Rafting
Taihape
Rangitikei
Rafting
Taihape
Rangitikei
Grade 5 White
Water Rafting NZ
Taihape, New Zealand – Great location - show map
Duration: Half Day
$215
per person, Minimum age 13 years
$189
Winter 2021 rate – valid until end of August.
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.
ALREADY BEEN RAFTING? BUY YOUR PHOTOS HERE
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…
In New Zealand there are many opportunities to join a river rafting trip, and often the trip that is taken is whatever happens to be closest. But have you asked what it is that you really want from a white water rafting trip?
What if what you are really looking for is plenty of rapids?
Lots of drops, steep chutes, rapids that are challenging,
rapids where you have to work as part of the team.
Rapids with Consequences.
How would you know what to look for?
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 3 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.
Experience the world class, white water rafting trip on the Rangitikei River
Half Day, Grade 5 White Water Rafting
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.
Here is some information
you may find helpful:
White Water Rafting FAQs
How Dangerous is White Water Rafting?
How Are The Rapids Graded?
What Are The Top 5 Rafting Trips in NZ?
Where to go for the best rafting on the planet?
The Rangitikei River – Grade 5 Section Map
Use the controls to check out this beautiful section of the Rangitikei River, the Grade 5 section – steep, technical and fun. Click on each rapid to more see photos of what lies ahead.
Still Not Sure if This Trip is for You?
Hold on a minute, you have questions right?
Will I be Fit Enough?
You do need an average level of fitness as you will be required to help paddle the raft.
Do I Need Experience?
You do not need any experience to join our trip, as long as you have the right attitude and are willing to work as part of a team.
Will I Fall out?
You may fall out, in fact 5% of people have an unplanned exit from the raft.
How Safe is it?
Rafting the Grade 5 section of the Rangitikei River is not 100% safe. There are absolutely no guarantees that nothing untoward will happen.
Is This Trip Really for me?
This trip is not for everyone. It is for the person who knows what they want in a whitewater rafting experience – fun, thrills, excitement, and a real sense that what you do on that raft, with your paddle, actually makes a difference.
Will I be in Safe Hands?
At River Valley, exploring rivers is a passion, and since 1982 we have been taking people down rivers in rafts. That passion has now been passed through three generations, with two of those generations still actively guiding. On any given day, between the guides on the river, there can be up to 97 years of experience. That is quite something.
As far as guide training is concerned, we believe in putting actions to our words. At regular intervals, our white water raft guides conduct scenario testing. This involves setting up situations, (without clients), where skills and systems are tested and challenged. River Guides Guides employed at River Valley are as a general rule, highly skilled to begin with. If they are are working here they do not need to be trained to guide a raft!
I’m Not Sure This Trip is for me, What are my Other Options?
Our full day scenic rafting trip is a great option for those who aren’t sure they want to do the grade 5 trip. This trip is also suitable for children under 13. Or, explore more of the beautiful Rangitikei River on one of our 1-5 day multi-day rafting trips.
What people say
Grade 5 Rafting, Rangitikei River, New Zealand
Grade 5 White Water Rafting
“My biggest obstacle in doing a Grade 5 rafting trip with River Valley was a previous negative kayaking experience. As it turned out, if I had had the cash and time I would have done a second trip the next morning!
Having now done the trip, I find that I have developed a craving… Read More
Neil Duxbury
Attention thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, fitness fanatics, and everyone else
“Attention thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, fitness fanatics, and everyone else
Amazing fun, gorgeous views, awesome guides and some epic photos! I was pretty scared but so happy I did it! What a way to see a bit of New Zealand.”
Harmony
It was our first time going rafting for my partner and I and we had an absolute blast
“It was our first time going rafting for my partner and I and we had an absolute blast
All the guides were amazing, professional and well experienced in what they do and they also had great banter. If you’re ever down for a kiwi experience or just looking to get out of the big cities and enjoy New Zealand’s amazing nature, I would highly recommend going to River Valley.”
Banch33
Have any questions?
Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666 / +64 6 38 81444