Tongariro River Rafting — Attraction in North Island

I love tour operators who put people first, and Garth and the Tongariro River Rafting team clearly do that.

My experience began with a ride around the Tongariro River Trail. I was provided with a quality e-bike, helmet and map and was sent off feeling comfortable about the adventure ahead of me. The trail is fantastic, no significant challenges, shared with walkers and anglers and offering fun for all skills of all ages. Riding over the suspension bridge and getting the views of Turangi was a highlight.

Then it was into the cold water gear to hit the rapids. Our guide To was sensational. Knew his stuff, communicated with passion and had us covered every step of the way. You're well looked after with again, high-quality gear and experienced local knowledge.

The Tongariro River has to be experienced to be believed. Over 60 rapids across the 13km run, it's impossible to not be immersed in the beauty of the river. The trip itself was just sensational - To brings along hot chocolate for a mid-run break, along with chocolates to munch on. We also had the chance to see the Whio (Blue Duck) and Rainbow Trout on a few occasions. There is the chance to get out and swim and the footage they capture (including 360 degrees from a GoPro Fusion) are great for memories. Lastly, you wrap up by being driven to Tokaanu to warm up again in the thermal pools before returning back to the shed for warm soup and bread. Just an unreal complete experience.

I honestly can't recommend this team of legends enough. Seriously, a must do adventure for your trip to the Lake...

I'm Hugh, an Australian travelling in New Zealand with family, we have staying in Tongariro for about a week and did white water rafting with Tongariro River Rafting on the 16/12/2022 (starting at 9am).

My family and I couldn't of had a better experience, our skipper Sam was exemplary, a fun loving Kiwi who loved his job and wanted to give everyone the best time. The day was raining for the most part, but this created a picturesque mist and calmness and despite the weather forecast not looking great on paper, it was amazing and didn't impact our experience at all. All the gear was fantastic, all you needed to do was book and turn up. The three skippers were very skilled and great fun.

I couldn't recommend this activity more based three main factors:

It is amazing to see New Zealand flora and fauna whilst rafting, a beautiful and immersive experience.

The company is clearly very well organised with fantastic gear, as well as experienced and fun staff.

It is so much fun and good exercise!!

You are also provided with photos and videos of our experience which has been great fun to review as memories (these are included with no extra fees). We hope to be back and see Sam and the gang at Tongariro for some more rafting!!

A must do for people passing through Tongariro. Regards, Hugh H and our team (Esther, Bella, Trenna,...

Our river rafting and fishing trip down the Tongoriro river was a memorable experience we will cherish. Our guide, Garth, was phenomenal, full of zest and fun to converse with - exchanging family history stories and enjoying laughs of the differences in coutures between Americans and kiwis!:). His exquisite rafting skills kept us safe throughout the entire time! And his fishing wisdom provided a lot of insight in making our fishing trip super enjoyable! We learned so much from him giving us tips and tricks on fly fishing!! Additionally, his dog BD was the most well trained black lab we’ve ever encountered! Such a sweet and obedient dog that kept us company throughout our trip! We enjoyed the catch and release of sizable rainbow trout fishing, the gourmet sandwiches for lunch, and beautiful and glorious river sceneries at each fishing stop, and the camaraderie Mr. Garth! We would highly recommend this private rafting and fishing trip on the Tongoriro River! It isn’t your ordinary float fishing trip! It’s the New Zealand fishing trip way that makes it thrill seeking worthy and memorable! Thank you to...