Water Sports in Wellington

Water sports in Wellington mean a river more than a beach. The Hutt River, known in te reo Māori as Te Awa Kairangi, has guided rafting in a gorge north of the city, with trips that suit first-timers through to experienced paddlers. It is the get-wet option among the things to do in Wellington.

The Hutt River gorge

Te Awa Kairangi runs 56 km from the southern Tararua Range to Wellington Harbour, which it reaches at Petone. Below Kaitoke the river runs over bedrock through a gorge, and that stretch is a rafting destination. Guided trips start from a base on Whakatiki Street in Upper Hutt, in a bush setting with native flora and fauna along the banks.

The river suits several levels of paddler. A Grade 2 scenic rafting trip starts with paddle instruction before small rapids and rock jumps. A Grade 3 wilderness trip covers about 10 km of the gorge with expert guides.

Grade 2 or Grade 3 rapids: choosing your trip

Grade 2 is the introductory option, built for first-time rafters and open to kids. Wetsuits, booties, a fleece top, a splash top, a helmet, a life jacket and a paddle are supplied, and trips depart at 9am, 12pm and 3pm. The mood is a relaxed scenic float with a few rapids to steer through, not a hard-charging day.

Grade 3 raises the stakes. Rapids are bigger, the trip runs through native bush, and the guides lead from start to finish. Experienced rafters can choose an inflatable kayak for two for extra adrenaline. It is a 2.5 to 4-hour trip depending on river flow on the day, and it includes lunch, a hot drink and transport to and from the collection point.

Getting to the river from Wellington

The base is in Upper Hutt, north of central Wellington, so a rafting day starts with a trip out of the city. Pick-up from Wellington's CBD or from Upper Hutt train station can be arranged with the operator, Wellington Rafting, when you book. Drivers can head straight to the Whakatiki Street base.

What to bring and how weather affects a rafting day

Bring a towel, a warm change of clothes, sunscreen and a water bottle. For the Grade 2 trip, wear quick-dry shorts or a bathing suit, a synthetic shirt for warmth and sun protection, and sturdy footwear such as sandals with straps. Flip-flops are not allowed.

River flow depends on rain, so the operator may need to cancel for weather conditions, and a trip that doesn't reach minimum numbers can be rescheduled. If rafting is called off, rainy day activities in Wellington and Wellington tours fill the day.

Frequently asked questions

What water sports can you do in Wellington?

Whitewater rafting on Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) is the water sport available to book through Experience Oz in Wellington, with a family-friendly scenic trip and a harder Grade 3 trip running from Upper Hutt.

Is whitewater rafting in Wellington suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Grade 2 scenic rafting trip on Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) starts with paddle instruction before small rapids and rock jumps, and it is described as an introductory tour that kids can join.

How long is a Wellington whitewater rafting trip?

The Grade 3 whitewater rafting trip on Te Awa Kairangi is a 2.5 to 4-hour trip depending on river flow on the day.

Where does whitewater rafting in Wellington start?

Wellington Rafting's trips on Te Awa Kairangi start from a base at 9/110 Whakatiki Street in Upper Hutt. Pick-up from Wellington's CBD or Upper Hutt train station can be arranged with the operator.

What happens if it rains on a rafting day in Wellington?

Rafting on Te Awa Kairangi depends on river flow, which depends on rain, so the operator may cancel for weather conditions or reschedule if minimum client numbers aren't met. Contact the operator as soon as possible to reschedule.

What should I bring whitewater rafting in Wellington?

Bring a towel, a warm change of clothing, sunscreen and a water bottle. Wellington Rafting supplies wetsuits, booties, a fleece top, a splash top, a helmet, a life jacket and a paddle on the Grade 2 trip.

A water-sports day in Wellington means a river, a raft and a guide, from a Grade 2 float to Grade 3 rapids. Pick a grade, check the departure time and book.