Family rafting near Greymouth
Arnold Family Raft 1/2 Day Tour
A fun, friendly half-day rafting trip designed with families and first-timers in mind. Enjoy gentle Grade 2 rapids, splashes, swimming chances and a relaxed introduction to whitewater on the Arnold River near Greymouth.
A gentle first whitewater adventure
The Arnold Family Raft is the easiest and most family-focused rafting trip in the Inland Adventures range. It is designed especially for younger children, cautious adults and anyone who wants to try whitewater rafting without committing to a full day on the river.
The Arnold River begins at Lake Brunner and flows into the Grey River / Māwheranui near Stillwater. It is a short, scenic river close to Greymouth, with clear water, patches of native forest, willow-lined banks and friendly Grade 2 rapids that are ideal for learning.
We usually begin in Greymouth, then drive about 30 minutes to the river. Once we arrive, your guides will help everyone into their river gear, explain what to expect and give a clear safety briefing before we launch.
Short, splashy and confidence-building — the Arnold River is a great first whitewater experience for families visiting Greymouth and the West Coast.
What to expect on the river
This is not a big, intimidating rafting day. It is a playful half-day adventure where the focus is on having fun, learning the basics and giving kids a positive first taste of whitewater.
Once on the river, your guide will show you how to paddle, how to sit safely in the raft and how to work together as a crew. The Grade 2 rapids are friendly and splashy, with enough movement to feel exciting but not too much for younger rafters.
You will spend around an hour and a half on the water. Along the way there are chances to splash through small rapids, enjoy the riverbanks, and swim where conditions and temperatures are suitable.
After rafting, everyone changes into dry clothes before enjoying a wee snack and a hot drink. It is a simple, memorable outing that fits easily into a West Coast travel day.
“It’s fun to see kids dressed up in tiny river gear taking on the waves.”
Rata, River Guide
Is this trip right for me?
This is the best Inland Adventures trip for younger families, nervous first-timers and visitors who want a light, fun rafting experience close to Greymouth. It is also a good option if you are short on time but still want a real river adventure.
Choose this trip if you want the easiest, most reassuring rafting option on the West Coast. It is especially good for giving kids their first fun whitewater experience.
Consider the Grey Wilderness Raft 1 Day if your group is older, more adventurous and ready for a full-day Grade 3 river trip. Consider the Waiau Wilderness Raft 1 Day if you are based near Hanmer Springs and want a high-country rafting day.
What is included
- Professional river guides
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Wetsuit
- Splash jacket
- Thermal top
- Water shoes
- Small dry bag for sunscreen and small personal items
- Snacks after rafting
- Hot drinks after rafting
- Mini bus transport to and from the Arnold River
What to bring
- Towel
- Swimwear or underwear to wear under the wetsuit
- Sunscreen
- Personal medication, such as an asthma inhaler or EpiPen
- Warm dry clothes to change into after the trip
- A sense of fun and readiness to get splashed
Please avoid bringing valuables on the river. Your guides will explain what can travel with you and what should stay in the vehicle.
Safety and experience
No previous rafting experience is required. This is a guided Grade 2 rafting trip, chosen because it is friendly, splashy and suitable for introducing younger children to whitewater.
Before launching, your guides will provide a full safety briefing and help everyone understand how to sit, paddle and listen to river instructions. River trips always depend on water levels, weather and guide assessment on the day. If conditions are unsuitable, Inland Adventures may change, postpone or cancel the trip for safety.
Ready for your family’s first rafting adventure?
Enquire or pre-book the Arnold Family Raft 1/2 Day Tour and we’ll confirm the best pick-up point, river conditions and details for your group.
Not sure which trip to choose? Send us a quick enquiry and we’ll help match the trip to your group.
Explore related trips
Client confirmation notes
- Confirm current pricing: Adult $150 and Child $120, age 5–18.
- Confirm current group size wording: page lists 3–12 people and tour size 12.
- Confirm whether snacks and hot drinks are supplied after rafting rather than during the trip.
- Confirm whether Inland Adventures still supplies water shoes for this trip.
- Confirm exact Arnold River location page URL before publishing the internal link.
- Replace placeholder image paths with final approved Arnold family rafting images.
