New Zealand Water Rafting

The Aotearoa water rafting thrills that creep up your spine is to be experienced to be believed. Though its origins were in America, water rafting has grown incredibly in New Zealand since the late 70s to emerge as a leading adventure activity in the current era.

Whitewater is formed in a rapid, when a river's gradient (rate at which a river loses its elevation) drops enough to form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white. The term is also used loosely to refer to less-turbulent but still agitated flows.

The term "white water" also has a broader meaning, applying to any river or creek itself that has a significant number of rapids. (Source: Wikipedia)

New Zealand is blessed with abundant fast and free flowing rivers. This is the secret behind the success of the NZ Rafting industry. These white water rapids originate from the mountains. They then weave their way through forests and into the sea.

Rafting has had its own share of problems when it was in its infancy. But technology has lifted raft design and raft building to new heights thus making it an exciting sport. Guides have also become extremely advanced in their knowledge of the sport when it comes to keenness and safety matters.

The ever changing river flows demands that different types of rafts be built.

The different flows are high flows which require self bailing rafts,medium to low flows that need self bailing rafts and really low flow for the inflatable kayaks variety.

The rivers are graded from Class 1 to Class 5.

Rafting experiences can vary from a peaceful drift down a calm river to adrenaline pumping intense action when thundering down a chaotic Grade 5 course.

Please note that an age limit of 12 to 13 years applies on the rougher river courses.

A detailed listing at the bottom of this article explains the various Class gradings.

You will be provided all safety gear by your tour operator. You will be well advised to take a towel, a swimsuit and some cash for snacks along the trip to or from the river.

The most popular white water rafting spots in the South Island of New Zealand are along the Kawarau, Shotover and Rangitata rivers (one of the premier courses in the country). The Karamea and Buller rivers to the north of the island offer superb rafting adventures. The Waiho and A
old rivers on the West
Coast offer great rafting adventures.

In the North Island of New Zealand, the Rangitaiki, Rangitikei, Tongariro and Wairoa rivers offer fantastic white water rafting adventures. Rotorua showcases the Kaituna cascades which has a spectacular 3 metre drop at Okere Falls.

The rafting experiences are located on both the North Island and South Island of NZ. You will need a trusted travel companion. This is where we can assist you by providing a Jucy New Zealand car hire and/or a Jucy New Zealand campervan rental to let you have a fantastic rafting experience.

Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
Class 3: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe a 3-5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level:Experienced paddling skills)
Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
Class 6: Whitewater, typically with huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, huge drops, but sometimes labeled thusly due to largely invisible dangers (i.e., a smooth slide that creates a near-perfect, almost inescapable, hydraulic, as at Woodall Shoals/Chattooga). Class 6 rapids are considered hazardous even for expert paddlers using state-of-the-art equipment, and come with the warning "danger to life or limb." (Skill Level: Expert) nn(Class Definition Source: Wikipedia)

Courtesy: Tim Alpe

CEO Jucy Rentalsnnhttp://www.jucy.co.nznnEmail: tim-alpe@jucy.co.nz

For Jucy adventure activity in our New Zealand car rental or campervann