New Zealand beckons you to an amazing rapids rafting adventure that is guaranteed to incite your adrenaline to new levels. This sport originated in America and attained popularity in New Zealand in the late 70s. It is a well established adventure sport in its own right.

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)

The success of the Land Of the long white cloud rapids rafting industry is largely due to this beautiful country being blessed with the presence of fast free flowing rivers with magnificent water courses whose source is in interior mountains. They run through forests into the sea.

Although the sport had raft design problems in its early stages of development and raw and keen guides, today the scenario has altered dramatically with cutting edge design technology and guides more skilled and qualified as ever in terms of keenness and safety procedures.

A variety of rafts are built to adapt to changing river flows.

There are self bailing rafts for high flows,self bailing rafts for medium to low flows and the inflatable kayaks variety when the river gets really low.

Rivers are marked from Grade 1 to Grade 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.

An age limit of 12 to 13 years applies for rafting along tumultous 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 Arnold 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.

You can see that the rapids rafting experiences are well spread out over both the North Island and South Island. To travel form one site to another, you will need a good vehicle. This is where we can assist you by providing a fine New Zealand car rental and/or a New Zealand campervan.

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 a