Book your 2025 & 2026 adventures Risk free.

Kawarau River White Water Sledging

Take on the rapids of the mighty Kawarau River on New Zealand's South Island for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Guide your purpose-built sled through 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) of some of New Zealand's best high-volume, white water with big fast-flowing rapids, standing waves and whirlpools. Then finish with a peaceful flat section to get your breath back and take in the fantastic scenery of the historic Kawarau River. No previous experience is necessary, just confidence in the water and a sense of adventure.

White-water sledging, also known as riverboarding or hydro speed, is a fun-filled, exhilarating experience. Using a high-flotation sled, designed for buoyancy in highly aerated water, you'll travel through some of New Zealand's most amazing scenery. With only the board between you and the river, it is the best way to get up close and personal with nature.

The white-water sledging begins from the Roaring Meg section of the Kawarau River. Transport from Queenstown or Wanaka is included (approximately 40 to 45 minutes by road). During a safely briefing, your instructor will teach you all the skills required. You will be equipped with a padded wetsuit, booties, life jacket, helmet and fins for kicking and steering. Then it's time to hit the water!

With your chest resting on the purpose-built sled and your arms tucked into each side of the sled for good grip and control, your instructor will guide you down the river, taking the best route to maximize your white-water sledging experience. The rapids of this section of the Kawarau River are graded 2-3.

And just when you think it is over, your instructors will take you back to the start and get you to run the 3.7 miles (6 km) of rapids again, leaving you a fully qualified and experienced white-water sledger!

Additional Info
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum age is 12 years
  • Operates in all weather conditions
  • Maxiumum of 10 people per group
  • Moderate level of fitness and water confidence is required. All participants must be able to swim
    Departure Date Daily Departure Time Refer to your voucher for details. Tour Details Departure from Queenstown at 8:15am. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown hotels
    White-water sledging on the Kawarau River Professional guide All equipment: Purpose-built sled, padded wetsuit, booties, life jacket, helmet and fins Round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Wanaka (if option selected) Light refreshments are provided after the white-water sledging
    Food and drinks
    For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.
    At AdventureHero, we love to trek!