rafting adventures like no other
Enjoy the waters of the Waiau Toa, Clarence river, inland of Kaikoura, New Zealand/Aotearoa
So Special!
More than just rafting - it's an experience you'll never forget
The River Speaks
The Clarence River / Waiau Toa flows from our crumbling peaks, cascading towards the ocean. Experience the water that's ingrained in this land - consistent, steady, and spectacular.
Geological Wonders
Paddle alongside New Zealand's newest fault lines created by recent earthquakes. Our guides share fascinating insights into the Waiau Toa valley's dramatic geological transformation.
Escape & Explore
Forget the world for a while. Come explore our beautiful valleys, full of adventure, age, and constant change. We'll show you another world entirely.
Our Signature Experience
Discover the geological wonders of the Waiau Toa valley
Grade II Rapids
Perfect for families
Ages 5+
Conditions apply
3.5-4 Hours
Round trip adventure
Pizza Lunch
Handmade on site
Half Day Rafting Adventure
Raft alongside some of New Zealand's newest fault lines and explore the Waiau Toa valley's fascinating geological history. Our family-friendly half-day trip offers the perfect blend of gentle rapids, stunning scenery, and educational insights into this remarkable landscape.
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours round trip from our base
- Suitable for: Ages 5+ (conditions apply, minimum age subject to river volume)
- Includes: All equipment, expert guides, and handmade pizza lunch
- Departures: Shuttles from Kaikōura and Blenheim available
From First-Timers to Thrill-Seekers
Grade II family adventures to Grade IV wilderness expeditions
Kids 5+ Grade II-IV
No Experience NeededFood & Refreshments
Epic days on the river demand epic meals and refreshing bites to fuel your adventure.
We believe great adventures deserve great food. From wholesome breakfasts to local favourites, our refreshment options are designed to keep you energized and smiling.
From indulgent cheese boards to beautifully prepared seafood. Clarence River Rafting offers an exceptional standard of fully catered experiences. Whether you're joiningus for half day escapes or an extended multi day journey, you can relax while our expert guides create memorable meals over the campfire or serve wholesome lunches on the river side.
- Fresh, locally sourced meals
- Post-raft snacks and drinks
- Vegetarian & dietary options available
- Riverside picnic spaces
Why Raft With Us?
Experience the difference with Clarence River Rafting
Family Friendly
Our Grade II rapids are perfect for families with children as young as 5 years old. We specialize in creating memorable experiences for all ages.
Expert Local Guides
Our experienced guides know every rapid and geological feature of the Clarence River. Safety is our priority, education is our passion.
Stunning Scenery
Raft through one of New Zealand's most geologically active areas, surrounded by mountains, native bush, and crystal-clear waters.
Small Groups
We keep our groups intimate to ensure personalized attention and a better experience for everyone on the river.
Earthquake History
Learn about the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and the ongoing geological processes that shape this incredible landscape.
Handmade Pizza
Enjoy delicious, handmade pizza from our custom oven. GF, DF, and vegan options available to suit all dietary requirements.
Fully Licensed
We operate under WorkSafe AAR regulations, hold DOC concessions, and are members of the NZ Rivers Association for Professional Guides.
Pristine Wilderness
Set in the spectacular Kaikōura backcountry where snow-capped peaks tower above braided rivers. Remote yet accessible, offering an authentic South Island adventure.
Captured Moments
See the adventure through our lens
What Our Guests Say
Real experiences from real adventurers
Ready for Your Adventure?
Book your Clarence River rafting experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime
Find Us on the Clarence River
Located in the heart of the Kaikōura region, where the mountains meet the river
To help you plan your journey, here’s our exact location
Clarence River Rafting
Waiau Toa, Aotearoa
Location
Clarence River / Waiau Toa
Kaikōura Region
South Island, New Zealand
Getting Here
• 1.5 hours from Christchurch
• 1 hour from Kaikōura
• 1.5 hours from Blenheim
Shuttle Service
We provide shuttles from:
• Kaikōura
• Blenheim
25 years. How time seems to flow on. So many names, times and adventures. But it started by chance, as many things do. Chance and a willingness to have a go.
When Ben acquired his first two rafts things were different. Tourism New Zealand was finding its feet, the All Blacks would wait another 14 years to lift the world cup again and those of true adventurist spirit had just started flinging themselves off bridges, attached by their feet to a long length of rubber band.
We come from a country where having a go is worth a lot and in this instance, we’re glad we did. From these two rafts and no employees in 1997 to a company employing up to 10 staff and running up to 15 rafts at a time, tourism has come and we are here to help it grow. Ben is a word man and it is this that built and grew his small family business. Words mean a lot when looking and booking a family adventure for a week. People need to feel trust and comfort that the product they are about to purchase is what they want and what they believe it to be.
Using basically no advertising for the first 12 years of business created an interesting flow on effect. Word of mouth. Why not just supply a product that people truly enjoy, with experiences that make a difference and adventures that last in the memory? So we did. And it worked.
People came and went, they chatted at parties and social events and the next year we’d have another crew turn up, who through the advice of close friends had to come and experience the Clarence River Rafting experience for themselves.
Times have changed. Websites need to be kept up to date and Facebooks need to be linked to smartphones, but we still believe in the basics. Money is secondary behind enjoyment; if we don’t enjoy what we do, why are we doing it? Adventure in nature, look after Papatūānuku (the earth), ask Ranginui (the sky) for rain when we need it and sun when we want it. Leave no trace and bloody well get out there and smile a lot.
Enjoy the Experience. Jordan and the Clarence River Rafting team.
Clarence River Rafting is best known for multi-day river journeys, but there’s much more to explore beyond the river. From heli-assisted rafting and mountain bike tours to fishing access, trail shuttles, river shuttles, and raft rentals, we offer a range of guided experiences and transport services that help you explore more of the Clarence — your way.
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Heli Rafting
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Mountain Bike Tours
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Land-based Fishing Charters
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Whale Trail Shuttles
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River Shuttles
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Raft Rentals
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Custom Trips & Logistics
Contact Nicole, Jordan, or Ben
Clarence River Rafting would love to hear from you.
Enquiries and Half Day Family Rafting Adventure booking
The best way for all enquiries and to book the Half Day Family Rafting Adventure, is to visit our Bookings and enquiries page and complete the form.
Multi Day Adventure booking requests
For Multi Day Adventure booking requests you may also use our Bookings and enquiries form providing your group information and thoughts on what might suit you. We will get back to you as soon as we can and start planning your adventure!
Else you are always welcome give us a call or email us.
Call us direct: +64 27 224 3345
Email us here: