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2026 South Island River Rescue Workshop — Queenstown

Queenstown — Queenstown Rafting BaseMon 16 – Fri 20 November 2026

Training days Mon 16 – Wed 18 November 2026 · Workshop days Wed 18 – Fri 20 November 2026

Your three options

Pick the part of the course you need. The training days finish on the day the workshop starts, so the combined option runs straight through.

Training Course Only

Mon 16 – Wed 18 November 20263 days

The training days on their own, with no assessment. For guides new to river rescue, or anyone wanting a full refresh.

$600incl. GST

Workshop Only

Wed 18 – Fri 20 November 20263 days

The assessment days. For experienced guides keeping their River Rescue Course current — senior guides need a workshop every three years.

$600incl. GST

Recommended — best value

Training Course + Workshop

Mon 16 – Fri 20 November 20265 days

Both parts: the training days first, then the assessment workshop. For guides new to river rescue or wanting a full refresh before being assessed — and the best value.

$900incl. GST

Bought separately that’s $1200 ($600 + $600) — you save $300.

The River Rescue Endorsement (needed for Grade 3 and above) can be added at no extra cost.

Overview

NZRA River Rescue Training Pre-requisite to training course. Equipment as per list. 18th/19th November - Meet at Queenstown Rafting Base at 8.00 am River Rescue Training for the next two days. 20th November - Last day of River Rescue Training. This day works in with the rescue workshop allowing those of you who demonstrate competency to continue on and complete the workshop as well. NZRA River Rescue Workshop Pre-requisite to workshop: Equipment as per list. All participants will be required to show their personal skill level to be of a standard measurable against the new River Rescue NZRA Qualification before continuing on with workshop. Please note for those who only book for the workshop, this level must be shown on the first day or workshop fee is non refundable. This platform level has been set to identify that all participants are suitably skilled to participate in the activities of the workshop. 20th November - Meet at Queenstown Rafting base 8.00 am 20th - 21st November - Objective to increase personal and industry knowledge of River Rescue skills. Participants will be put into ability groups and undertake work stations. Work stations may include (but not limited to): • First Aid • Underwater • Vertical Hoist • Entrapments – using crafts and rope systems, knives • Other platforms ie: safety kayakers, river boarders, victim and gear retrieval • Olympic type scenarios – debriefing There may be some requirements for evening sessions for First Aid – attendance will be required in order to obtain a refresher certificate. Included in Fees: • All rafting equipment excluding guides personal gear • All lunches (Accommodation, breakfast and evening meal at participants own expense) • Facilitation/Instruction and First Aid Refresher for those undertaking the Workshop

Minimum Gear List

PFD Prussik x 2 Carabineers – locking x 3 Throw bag Knife Whistle Flip line – minimum 4 metres webbing with carabiner Helmet Wetsuit/Drysuit Splash jacket/Dry top Hot head or polypro hat For those participating in the Training we will have some equipment available for purchase but please let us know when registering what you may require. Payment is cash on receipt.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the cost of the Workshop, however we suggest: Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park — 70 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371 — 0800 462 267

Additional Information

Please read all the following information carefully. Remember to return your registration form with signed disclosure and guide membership form prior to training commencing. Payment for the course and enrolment with NZRA must be made prior to Training/Workshop commencement unless prior arrangement has been made with NZRA. Memberships run from 1 October – 30 September each year.

Register

Deadline: 10 November 2026

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2026 South Island River Rescue Workshop — Queenstown | NZRA