
Rangitata Rafts offers the closest Grade 5 White water rafting to Christchurch – only a day trip from the central city or self drive.
Feel the adrenalin surging through your body as you conquer the exhilarating grade 5 white-water rapids of the Rangitata Gorge with your world class guide. Be in awe of the rugged mountain scenery surrounding you as you practise your paddling and safety drills on the initial calmer waters.
Feel your confidence and excitement grow as the rapids get progressively exciting from grade 1 – 5, as the full volume of water squeezes through the narrow gorge. We never have a problem with lack of water – there is always enough to provide you with plenty of thrills.
The Fun Lower Rangitata - Grade 2
Great for families, groups with a wide spectrum of age and abilities, and those who prefer a gentler rafting experience.
Enjoy a fun rafting experience on the beautiful Lower River section. This trip can be as gentle or as crazy-fun as you like, just let your guide know which you prefer. These easy rapids allow you to understand the skill of guiding a raft by taking a turn at the helm. Accept the challenge of navigating the raft through the rapids and getting your crew to work as a team. The sounds of laughter will be heard from afar as you bounce along under the watchful eye of your guide.
Experience the fun in one of our ‘rubber duckies’ (inflatable kayaks). These kayaks make the Grade 2 rapids feel huge as the refreshing crystal-clear water splashes in your face while you ride the waves.
Soak up the magnificent views as you float along the blue waters.
Learn about the local history and the first settlers, the Acland family, whose descendants still farm Mt Peel Station.
After 1.5 – 2 hours of river fun, return to our lodge to enjoy hot, refreshing showers.
Trips operate on demand, which means that we can often cater to your time schedule. Enjoy a meal at our lodge before or after the rafting, depending on the time of day.
All you need to bring is your swimsuit, towel, a sense of adventure and a big smile.
For more information about this property, click here to view their website