Although only one person in our group had rafted before we opted for the more exciting option of the Shotover River. While the day we went in November was sunny and warm it had rained for two solid days before hand. Rafting officals had just reopened the Shotover that day. The day before the river had been too high and too fast.
We caught the mini bus out to the Shotover river from the downtown Queenstown business location. This was a short 5min ride.
At the Shotover building we were given a short brief on what to expect though out the day and then formed a line to get wetsuit, booties, helmet, waterproof jacket and lifejacket. Down the stairs to change into swimsuites and wetsuits. I'd recommend going with a friend, cause it's gonna take two of you to get the suits on.
Once kitted out we felt a bit overdressed and it was a bit stiff and bulky to walk in. Not to worry, we were glad to have on that much kit once we were in the raft. We were then loaded onto one of two mini buses that went up and out towards the road leading to Cornet Peak. However we diverted and headed round the back of the hill down towards Skippers Canyon. Here we went along the grade 2 "Highway" (pretty much one lane and you cross your fingers no one is coming from the other way). Our guide on the bus gave us a bit of the local history to do with the gold mining.
45 minutes later we came to the start of the rafting area. Here one of the guides went through more safety issues and we were split into groups of 6-7.
This is when the reality of what we were about to it hit me. The river was still running fast and it was still high. These were the conditions each guide prayed for at night. We each grabbed a paddle and posed for a parting picture. Once on the raft our guide went over a few basic instructions, the main one being "you do what I say when I say and we all stay on just fine." Luckily she made it easy to learn and by the first mini rapid we passed with flying colours.
The trip went by pretty fast, however I didn't feel cheated for time. The water is cold, even being summer time and I was grateful they took the time to kit me out in a wetsuite and was cursing myself for not bringing gloves.
Most of the rapids were navagated easily. Depending on how many people are signed up for the day you could be in one of seven or so other rafts. But again, I didn't feel jipped. This is your experience and the other rafts don't interfer in your enjoyment. Even pulling to the side to wait for the other rafts just allowed us a moment to look around and take in the canyon sights.
Our biggest moment of excitement came on the last rapid. It was called Mother in Law - because she is a b$^ch. Usually the guides take you through a small cave with a grade 5 rapid on the otherside. However because of how high the river was running this wasn't possible. All the guides pullled their raft over to the side and tied up to the rocks. They all got out and confered. Then the first two rafts went for it. They both flipped over and all passengers went for a swim. Luckily safety is a high priority and the guides were prepared.
We were the 4th raft to go. Commands came loud and fast. Paddle hard! Harder! Get in! Get in! GET IN!!! Lean left! Lean right! The raft folded in half, someone fell out, we slid from side to side and then, it was over. We were through the 5+ rapid. We had lost one person, when the raft folded one of our passengers took an oar to the mouth. However she was pulled out by a guide and luckily only sustained a bloody lip.
We cheered. Blood pumping we paddled the short distance to the end of the rafting where the rafts were loaded onto traylers, ready to be transported back to the start.
One very exciting experience not to be forgotten.