White Water Sledging - Kaitiaki Adventures

Kaitiaki Adventures offer you the opportunity to experience a truly unique thrill – white water sledging!

White water sledging (or hydrospeed / hydrospeeding) first originated in the late 1970’s, when some innovative Frenchmen decided it would be fun to fill some bags full of life jackets and polystyrene in order to float downstream. Since then, it has really taken off, with its popularity in Europe propelling it into a professional sporting genre! 

Established in 1989 as New Zealand’s first white water sledging operation, Kaitiaki Adventures have maintained their original location on the Kaituna river and continue to bring white water sledging joy to locals and visitors alike. 

This amazingly simple and fun activity uses purpose designed river sledges to float you along a course, while you have full control via the flippers on your feet. You rest your chest on the board – with your arms tucked inside for grip and support – while your flipper-fins provide propulsion and steering. While the fully qualified Kaitiaki Adventures guides are always there to help, encourage and motivate you, you don’t need any experience to enjoy this awesome adrenaline rush. You will be provided with everything you need to stay safe and comfortable, such as a padded wetsuit, booties, life jacket, helmet and fins, so all you need to do is jump on and go!

With a river-level view of the gorgeous surrounding scenery, you simply propel yourself through the series of exciting rapids and play holes along the river course. As you have full control at all times, you get to determine the level of thrills you want to experience. You will be amazed at how fun white water sledging is, so jump in and have a sledging good time!