Raft Guide Qualifications & Awards
The NZRA qualification system provides a structured pathway for commercial raft guide certification in New Zealand. Awards range from Grade 2 for sheltered waterways through to Senior Grade 4/5 for experienced trip leaders on challenging whitewater. River Rescue certification is required for all Grade 3 and above awards.
NZRA Grade 2 Raft Guide
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 2 level, covering raft guiding and river rescue. Candidates must complete both the Raft Guiding Assessment and the River Rescue Unit.
NZRA Grade 3 Raft Guide
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 3 level. Candidates must hold a current River Rescue qualification.
NZRA Grade 4/5 Raft Guide
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 4/5 level. Candidates must hold a current River Rescue qualification.
NZRA River Rescue
Standalone river rescue qualification. Required prerequisite for Grade 3 and Grade 4/5 senior raft guide assessments. Must be completed within 18 months of senior assessment.
NZRA Senior Grade 4/5 Raft Guide
Senior assessment for Grade 4/5 guides. Focuses on planning, trip leadership, and trip leader river rescue. Prerequisite: must hold Grade 4/5 Raft Guide and current River Rescue. Requires 800 hours or 400 trips, half on Grade 4/5 minimum.
NZRA Senior Grade 3 Raft Guide
Senior assessment for Grade 3 guides. Focuses on planning, trip leadership, and trip leader river rescue. Prerequisite: must hold Grade 3 Raft Guide and current River Rescue. Requires 800 hours or 400 trips, half on Grade 3 minimum.