Grade 5 White Water Rafting NZ

Summer Season:Trips depart twice daily from 1st October to 30th April at 8.15am and 12.30pm.

Winter Season:Trips depart once per day from 1st May to 30th September at 8.30am.

This is a world class, half-day white water rafting trip on the Rangitikei River (recently voted in the top 8 rafting trips in the world by Red Bull!). With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about.
Duration: Half Day

$255

PER ADULT (Minimum age 13 years)

Start time

As per season mentioned above
Please note: Departures are river level dependent, we will not put on if the river is outside our safe operating limits. This trip may not happen if the minimum of 4 paying fares is not met. If you are a solo, please contact our reception on 0800 248666 or email thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz to join an existing trip.

The Best Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting in New Zealand
– Maybe Even The World!

The Rangitikei River, North Island, New Zealand

Every river is different in character, offering a different type of experience.  The grade 5 section of the Rangitikei river was recently voted as one of the top 8 places to go rafting on the planet by Red Bull, and it’s easy to see why…

Here are Some Answers

What you need to look for is a Grade 4 or Grade 5 trip. But even that is not enough.
How many rapids are there is it just one Grade 4 or Grade 5 rapid, or a whole section of them?
How long is the trip? Is it a half day or longer trip, or is it a 30 minute float with a couple of drops?

Is it a Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting Trip That You are After?

If it is a half day trip that you are after, then the Grade 5 white water section of the Rangitikei River could be just what you are looking for.

Often recognised as one of the top half day Grade 5 White Water Rafting Trips in the world, your trip on the Rangitikei starts off easier, with sections of fun Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids, great practice for what lies ahead!

Over a two to three hour period, and 11 kms of river, you will experience rapids that start at that easy end, and culminate in the gorge. A section of the river where 10 major rapids, from Grade 3+ to Grade 5, line up one after the other to thrill you and excite you.

Some of these rapids are short and sharp, while others carry on for several hundred meters.

And Where Does the Trip Finish?

Right outside the front door of River Valley Lodge for hot showers. No getting changed on river banks!

Many river guides have called the grade 5 rafting section of the Rangitikei River, the perfect half day rafting trip.

An easy start, building up to a fun filled finish.

Freaking Wicked

This is what other rafters with us regularly say;

“Freaking wicked. Best value for money on our trip so far. Crew was excellent. I would do it again for sure.

Or – Awesome day! Great guide with obvious experience and background on grade 5 rapids. Beautiful ride in all.

And – You should not be scared because it was just amazing! Sooo cool! I really enjoyed the rafting so just do it!

How Often Do Trips Depart?

Summer Season: Trips depart twice daily from 1st October to 30th April Briefing times are 8.15am and 12.30pm.

Winter Season: Trips depart once per day from 1st May to 30th September – briefing time is 8.30am.

Departures are River Level dependent. We will not put on if the river is outside our safe operating limits.

This trip may not happen if the minimum of 4 paying fares is not met. If you are a solo, please contact our reception on 0800 248666 or email thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz to join an existing trip.

Are You Still Asking, – Why Raft the Grade 5 Section of the Rangitikei River?

Over 4000 people raft this section of the Rangitikei River each year.

People like you, wanting the best in white water rafting excitement.

Since 1980 our family have been rafting this river, 3 generations of river guides, unparalleled in New Zealand.

And finally, this trip is simply one of the top, half day Grade 5 rafting trips in the world. Thats why.

Sounds Great, so What Next?

Click on the booking link to check availability and to book your trip.

If you have the time and would like to stay with us, we have accommodation options at the lodge. This trip can be booked as part of our ‘Stay & Play’ package, which includes your accommodation and meals, for the full River Valley experience.

Alternatively, search for other suitable rafting trips here.

What we provide

  • Wetsuit
  • Helmet
  • Lifejacket
  • Neoprene booties
  • Fleece top
  • Paddle jacket
  • On cooler days, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks

What to bring

  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • A thirst for adventure!
  • We do allow guests to bring GoPro’s on this trip, however we do not encourage this as they do tend to get lost – it is at your own risk.

Have any questions?

Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666

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