Rafting is a very popular activity for all ages, whether alone or with friends and family. However, some people may be put off taking part due to concerns over just how safe it is.
Whether you’ve taken part in water-based activities before or you’re completely new to them, it’s normal to have some concerns over the safety of rafting. Here, you can find out just how safe rafting and white-water rafting are, as well as how you can stay safe when taking part.
No matter your experience with rafting, you should be able to find a way to enjoy it safely. Most rafting companies offer rafting tours and accessories with varying degrees of difficulty, so even if you’re a complete newcomer you’ll find a tour that you can enjoy safely.
Commercial rafting rivers are graded between 1 and 5, with 1 being the easiest river and 5 being the most challenging. A grade 1 river is suitable for most people’s abilities, so you can easily get the hang of rafting on the water without having to worry too much about getting hurt.
Whatever grade the river is, training will always be given beforehand to ensure that no one gets hurt, and an expert guide will join you to ensure everything goes smoothly. Provided you have a reasonable level of fitness, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting injured.
There are two commercially available rafting activities available to the public: river rafting and white-water rafting.
River rafting is generally a more relaxed experience, with a raft travelling slowly down a river giving you a chance to relax and take in the natural beauty. This is perfect for those looking for a more easy-going experience, where with an experienced tour guide and a little bit of communication you can have a wonderful time on the river.
White-water rafting, on the other hand, is much more fast-paced, taking place on rivers with an unstable current which produces white, frothy water.
It’s undoubtedly more challenging, but you’ll be given full training beforehand to ensure no one gets hurt.
Interested in rafting in NZ? Visit our website today to learn more about our courses.
This was a great couple bonding experience that took us both to the edge of our comfort zones. Could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the guiding team - yet making the whole experience one of such fun.
MY FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE IN NZ SO FAR. TOOK THE 9AM TOUR TODAY AND ALREADY CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK. THE RAFTING WAS SO MUCH FUN AND THE TOUR GUIDES ARE HILARIOUS. NEVER FELT IN ANY DANGER JUST ENJOYED THE RIDE! WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY. I WENT AS A SOLO TRAVELLER AND IT WAS STILL REALLY ENJOYABLE.
Brilliant! We had heaps of fun. Guides were friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended to all!
Fantastic outfit. The crew were cheeky as but super professional. We felt safe throughout the entire experience. 11/10 and a big shoutout to Rob for being a GC.
White water rafting at its best. Wonderful guides. A must do when in or around Rotorua. Felt safe, but had the best time.
Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the m san Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful!
The guide, Sam, went out of his way to make the trip as fun and exciting as possible. The whole team were friendly and inclusive.
Cole was a really good guide, talked us through everything and had a good laugh. The water was nice, not cold at all. They provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, life jackets and polo fleeces. Worth the money and would do it again. Recommend going in a group so that you can split the cost of photos.
Unbelievable experience rafting the 7m waterfall this morning! Even more fun when the boat flipped!! Highly recommend! Great fun and great instructors!! Shout out to Pete From the Irish girls.
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