Shotover River Heli Rafting

The only way to experience Shotover River rafting in winter as well as summer! Climb aboard your jet-turbine-powered helicopter for a spectacular flight up Skippers Canyon, the site of one of the world’s richest gold strikes. The flight pushes your adrenalin level to the edge with a rollercoaster ride through the Canyon.

Rafting from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, we head toward the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon, experiencing the memorable rapids Rock Garden, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball, Jaws, Sequel and the unforgettable 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel, followed closely by Cascade Rapid.

Includes:

• Transfer from hotel or Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre to Cavell’s Rafting Lodge
• Full wetsuit rafting clothing and all other equipment provided
• Transfer to O’Connells Heli-Pad, Coronet Peak
• Rollercoaster helicopter flight to Deep Creek in summer and Boulder Beach in winter, Skippers Canyon
• Extensive safety instructions and paddling techniques
• Raft the Shotover River
• Hot showers and sauna
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• Transfer/Return to Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre

Duration:

• Winter -- 3 Hours
• Summer -- 4 Hours

Timetable:

• All year -- 8.30 am & 1.30 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Departure Point:

• Morning departures -- Hotel pick ups
• Afternoon departures -- Queenstown Rafting Adventure Centre, 35 Shotover St, Queenstown

Equipment Supplied:

• All rafting equipment, clothing and transport (including wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties, and a life jacket)
• Additional items -- i.e., socks, hats and gloves -- supplied in winter

Client Information:

• Swimsuit and towel necessary
• Complimentary snack and refreshments provided
• We do not recommend valuables be brought along (i.e., passports/travellers cheques/jewellery, etc.)
• No responsibility is taken for clients' belongings
• Rafting is not available to children aged under 13 years

Cancellation Policy:

• 24 hours prior to departure will not incur a cancellation fee
• Within 24 hours prior to trip departure may incur a 50% cancellation fee
• Cancellation within 4 business hours of trip departure will be charged at full price
• Trips may be cancelled due to weather or river conditions

River Conditions:

• Due to Queenstown Lakes By-Laws, companies may only raft for a maximum of one hour during winter. Therefore rafting begins from Boulder Rapid, which is only accessible by helicopter. The Regulatory Authority has the right to close the Shotover River to rafting operations, should the air and water temperature fall below acceptable levels. Queenstown Rafting endorses this policy and will not operate if we feel safety is likely to be compromised.
• The Shotover River varies in difficulty according to river levels. Please call if you are unsure of client suitability.

Prices valid from 01 October 2007 - 30 September 2008