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Rotorua Activities Worth Experiencing

Rotorua is known for its natural beauty and wide range of exciting and beautiful things to do and see. One of the best Rotorua activities that you can take part in is the world-famous white-water rafting.

This corner of the Bay of Plenty is filled with lush forests and raging rivers, as well as delightful and awe-inspiring geothermal hot springs and caves that will take your breath away.

White-Water Rafting

One of the biggest attractions that Rotorua has to offer is the freshwater rivers that rage on through tight bends and between lush forests, making for some of the most beautiful scenery you’re likely to see on a white-water rafting experience coupled with some of the most challenging and thrilling rafting experiences in the world.

When it comes to white-water rafting, grade 5 is considered the highest level that is still doable and fun commercially – albeit not for the faint hearted. A grade 6 river is unrunnable by all but the most experienced and reckless of rafters, and even then, it presents an extreme level of danger that outweighs the reward. Grade 6 is also illegal for commercial activities in New Zealand.

The Kaituna and Wairoa rivers in the Rotorua area are grade 5 rivers, while the Rangitaiki is classed as grade 4.

Our experienced crew at Kaituna Cascades will take you on the ride of your life, including a tumble down the world-famous 7 m Tutea Falls, the highest falls in the world that are commercially rafted.

Hot Springs

Aside from the beautiful and lush forests, Rotorua is also famous for its hot springs. These naturally occurring geothermal marvels create hot water, perfect for creating natural spas for you to relax in and absorb mineral-rich water. You’re sure to feel well-rested and rejuvenated after spending some time in these luscious waters.

At Kaituna Cascades, we offer a stop at one of the finest geothermal reserves and spas – Hell’s Gate – as a way to warm up and unwind after the rollicking good time you just had on the white water.

The Hell’s Gate spa also offers a unique mud treatment filled with nutrients and minerals that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Good Food

All of this activity will certainly leave you hungry, so you will be glad to know that Rotorua is home to plenty of varied restaurants to suit whatever tastes you might have. Choose from any of the 100 or so different restaurants in the area and enjoy the wide range of local cuisines available.

Of all the fun and engaging Rotorua activities, none are quite as exciting as the world-class white water rafting on offer. Book your spot with Kaituna Cascades today!

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We pride ourselves on being the safest company on the river, while having all the fun…We are audited by Adventure Mark and comply with the New Zealand Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities 2017. We are also endorsed by Qualmark NZ!

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LET OUR RAFTERS TELL YOU ABOUT
THEIR TIME WITH US
This was a great couple bonding experience that took us both to the edge of our comfort zones. Could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the guiding team - yet making the whole experience one of such fun.
MY FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE IN NZ SO FAR. TOOK THE 9AM TOUR TODAY AND ALREADY CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK. THE RAFTING WAS SO MUCH FUN AND THE TOUR GUIDES ARE HILARIOUS. NEVER FELT IN ANY DANGER JUST ENJOYED THE RIDE! WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY. I WENT AS A SOLO TRAVELLER AND IT WAS STILL REALLY ENJOYABLE.
Brilliant! We had heaps of fun. Guides were friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended to all!

Fantastic outfit. The crew were cheeky as but super professional. We felt safe throughout the entire experience. 11/10 and a big shoutout to Rob for being a GC.
White water rafting at its best. Wonderful guides. A must do when in or around Rotorua. Felt safe, but had the best time.
Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the m san Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful!
The guide, Sam, went out of his way to make the trip as fun and exciting as possible. The whole team were friendly and inclusive.
Cole was a really good guide, talked us through everything and had a good laugh. The water was nice, not cold at all. They provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, life jackets and polo fleeces. Worth the money and would do it again. Recommend going in a group so that you can split the cost of photos.
Unbelievable experience rafting the 7m waterfall this morning! Even more fun when the boat flipped!! Highly recommend! Great fun and great instructors!! Shout out to Pete From the Irish girls.

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KAITUNA CASCADES
RAFTING COMPANY

Kaituna Cascades Rafting Company is the # 1 rafting company in Rotorua on TripAdvisor! We are the original Kaituna Rafting company & have been operating since 1991. Located in an awesome sunny riverside location, we are the Rotorua rafting specialists offering river rafting trips on the Kaituna River (Okere River), Wairoa River & the Rangitaiki River. For the best white water rafting in New Zealand, visit us in Okere Falls, Rotorua!
CELLPHONE:
+64 27 276 5457
EMAIL:
[email protected]

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