Duration:
Region:
Activities:

Shotover River (White Water Rafting, Jet Boating)

The name ‘Shotover River’ correctly suggests that this 60 kilometre-long river is fast flowing, with numerous rapids. Despite this, the name comes from Shotover in Oxfordshire. The river flows generally south from the Southern Alps on its journey running through the Skippers Canyon, before draining into the Kawarau River ten kilometres east of Queenstown.

Gold Mining featured in its early history and it was one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Gravels washed down from surrounding schist hills naturally concentrate any gold and early prospectors got considerable quantities just by panning.

White Water Rafting: Take the winding road up into Skippers Canyon, famous for it’s incredible twists and turns, tight corners and exciting cliff edges, the road has hardly changed since the days when the canyon was mined for gold. The Shotover River runs through Skippers Canyon and was one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. You will then meet your river guide before beginning your white water rafting journey through the spectacular Skippers Canyon. Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, you’ll head towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. The adrenalin pumps as you paddle Rock Garden, After Shock, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball and Jaws then raft the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting Cascade Rapid to complete an exhilarating day.

Shotover Jet: Combining the classic New Zealand invention of the Jet Boat with the kiwi culture of adventure, Shotover Jet has thrilled over 3 million people since 1970. Prepare yourself for the thrill and excitement of the ultimate Jet Boating experience; it’s a unique, breathtaking white water ride and an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed in mere centimetres of water along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It’s an amazing white water ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, your expert driver puts your Jet Boat through its paces and skilfully whips it past rocky outcrops, skims around crags and boulders, and speeds through the dramatic and narrow canyons. Rock faces blur in your peripheral vision and the water sprays into myriads of white water crystals with every turn as you speed in your state of the art Jet Boat at up to 85kph over crystal clear water as shallow as 10cm deep.

Shotover Canyon Swing: (The worlds highest cliff jump). At the platform on the edge of the cliff 109m/360ft above the Shotover River you are fitted into a seat and chest harness and connected to the jump ropes. This harnessing configuration keeps your arms and legs free throughout the journey and enabling you to safely depart the platform in any position imaginable. Gravity does the rest. You’ll reach speeds of 150kph as the rocky cliff face rushes past you in a 60m vertical freefall, the ropes then smoothly pendulum you into a giant 200m swing across the famous Shotover River. (A term you may need to understand prior to your swing) Canyon Rush; Highly adrenalinised sensation that is created by the unique combination of natural geography and ingenuity.

Did you know: Studies have shown a good thrill livens up your system, waking up dormant biochemical pathways that refresh, relieve stress and heal. You experience a sense of euphoria and well being as your brain receives a welcome cocktail of oxygen, sugar, adrenaline, cortisol and endorphins. The result – a good healthy natural high that makes you feel great!