Overview
Our grade 5, white water rafting trip is often recognised as one of the best half day trips in the world! It was recently voted in the top 8 white water trips in the world by Red Bull.
With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about.
This is a very active trip and you will need to work as part of a team to navigate your way through steep drops, chutes and major rapids in the grade 5 gorge. The trip starts off with some mellow grade 1-3 rapids, which are great practice for what lies ahead.
Throughout the trip you will see some amazing New Zealand scenery along the way.
And the trip finishes back at River Valley Lodge, for hot showers! You can also choose to add on meals or accommodation at the lodge after your trip.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
All equipment is provided - Wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket, neoprene booties, fleece top, paddle jacket, and on cooler days, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks.
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
If you are using a GPS then our co-ordinates are – South 39°37-800 East 176°02-583 – however we do not recommend using GPS as it does not take you on the easiest route.
The Details
• If you are traveling South, turn left at the River Valley signpost, 18km after Waiouru.
• If you are traveling North, use the Gretna Hotel in Taihape as your starting point, with the Gretna Hotel on your left. The 32km drive will last around 35 minutes after taking you through some of New Zealand’s finest and most picturesque hill country. Please follow the regular signs to River Valley.
• After turning off State Highway 1, you will cross two bridges coming from Waiouru, and three bridges coming from Taihape.
• The last 1.5 km’s are gravel and take you to the Lodge at the end of Mangahoata Road.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Departures are subject to a minimum of 4 people bring booked in, and are river level dependent. We will not put on if the river is outside our safe operating limits. In the unlikely event that we cannot run a trip you will be contacted to make alternative arrangements or to arrange a refund.
What to expect
Your trip starts at River Valley Lodge. Meet at the lodge for the trip briefing and get kitted out with lots of equipment to keep you warm and safe on the river. Then, we drive you 30 mins to the Rangitikei River put on.
The trip starts off with some mellow grade 1-3 rapids, which are great practice for what lies ahead. Then, you will tackle the grade 5 gorge. With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about.
This is a very active trip and you will need to work as part of a team to navigate your way through steep drops, chutes and major rapids in the grade 5 gorge.
Throughout the trip you will see some amazing New Zealand scenery along the way.
The trip finishes back at River Valley Lodge for hot showers. Allow around 4 hours from start to finish.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (Pacific/Auckland).
Additional Information
- This is a very active trip - you need to be physically fit enough to paddle and move around the boat
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River
Can I cancel Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 hours.
Where does it start?
If you are using a GPS then our co-ordinates are – South 39°37-800 East 176°02-583 – however we do not recommend using GPS as it does not take you on…
What's included?
- All equipment is provided - Wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket, neoprene booties, fleece top, paddle jacket, and on cooler days, neoprene gloves…
What's not included?
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in Japanese, English, French.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by River Valley Adventures












