• travel_explore
    Tasmania Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!
    tune
  • image_search
    Search Tasmania... Experiences, attractions, dining & more

King River Gorge Explorer - from West Coast Queenstown

4.0
2
Feel like an intrepid explorer as you paddle at your own pace through tranquil pools and small shallow rapids of the beautiful King River Gorge…

Feel like an intrepid explorer as you paddle at your own pace through tranquil pools and small shallow rapids of the beautiful King River Gorge…

Highlights

  • Exciting guided kayak tour through calm waters in the King River Gorge
  • Take your time exploring and paddling at your own pace
  • See native birdlife and riverlife, explore for gold, drink the fresh water
  • Visit the 150 meter high Jukes Falls
  • A fantastic activity for the entire family to enjoy

Get ready for an epic journey on this guided, flat water kayak tour that allows you to explore and discover the beauty and wildlife of King River Gorge at a pace that suits you.

Our friendly, qualified guides will provide you with double inflatable kayaks, paddles and safety gear before leading you to a secret place between the Crotty Dam and the John Butters Power Station where the water flows very gently.

You’ll feel invigorated and at one with nature as you breathe in the fresh air while paddling through the glassy water while your guide tells you all about the natural and human history of the area.

Take your time exploring the many creeks, waterfalls, mirror pools and banks covered in lush green rainforest and Huon Pine. Find some of the best skipping stones, drink the pristine freshwater and explore the gravel beds for gold – the choice is yours! Also, make sure to look out for freshwater crayfish, trout, native fish, and the shy forest birds as you paddle!

The entire family will have a fantastic time exploring this wonderful part of Tasmania.

Departure: West Coast Wilderness Railway station, in Driffield Street, Queenstown

Adult $150.00
Child $100.00 (8 - 15 years old)

What's included

  • Trained and qualified guides
  • Double inflatable kayaks, paddles and safety gear
  • Transport to and from the river from Queenstown
  • Comprehensive commentary on the natural and human history of the area
  • Use of waterproof cameras and production of a King River Rafting photo USB drive for purchase ($25)
  • River snacks of sweets and nuts

Duration

  • Allow approximately 4 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • West Coast Wilderness Railway station, in Driffield Street, Queenstown

Notes

  • If you are under 18 years old you will need your parent/guardians permission to come. Child age 10 - 15 years..

  • Booking will be confirmed by the tour operator directly after booking. .

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.0

2 reviews

Showing all 2 authenticated Bookme reviews

julianah from Australia wrote on 22 December 2020

Great experience!

George, one of our guides, was amazing! He was very kind and knowledgeable. Joel the other guide was also good, I just did it get to know him quite as well as he was with the other couple on our trip a bit more. They only take 6 people kayaking so it was a super small intimate group - our family of 4 and the one other couple. They also provide wetsuits, boots, and warm layers which made the trip more fun as we were comfortable. The scenery and immersion into nature was gorgeous! It is best to be fairly fit as there was some portaging over some rocks as the water level was a bit low. But worth the effort! Truly a great experience! I would highly recommend King Rafting and definitely go with them again! Note we also bought the usb for $25 and are looking forward to seeing the photos when we get back to our computers.

verifiedVerified purchase Share Link

stephenh6 from Australia wrote on 11 May 2021

River hiking with some lively kayaking thrown in

Great communication with operators. Very friendly and accommodating. Gear was all supplied and kept us warm. River was a short drive and a steep climb down to the river. Depth varies depending on hydro output. For the not so nimble, there are slippery rocks to walk around and climb over between pools. Not as much paddling as I was hoping. I didn't enjoy the slippery walking at all and fell a few times. Scenery was nice and the dip at the end was bracing. Would have scored a 5 if the river had more water in it and I didn't have to get out of the kayak. For smaller, more agile people, it may not have been an issue. I enjoyed the experience and the professionalism of the guides.

verifiedVerified purchase Share Link

From King River Gorge Explorer - from West Coast Queenstown

Thanks for the review. This section of the gorge is beautiful and necessitates both paddling the kayaks on the pools and portaging between them. River rocks are often slippery and the hidden waters of the gorge don't warm up much. Thanks for coming and enjoying this secret place with us.

close

Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

Sample menu

close
delete

Delete your content?

This item will be deleted immediately. You can't undo this action.