Schools

Rafting

Rafting is what we do and we’re proud to have been rafting schools for over 16 years. We have dozens of schools and youth groups returning year after year. This returning business is a testament to the value and quality of product we provide.

Rafting New Zealand generally provides School Groups with the two options for rafting. The Whitewater Tongariro for students 13 years and older and the Lower Tongariro which is suitable for younger children ideally for ages 8 - 12 years, and/or students with special needs.

Other Activities

Some schools come just for the rafting, others do a rafting, kayaking and mountain biking combination.  The kayaks give children a chance to independently experience the river, while having the support of the group.   Mountain biking provides different challenges and lets kids get into the bush.  Large groups will often split up, with half the group kayaking while the other half mountain bikes, and then swap activities.   KRS is willing to work within your schedule, and combine the right activities for your group.

Waikato River by Raft

We run the same stretch of the Waikato River as the Kayak Tour, but we use our rafts instead.  There is plenty of time for water fights, our guides will let the students have a turn steering the raft, and the trip can be turned into a raft race at any time.  This is excellent for groups with younger students, large groups that want to raft and kayak at the same time or groups that are just looking for a bit of fun on the river.

Mountain Biking

This activity has gained in popularity over the past few years, and there are several great trails around Taupo to choose from.  Our guides give a full safety briefing before hitting the trail, and they keep the focus on having fun.  Unless there is a large amount of parental support, we recommend a minimum age of 13 years old.

Budget

We understand that schools have tight budgets.  By supplying your own transport, providing your own lunch, and making a group reservation, KRS can give schools our lowest rates available.  For larger groups, teachers can often pariticipate free of charge.  Contact us by phone or email to discuss options and prices.

Taupo is also home to many other fantastic activities:  rock climbing, horse riding, jet boating, high ropes course, fishing, just to name a few.  We work with other local operators and are happy to coordinate these activities for you.

Skills Active Rafting Qualification

Why just take the students rafting, when they can learn real rafting skills and achieve a Skills Active unit standard?  KRS has in-house Skills Active Assessors who can go on the river and work with your students. 

Students will have the chance to guide their own rafts as well as perform the criteria needed to achieve the unit standard.  We like to run this course over two days on the Tongariro River.  This gives the students plenty of time to practise their skills, do the assessment and  experience some awesome grade 3 rafting. 

There is a beutiful overnight, riverside camp, which separates the two days of rafting.  We encourage school groups to provide their own camping equipment and food in order to keep prices down.  

Please contact us directly for more detailed information and a price quote.