The Tongariro River is 604 kms of pristine, fresh water. Most of the river is still and calm. But it’s not all about fly fishing and summer swimming. In a few exciting sections, the water is white and rapid. And where there is white water, there’s a river rafting adventure waiting for you!
Take a roller coaster ride through the Tongariro River’s white water sections with an experienced guide to lead the way.
River rafting is a safe yet exhilarating way to see the river. Whether you’re an experienced rafter or you’re a first-timer, there’s a level to suit your ability.
The Tongariro rafting companies know the river extremely well and each white water section is graded based on extremity of rapids and skill level required. Both families and individuals can enjoy Tongariro’s white water.
Whatever your skill level, you’ll be glad you did it.
Take the family on a river rafting adventure
Anyone aged three and up can enjoy a river rafting adventure along the Tongariro River. It’ll be sure to give them something to talk about when they’re back at school!
Family rafting tackles grade two rapids, meaning they are low-level and perfect for your little people.
The grade two rafting adventure offers 20 rapids, an optional cliff jump and a visit to the National Trout Centre to feed the fish.
Warm the cockles with a hot chocolate on the river and finish the day with a hot shower, hot dog and refreshments.
Document your rafting memories on your Go Pro or make use of the professional photography available during your journey.
There’ll be some great footage to capture!
Channel your inner thrill-seeker
Ramp it up to grade three and enjoy over 60 white water rapids! Although this is a step up from grade two rapids, anyone 13 years and over can enjoy this experience, regardless of skill level.
One minute you’re pounding rapids, the next minute you’re floating gently.
Tongariro River rafting is a great mix of calm and extreme, allowing you to still enjoy the spectacular scenery as you go.
The grade three Tongariro River rafting adventures take around four hours and each rafting company provides all equipment as well as snacks and refreshments. Covering 14kms of the river, you’ll have seen the best of it by the end. Simply bring your swimwear and towel and you’re all set to go!
Feeling intrepid? Check out these packages
Rafting vacations
Tongariro River Rafting and Rafting Adventures also have overnight rafting adventures available for those who don’t want the experience to end too soon. Both offer a hearty breakfast before embarking your raft for more fun on the river. Get a group of friends together and tackle the rapids before setting up camp at the side of the river to sleep under the stars.
Your rafting adventure can be anything from one to four days long.
Tongariro Duo
Every day at 11 am the team from Tongariro River Rafting take a group of river rafters on an experience of a lifetime.
Starting with a mountain bike through the Tree Trunk Gorge Track, the track immerses you in beautiful native forest. Bike across wooden bridges and see the picturesque river ford before arriving at the Poutu Intake on the Tongariro River. From here you’ll enter phase two of your adventure, 2.5 hours of river rafting.
Combo adventures
When river rafting just hasn’t got your adrenaline pumping enough, these combos sure will!
Rafting New Zealand combines rafting and jet boating or rafting and skydiving to enhance your experience in ways you can only imagine.
Freefall from 15,000 ft over some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscape or get your kicks on an award-winning jet boat ride.
Whatever you decide, you’ll be off on your river rafting adventure before you’ve had a chance to catch your breath. These combos are extremely popular for those who want to tick a couple of things off their bucket list!
The Tongariro River rapids make river rafting fun without being too scary.
If you’ve always wanted to try it out, this summer is the time to do it.
Our staff here at The Park Hotel have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to activities in the National Park region. Many have tried them out themselves so if you have any questions, give us a call and fire away.
After a day out in the water, there’ll be nothing better than coming back to our cosy hotel to enjoy a delicious meal at our on-site Spiral Restaurant and Bar.
Our National Park location makes it easy to access all activities the area has to offer so book today and start planning your river rafting adventure.