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The Tongariro River's most experienced rafting operator
Tongariro River Rafting is a 100% Kiwi company owned by local husband and wife team Garth and Leigh Oakden.
Garth has been a rafting guide on the Tongariro since 1987 and knows these waters like few others. All our guides are fully trained rafting professionals, our equipment is top quality and the company is 100% compliant with Maritime New Zealand requirements.
We are a Qualmark endorsed visitor activity.
Tongariro River Rafting is a member of the New Zealand Rafting Association.
AA Smart Fuel - Book online and save on fuel. Save 20 cents per litre per person. e.g. Book four people and save 80 cents per litre.
Even if you are not an AA smart Fuel Member we have cards here and you can start saving straight away. See our website for more information.
The Legendary Tongariro River
The Tongariro River is one of New Zealand's most famous rivers and one of the world's best trout rivers. Between the paddling and excitement you'll see ancient beech forests, darting rainbow trout, rare whistling blue duck and plenty more. This is a very special wilderness environment.
Whitewater Rafting
This half-day Tongariro River journey is one of the best rafting adventures in New Zealand. The rapids are Grade Three, which makes this an ideal adventure for expert or first-time rafters alike.
In 2 1/2 hours you navigate over 60 roller coaster rapids with an expert guide at the helm. A large part the top section of this trip can only be accessed by raft or kayak so you'll see plenty of spectacular unspoilt wilderness.
Family Float Rafting (3yrs - 103yrs)
This leisurely 1 ½ hour trip down the soft, tumbling waters of the Lower Tongariro brings the magic alive for first time rafters and especially children. You still get to paddle and there are some small rapids to navigate but nothing too wet or wild.
Multi Day Rafting
There is something magical about an overnight rafting trip. Good friends, good food, plenty of laughs and the sound of a wilderness river burbling under the stars in the background. Perfect for School or Corporate groups.
Trips can be put together to suit any size group on the Mohaka, the Rangitikei and the Motu rivers or the Ngaruroro headwaters. Time frames can be anywhere from 2 half days to 5 days depending on the time you have available and the amount of river you want to cover.
Mountain Biking
Southern Lake Taupo has some of the best mountain bike country in New Zealand. We know trails that ride through ancient beech forests, alongside magnificent trout rivers and past huge volcanoes. We also have exclusive access to 3,800 hectares of trails including a genuine backcountry sheep station.
The 42 Traverse - Advanced
The 42 is regarded as one of the best, one day mountain bike rides in New Zealand. It involves brilliant biking on old logging tracks through remote native bush and has an overall descent of 570 metres. Not a ride for the faint hearted so let us take care of the logistics for you, getting you there and back and we also provide safety back up.
Moerangi Station - Exclussive access only - Intermediate-Advanced
This is an awesome ride through a working New Zealand hill country station. On a clear day we get an incredible view over Lake Taupo and to all three of the famous volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's dual World Heritage site. See farm livestock up close and bike through different terrain from grassy paddocks to native bush trails.
Fischers Track - Intermediate
Starting in National Park village, this ride is one of our personal favourites. A short easy climb leads you to panoramic views of the upper Retaruke valley. From here you descend down though native bush and farmland to the shuttle vehicle. With a 17km downhill this is definitely one of the best mountain bike rides in New Zealand.
Tree Trunk Gorge - Beginner-Intermediate
This is a short but beautiful track that weaves its way through native forest, with a short steep climb, a picturesque river ford and some wooden bridges en route. The track is only 10kms but along the way you can also check out the awesome site of the Pillars of Hercules before biking down to the Poutu Intake on the Tongariro River.
The Tongariro River Track - Beginner (perfect for families)
The Tongariro River track is a great trail for beginners or children. It follows this world famous trout river past rolling farmland, beach forests and fern glades with spectacular views at almost every bend.
Kayaking
With a range of tours to suit all abilities, Tongariro River Rafting can tailor a kayak tour to suit all abilities. From mild to wild, our expert instructors will ensure you enjoy an unforgettable adventure on the beautiful waters of the Tongariro River. All kayaking adventures use sit-on-top kayaks so no prior experience is necessary.
Fishing
The central North Island of New Zealand offers superb fishing. Trout fishing is available all year round, with quality dry fly or nymphing in summer on backcountry streams and rivers, and exciting winter fishing on the Tongariro River and other Lake Taupo tributaries.
We have a network of expert, local guides to ensure you have an unforgettable fishing experience. The Tongariro River is world famous for its trout fishing. Most of the upper river however can only be reached by kayak or raft.
Raft Fishing
This wilderness section of the river, with its crystal clear pools and unspoilt runs, gets minimal angling pressure compared to the lower Tongariro and can therefore deliver exceptional fishing.
The upper river is open to anglers from December 1st to May 31st each year. For anglers seeking uncrowded waters and large numbers of quality fighting fish, this can be trout heaven.
RATES: Quoted in NZ$, Subject to Change.
- Please use our enquiry form to request a personalised quote
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