Activity Guidelines · White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

Regulated under the Adventure Activity Regulations

Commercial operators of white water rafting must be registered with WorkSafe and pass a safety audit before operating. See the Operator obligations guide for full requirements.

Qualifications

NZOIA River Rescue 1

NZ Outdoor Instructors Association · NZOIA-RR-I

4-year currency

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NZOIA River Rescue 2

NZ Outdoor Instructors Association · NZOIA-RR-AD

4-year currency

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NZRA Rafting Qualification Framework

NZ Rivers Association · NZRA-FRAMEWORK

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Upcoming Training

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Legislation & Regulation

Maritime NZ Requirements

River-based commercial operations — Maritime NZ operator requirements

White water rafting — WorkSafe guidance

Activity-specific regulatory guidance for rafting operators

Adventure Activity Regulations

WorkSafe registration, safety audit, and compliance requirements

Operator obligations — OutdoorNZ.org guide

Regulatory timeline, key obligations, and WorkSafe links

Managing natural hazard risks

WorkSafe guidance — required under Safety Audit Standard v2.0 (April 2024)

Safety References

ASGs, guidelines, and templates for white water rafting

ASG

River Rafting — WorkSafe Guidance

WorkSafe guidance for commercial river rafting. Maritime NZ Part 81 also applies to rafting operators on navigable waters.

Natural Hazards

Flooding, Landslips & Snowfall

New WorkSafe guidance (April 2025) — applies to all outdoor activity providers.

Read guidance

Technical Advisors

Need a TA audit?

Operators must have their SMS audited by an approved Technical Advisor every three years.

Find a Technical Advisor

All safety resources