Kaituna River Rafting

Kaituna River Rafting

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Join us for one of the most unique and beautiful whitewater rafting experiences on earth!

The famous Kaituna River is a rafters dream – a 50 minute action packed ride down 11 wild rapids, 3 epic waterfalls – One of which is the highest rafted waterfall in the world.

All of this in a deep, usually warm water jungle canyon!

Cheers for supporting local tourism

Also please note – This is an exciting grade 5 rafting experience and is NOT suited for older or bigger people, or people that aren’t comfortable in the water. We have a weight limit of 120 kgs.

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3 Kaituna River Tutea falls rafting
Map of Kaituna

White Water Rafting Rotorua

Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand’s most exciting and beautiful rivers!

Experience the thrills, spills, and adventure activities in Rotorua of the mighty Kaituna River as we take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall.

Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy a 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids in a tight and twisting warm water jungle canyon.

This is a white water enthusiasts dream and is a must do for adrenaline junkies and 1st time rafters alike!

No prior experience is necessary as you will be given full and comprehensive training.

All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of fun and adventure, swimwear.

We also rent towels for $5
GoPro Chest harness rental – $5
And you can buy Glasser straps to keep for $5
Digital Photo’s of your tour – $40

Come Join us for the rainy day and water activities in Rotorua!

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The Kaituna River

The Kaituna River is famous the world over for its white-water rafting and kayaking rapids, with people travelling from Auckland and further afield every day to experience the thrills. However, there is much more to this stunning river, too.

The river runs for 45km from Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, eventually opening up in the Bay of Plenty. Almost every stretch of the river is stunning, particularly the upper section that is commonly referred to as the Okere River. It offers fantastic views with an abundance of natural wildlife.

As for rafting and kayaking, it is paradise on earth. Whether heading into one of the fastest moving sections of the river or down Tutea or Okere Falls rafting here is an experience like no other. Plus, with our excellent guides, you don’t need any experience.

We often say that the Kaituna River offers the best white water rafting experience anywhere near the Auckland area. That statement doesn’t even do these rapids justice, though, as you’d be hard-pressed to find a better Rotorua rafting waterfall experience anywhere in the country.

So, your search for white water rafting in Auckland is over – start planning your adventures trip to Rotorua today.

Check in Time

Daily at 9am, 11:45am and 2.30pm. (We also offer a 4:30pm tour in the summer months - self drive only!)

Duration

A 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids and the worlds highest rafted waterfall. Allow 2.5 hours in total.

Availability

All year! - Warm water in the summer and cooler in the winter (more gear provided).

Location

18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, Rotorua, New Zealand. Our base is located on the banks of the Kaituna River and there are no long bus rides or waiting around in wet suits! Arrive early and take a stroll down the beautiful Okere Falls Scenic Reserve walking track. With multiple viewing platforms of the river, and its many waterfalls, it’s the perfect pre-rafting activity!

Conditions

Grade 5 rafting trip 13+ years - Grade 3 option available for 10 - 12 year olds at $80pp. NOT SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN or THOSE WITH HEART CONDITIONS. MAXIMUN WEIGHT is 120kgs - must be fit and healthy.

We Provide

The most entertaining & fun guides to be on the river with (and safest.), custom built rafts, wet suits, helmets, life jackets, paddles, warm fleece tops, wet suit booties and splash jackets. There is also heaps of free off street parking - a volleyball net, loads of picnic tables and chill areas - with access to the river !

Price Includes

Includes free shuttle to and from Rotorua - Bookings essential.

What to bring

Swimwear, Shorts & a sense of adventure! We are GoPro friendly so feel free to bring yours along with a chest harness attachment. We also rent towels for $5, GoPro strap rental - $5, And you can buy Glasser straps to keep for $5, also Digital Photo's of your tour - $40

Minimum Numbers

No Minimum

Gallery

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Health & Safety

We are taking all precautionary safety measures to give you a safe (and amazing) trip down our iconic Kaituna River, Wairoa & Rangitaiki Rivers. However River Rafting is an adventure activity with a degree of risk which increases with the grade of rapids. Rafts can capsize, and people may fall out of the raft in fast flowing & violent water, people may be injured.
The Kaituna & Wairoa River’s are class 5 rivers and both have waterfalls and hard rapids.
Grade 5 = Very difficult rapids, High-powerful-irregular waves, difficult to negotiate, the extreme for commercial operations. This said – The Kaituna river is an amazing river & is normally good for most fit and healthy people”

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT KAITUNA CASCADES CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY.

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  • star rating  The team is warm and friendly. We had three 11 years old boys. They all had great fun. Don't worry, you can definitely do it in the winter. They provide... read more

    KM_Positive
    July 15, 2021
  • star rating  What a fantastic day, took my teenage daughter who was a little fearful, but the expert guides made her feel comfortable and well informed. This was the second time I've... read more

    mrbengray
    May 14, 2021
  • star rating  Epic time on the Kaituna Awa with Kaituna Cascades. Cheers Blue for the safe but fun trip down.

    If you are interested in doing this but apprehensive about doing... read more

    Compass14553165834
    June 28, 2022
  • star rating  Pete and his crew were fantastic. A smooth operation ensured we had a fantastic time and a great adventure. I would recommend this experience when you visit Rotorua.

    jaybee5ng
    May 29, 2022
  • star rating  Our guides were pretty awesome and we had loads of fun on the water. The explanations in advance were really good so that the ride was adventurous without being scary.... read more

    adventurouslina
    July 20, 2022
  • star rating  It was a sunny but cold winter day when me and a mate decided to do the whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River. I had done the Grade 3-4 Rangitaiki... read more

    Discover38050536516
    June 25, 2021
  • star rating  White water rafting at its best. Wonderful guides. A must do when in or around Rotorua. Felt safe, but had the best time.

    Dhruv
    January 1, 2022
  • star rating  Blue is an awesome guide, great experience! Highly recommended x this was my first rapid rafting trip. Loved it!

    WillieDevine1
    July 9, 2022
  • star rating  Amazing time on the water, Blue our Guide was amazing and full of local history, Highly recommend to everyone

    Jesse
    February 1, 2022
  • star rating  Cole is the man!! Everyone was lovely, the rafting was super fun, loved the historical backgrounds too.

    Taylor S
    February 1, 2022
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