Queenstown Travel Forum

Is it safe for a first timer who has never canoed or kayaked before to go for a rafting adventure on the Kawarau River on late October?

It's not safe to go alone, without instructors. But if you plan to go with one of the Adventure companies in Queenstown, of course it's safe. They give you instructions and provided you listen carefully to their pretrip training, and understand what they mean, then you will be fine. There is always an element of danger in these activities, but that's life. It's a great experience. I don't know about you or your abilities but i'm sure if they feel you are unsuitable they would say so. Enjoy your trip and go for it!! have fun, Pam :-))

Thanks for the assurance!

I am not too confident with watersports but I am very tempted to try rafting at Kawarau at least once in my life. And yes I will go with an adventure company, Queenstown Rafting. I suppose they are reliable?

Yes they are fine and I'd personally go with them in a heartbeat!! Have fun!!

Nothing's ever 100% safe but driving to Queenstown is more dangerous than rafting. There's some pics of the Kawarau experience in my pages (I think I put them in).
Go the rapids (the Chinese Dog Leg is the only one that might scare you).

oh my goodness! i was almost decided on going until i see your rafting picture on the chinese dog leg!!! looks like i WILL fall out of the raft!

i read that the chinese dog leg is 400m! how long did it take to pass 400m like that? 5 mins?

Try about 10 seconds! The beauty of it is that there's nice calm water after it. If you haven't been before I would recommend this one. The Shotover one is a bit more serious.
Cheers.