Ultimate Descents Aotearoa
About
Ultimate Descents Aotearoa has run whitewater rafting trips on the Buller River from Murchison since 1984, making it the longest-running rafting company in the top half and West Coast of the South Island. The company offers daily Buller Whitewater (Grade 3) and Buller Family (Grade 2) trips from October to April, plus multi-day expeditions on the Maruia and Clarence Rivers and heli-rafting on the Mokihinui and Karamea Rivers. Its base is at the Riverside Holiday Park on Riverview Road.
Reviews
The 3 day Buller River trip that Mila & Jaron guided us on is one of the best outdoor activities I have done in NZ. They are awesome rafting guides, brilliant hosts and great chefs, thanks tima.
Andrew L. 路 March 2026 路 via Google
Thanks to Frosty and Mila for a great time rafting!! We drove 2 hours from Hamner springs just for this activity and it was worth it!! Shout-out to Steve and Hilary who were the only others with us on the raft and enjoyed their 1st experience rafting! Definitely recommend 馃馃徏
Yasmin M. 路 February 2026 路 via Google
Jono was an excellent guide, friendly, nonjudgmental, open but also kind. The rafting was not too intimidating as it is grade 3 ( years ago the Rangitikei grade 4-5 Tom and I did was exhilarating). Fabulous scenery, granite rocks flanking the Buller river ( Ariki section) were so beautiful. Frosty, fabulous support person, our photographer knew, like Jono, the wonderful guides we had on our 4 day Clarence river trip a few days ago, and shared the same qualities of having exceptional people skills. Wonderful day trip but it also highlighted how much I enjoyed the multi day rafting trips( even happy to sacrifice home comforts because the multi day trips are very special)
Tsui-Wen C. 路 February 2026 路 via Google
Absolutely loved this rafting experience! Everything was perfectly organized, the guides were super friendly, and we always felt safe and in great hands. It was so much fun and truly unforgettable. We would 100% recommend it and would do it again anytime!
Finja R. 路 February 2026 路 via Google
Highlight of our trip to NZ! The most beautiful river, super friendly guides (thanks Frosty & Rata), fun on every bend. 110% recommend
Karina S. 路 January 2026 路 via Google
Services
- Buller Whitewater Rafting (Grade 3, half-day)
- Buller Family Rafting (Grade 2, half-day)
- Maruia River overnight family rafting
- Clarence River multi-day rafting expedition
- Heli-rafting on the Mokihinui River
- Heli-rafting on the Karamea River
- Daily summer rafting trips (October-April)
- Free adventure photos included