QUEENSTOWN RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Through the Oxenbridge Tunnel: Rafting the Mother and Six Rapids of the Shotover
A 4.5-hour Grade 3–5 whitewater excursion from Skippers Canyon down the Shotover River, tackling six rapids — including the notorious 'Mother' — and the 170‑m Oxenbridge Tunnel.
Through the Oxenbridge Tunnel: Rafting the Mother and Six Rapids of the Shotover.
Step across this great frontier and meet the challenge of whitewater rafting on Queenstown’s famous Shotover River. The trip threads remote Skippers Canyon and the raw, untamed river gorge, sending you through six rapids with stretches of calm to take in the scenery, swim, and absorb the region’s gold‑mining history before emerging from the Oxenbridge Tunnel and shooting the Cascade Rapid.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Skippers Canyon: a gold‑rush gateway
The journey begins in legendary Skippers Canyon — a narrow, remote launch site hewn from the earth by gold miners during the Queenstown gold rush that sets the scene for the descent.
Six rapids, including the Grade 4–5 'Mother'
You’ll confront six named rapids along the route, including the long, narrow Grade 4–5 'Mother' — a gauntlet composed of features such as Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball — with calmer stretches between for taking in the views or a quick dip.
Through the Oxenbridge Tunnel and into Cascade
The trip includes a passage through the shadowed 170‑metre Oxenbridge Tunnel before surging into the Cascade Rapid to complete the challenge.
What the day feels like
What the descent feels like
This is a sustained whitewater experience: after a 45‑minute drive into the canyon you meet your guides, kit up, and spend roughly 2.5 hours navigating the Shotover’s sequence of rapids and quieter pools. The pace alternates between fierce, technical passages — including the Mother — and moments of calm where you can float, swim and watch the canyon walls close in.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should avoid it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes to change into after the trip; wetsuits, wet boots, life jackets and helmets are provided by the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I have to be able to swim?
You must be able to swim confidently — comfortable in moving water where you may be unable to stand and tossed by waves. If you feel comfortable in that environment you should be okay.
Can I bring my camera?
No — all types of cameras are not permitted on either of the whitewater rafting trips for safety reasons.
How many people are in a raft?
Rafts carry six or seven people plus a rafting guide; if you travel with friends the operator can generally organise you to be together in the same raft.
What are the chances of falling out of the raft?
It depends on river levels; there is always a chance you may fall out. Guides are trained for these situations, each trip has a safety kayaker and a full safety briefing explains what to do.
Is there a guide in the raft with us?
Yes — every raft has a qualified and certified rafting guide who controls when and how you paddle and gives directions throughout the trip.
What is the maximum number of people on a trip?
This depends on the number of guides on duty, but with prior notice the operator can carry up to around 18 people on any one trip.
Do you operate if it is raining?
Yes — whitewater rafting will still go ahead if it is raining; the operator notes the river is often at its best then. They will not refund if you cancel at short notice because of rain or bad weather.
Do you have a place to leave my belongings?
Yes — changing rooms have cubby holes for clothes and a communal locked locker is available for valuables.