Rafting

Rafting is generally an adult thrill, with age restrictions for children. You'll need your swimsuit and a towel, but all other gear, including wet suit, life jacket, helmet, and wet-suit booties, are provided by the rafting companies. Instructors spend quite a bit of time on safety issues and paddling techniques before you launch.

Queenstown Rafting. Queenstown Rafting runs various half-, full-, and three-day white-water rafting trips in the Queenstown area year-round, with trips on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. If you're not into the white water you can do the Flow (suitable for kids from four years), which is a scenic trip in a raft or inflatable kayak. Or go all out with the Nevis Quad Challenge, which includes a jet-boat ride, a helicopter trip, rafting on the Shotover, and a bungy jump, all in one day. 35 Shotover St., Queenstown, Otago, 9300. 03/442–9792; 0800/723–8464; www.queenstownrafting.co.nz. From NZ$219; NZ$669 for Nevis Quad Challenge.

Serious Fun River Surfing. This is serious—for the adventurous and those with surfing or water experience. You'll get kitted out in a full wet suit, helmet, life jacket, and fins. There's an introduction to river surfing on calm water first. Then grab your bodyboard and prepare to surf the waves of Queenstown's stunning Kawarau River. Where your guide ends up taking you will depend on the conditions but the Kawarau River has plenty of white water. They'll pick you up from town. 39 Camp St., Queenstown, Otago, 9300. 03/442–5262; www.riversurfing.co.nz. From NZ$215.