Half-Day Eco Rafting
This is our classic eco rafting trip on Grade 2-3 easy whitewater. It is ideal for first-timers, families, and veteran paddlers. We run a remote and pristine 22km section of the Upper Clutha Mata-Au River, with the easiest water first, before entering the swift but fun "Snake Rapids". Somewhere in the "Snake" we stop on the riverbank to pick Tea-Tree tea and boil the billy. We have time for native bird encounters and gold-panning, before running the "Pioneer Rapid" and the amazing "Devil's Nook" whirlpool.

Departs 1pm. Returns 5pm.
(Drive to river is 5 minutes, return drive is 15 minutes.)

Adult NZ$145. Child NZ$85. (Child is 15yrs or under. Minimum recommended age on this trip is 5yrs.)

Family / Group discounts available for four or more.

Minimum two persons to confirm.

Full-Day Eco Rafting
A mighty 45km journey, also Grade 2-3 but slightly more demanding. This is recommended for paddlers with some experience, though first-timers are welcome as part of a group. We run the "Snake Rapids" in the morning, pick Tea-Tree tea, and stop on an island for lunch (provided). Later we find time to fossick for some quartz gold on one of the river terraces. The whitewater becomes more challenging as we run "Hassing's Hole" and "Smokin' Joe's Rapid" at the entrance to the peaceful Maori Gorge.

Departs 10am. Returns 4.45pm.
(Drive to river is 5 minutes, return drive is 25 minutes.)

Adult NZ$195. Child NZ$105. (Child is 15yrs or under. Minimum recommended age on this trip is 12yrs.)

Family / Group discounts available.

Please note, minimum four persons to confirm.

Our Season
From September to April, daily on demand, weather and river conditions permitting.

Age Range
We have no age restrictions. We will take children younger than 5 years if they are accustomed to boats. As a guideline, we recommend a lower age of 5 years for our Half-Day option, and a lower age of 12 years for our Full-Day option. We have no upper age limit!

River Safety
Our first priority is always safety - there is no other option! Your Guide is a qualified Senior Raft Guide, has Swiftwater Rescue and Outdoor First-Aid certification, and is a member of the New Zealand Rafting Association.

Pioneer Rafting is a safety approved rafting operator certified by Maritime New Zealand, who undertake annual audits of our Safe Operational Plan. Our commitment to safety and our safe operational record is as good as it gets.

Every raft trip begins with a safety and familiarization briefing on the riverbank. Our aim is to ensure your safety and comfort, and to give you a reasonable understanding of the experience ahead.

For safety reasons, we reserve the right to cancel a raft trip due to adverse river, weather or road conditions, or insufficient bookings. While our safety procedures are strict, river rafting still involves an element of risk, and the rafting operator cannot be held responsible for personal injury or for equipment lost or damaged.

Our Equipment
We use only legendary AVON Professional Riverboats - top quality expedition boats designed for high volume rivers, which we outfit with quality gear. We combine
3-metre Guide oars with client paddles for maximum manoeuvrability and fun. You choose how much to paddle! Our rowing-frames are custom designed and surpass anything we have seen elsewhere for strength and safety. We provide maximum flotation whitewater lifejackets with head support, and have sizes for all ages. Wetsuits are not provided or required, as they are uncomfortably hot in the summer heat. We provide quality dry-bags for your personal gear and cameras etc.

Half-Day Map

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge