Are you an adrenalin junkie looking for your next thrill? If so, white water rafting in New Zealand should be at the top of your list! The country is home to some of the best rafting spots in the world, with rapids ranging from grade 2 to grade 5.
No matter what your level of experience is, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Here are 12 tips to help you make the most of your white water rafting experience in New Zealand.
1. Do your research:
You’ll need to do some research before booking your trip. Make sure you choose an experienced company that has plenty of good reviews online, as well as an excellent safety record. If you’re still unsure which company to go with, ask around! Your friends or colleagues may have already been on a white water rafting trip and can recommend a reputable company that they enjoyed working with.
2. Choose your company wisely:
When choosing which company you want to go with, it’s important to make sure that they have good safety procedures in place. If they don’t seem confident in what they’re doing or are not willing to answer any questions, then it might be worth looking elsewhere. Make sure that they have first aid training and a rescue boat ready in case of emergency.
3. Pick the right season:
The best time for white water rafting in New Zealand is between December and March. During this period, there are fewer people on the river and there is less risk of having to cancel tours due to weather conditions or other issues. The weather can be unpredictable at this time of year though so make sure that you check forecasts before setting off on your trip.
4. Consider doing a multi-day trip:
If you want to get the most out of your experience, consider doing a multi-day trip. This is especially true if you’re only visiting New Zealand for a short time or if you don’t have much experience with white water rafting. A multi-day trip will allow you to explore some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and enjoy more challenging rapids. You can also take some time out between trips for hiking, horseback riding and other activities.
5. Don’t forget to bring the essentials:
When it comes to what gear you should take with you on a white water rafting trip, there are a few things that you can’t leave behind. The most important item on this list is sunscreen as it’s easy to burn when you’re out in the sun all day long. Also, make sure that you bring plenty of water and food with you so that you don’t run out in case something happens during your trip.
6. Choose your clothing carefully:
Before you even step foot on a boat, make sure you have chosen your clothing carefully. The weather in New Zealand can change very quickly, so it’s important to wear layers that will keep you warm or cool as needed. Make sure you bring waterproof clothing that will protect you from rain or spray when jumping off rocks into the water. It’s also worth bringing some dry clothes with you on the boat so that if anything gets wet (and it definitely will), then there’s something dry waiting for you at the end of each day.
7. Make sure you know how to swim:
For obvious reasons, it is important that you are confident in the water before going white water rafting. If you are unsure about your swimming ability, there are many options available to help you get more comfortable with the water. These include swimming lessons, snorkelling and scuba diving courses.
Conclusion:
With so many white water rafting experiences in New Zealand, it can be hard to know where to start. But hopefully, we’ve given you a good overview of some of the most stunning rivers and some of the best companies to help you explore them. And if you want to try something different (and maybe even more adventure!), you should definitely check out jet boating.
