Blogs

The Best White Water Rafting Locations In New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its beautiful landscapes and challenging whitewater rapids, making it a popular destination for rafting enthusiasts. There are several locations throughout the country that are considered the best for whitewater rafting, each offering a unique experience.

Kaituna

The Kaituna River is home to one of the best Rotorua activities – white water rafting! – and is a popular spot for experienced rafters.

The river features a 7-meter drop known as Tutea Falls, which is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. The river also has a variety of different rapids, ranging from beginner to expert level, making it suitable for rafters of all skill levels. In addition to the challenging rapids, the beautiful scenery and lush vegetation along the river make for an enjoyable rafting experience.

Rangitikei 

The Rangitikei River is located on the North Island and is known for its clear water, beautiful scenery, and challenging rapids. The Rangitikei River is a great place to raft for both experienced and first-time rafters, with Class III and IV rapids that provide an exciting and exhilarating experience.

Rangitata

The Rangitata River, located in the South Island, is another popular spot for whitewater rafting. The river offers a variety of rapids, including some that are suitable for beginners. The Rangitata River is also known for its clear water and beautiful scenery, making it a great spot for a scenic rafting trip.

Tongariro 

The Tongariro River, located near Taupo, is another excellent location for whitewater rafting. The river is known for its clear water and beautiful scenery, as well as its family friendly grade 3 rapids. The Tongariro River is a great spot for experienced rafters looking for a challenging and scenic trip.

Mohaka

The Mohaka River, located in Hawke’s Bay, is a popular spot for experienced rafters. The river features challenging rapids and is known for its clear water and beautiful scenery. The Mohaka River is a great spot for a challenging rafting trip.

Shotover

The Shotover River, located in the South Island near Queenstown, is known for its crystal-clear water and challenging rapids. The Shotover River is a popular spot for experienced rafters and is known for its beautiful scenery and challenging rapids.

Buller

The Buller River, located on the West Coast of the South Island, is another popular spot for whitewater rafting. The river offers a variety of rapids for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The Buller River is also known for its clear water and beautiful scenery, making it a great spot for a scenic rafting trip.

In addition to these rivers, there are also many other great white water rafting locations in New Zealand, including the Wairoa River, the Motu River, and the Waitara River. Each of these rivers offers a unique and exciting experience for rafters of all skill levels.

Contact us at Kaituna Cascades to take a thrilling trip on the rapids of the Kaituna River and enjoy one of the best Rotorua activities available. Book your spot now!

BOOK A ONCE
IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!

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!

RELATED ARTICLES

NOT CONVINCED?

LET OUR RAFTERS TELL YOU ABOUT
THEIR TIME WITH US
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.
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.
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.

BLOGS

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:
info@kaitunacascades.co.nz

© 2025 | Kaituna Cascades | All Rights reserved | Designed by