Riverboarding on the Kawarau River

Seasonal
Fitness level moderate
Intensity level high
River Surfing | Serious Fun Tours, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-1River Surfing | Serious Fun Tours, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-2River Surfing | Serious Fun Tours, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-3River Surfing | Serious Fun Tours, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-4River Surfing | Serious Fun Tours, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-5
5.03 reviews

Highlights & inclusions

Level 3 Riversurfing
Enjoy spectacular scenery while navigating white-water rapids
All equipment provided, including wetsuits, life jackets, and helmets
Conquer grade 2-3 rapids on the Kawarau River
Expert guides
Return transfers from central Queenstown
From
$275.00NZD
Free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to experience
I want to

1. Select date

April 2026

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Hot Deal
Last minute deal

2. Select participants

Adult - Self Drive
0
Adult - Pickup
0
Youth (13-17yrs) - Self Drive
0
Youth (13-17yrs) - Pickup
0
Child - Self Drive
0
Child - Pickup
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Spectator
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What you can expect

Does the combination of white water, adrenaline and spectacular views excite you? If yes, then a Serious Fun white water Riverboarding trip along the Kawarau River is for you. Prepare for a trip of a life time as you take on the mighty Kawarau River. Relish in the incredible scenery that your unique river boarding trip boasts as you conquer the versatile Kawarau River. Serious Fun Riverboarding is the original river surfing adventure activity in Queenstown that has been operating since 1989.

Level 3 Riversurfing – Challenge yourself to our top rush. Conquer grade 2-3 rapids on a bodyboard led by your experienced Riverboarding guide. Not only will you be riding the powerful body of white water on the Kawarau River but you'll also be able to test your skills at surfing the waves, whirl pools, eddy lines and for those that are brave enough to take it to the next level you can catch some underwater currents. The vigorous Kawarau River is full of challenges and this level 3 experience is sure to test your nerves and skills!

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Location

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • Return transfers from central Queenstown
  • All equipment, including full steam 5mm wetsuit, booties, fins, life jacket, helmet and bodyboard
Duration
  • Allow 4-5 hrs 
Departure Location
  • Riversurfing - 8.30am & 2pm (Nov - Mar) & 10am only (Sep - Oct & Apr - May)
  • Departs from 5 Duke Street in central Queenstown, or self drive to Roaring Meg Power Station (allow 1 hour drive from Queenstown)
  • Operates daily September - April only
FAQs
  • Can we take our own GoPro camera? You are welcome to take your GoPro with you on the Serious Fun Riversurfing trip however you do so at your own risk. The river is quite wild and going through the rapids you may loose it however feel free to take it if you feel comfortable with the risks.
Additional Information
  • Everyone must be able to swim, be confident in water and reasonably fit. Basic swimming skills are required by all participants. Skills needed are moving forward with a freestyle kick, turning and balancing
  • Please bring swimwear, a towel, water bottle and a sense of adventure!
  • Children between the ages of 8-12yrs require their own guide for the Riversurfing tour. Please contact us if you would like to book children 8yrs+
  • Minimum age for Sledging is 12yrs
  • Minimum numbers required for tour to go ahead
Cancellation Policy
  • Cancellations are allowed 48 hours prior to departure.
  • Cancellations will Not be accepted within 48 hours of departure.
  • Cancellation of your experience can happen in the event of dangerous river conditions, insufficient numbers, or client unsuitability.

Recent reviews

5/5
Based on 3 reviews
T

Trusted Customer

over 7 years ago

Had guides Parval and Tristan, they were amazing and helped us have a great morning out on the river! It was exhilarating and truly unique, would highly recommend

T

Trusted Customer

about 10 years ago

K

Kasey Leach

over 10 years ago

Great course, the staff were extremely lovely and helpful. They went above and beyond what they needed to do to help me pass. Highly recommended

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