White Water Rafting in North Island, NZ

NO.1 RAFTING COMPANY IN ROTORUA ON TRIP ADVISOR

Conquer North Island's Best Whitewater Adventure

Are you looking for the best adventure on New Zealand's North Island? Look no further. Our rivers offer something special. The North Island has a range of rivers. There are many options. Only the Kaituna gives you a Grade 5 experience with a world-famous waterfall. This is not just another raft trip. This is the main event. It is your chance to experience the North Island's power.

This journey is the highlight of any North Island itinerary. You will get the adrenaline of the rapids. You will also experience the beauty of the landscape. Our guides lead you through a unique river system. They show you the true wilderness. This trip is designed for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers. It is the complete North Island adventure package.

Book Your North Island Rafting Trip

Your North Island Rafting Checklist

Expect fast-moving water, lush native bush, and a sequence of fun rapids that build confidence. The highlight is Tutea Falls—the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall—which delivers a clean, exciting drop when the level is right. Between rapids there are calm pools to reset and smile for the camera.
Trips run most days. Your guide sets the pace and picks the best lines for the crew. It’s high-energy but well-drilled, which is why first-timers love it.

The Kaituna River vs. The Rest
New Zealand's North Island offers rafting. Only the Kaituna has what we offer. The Tongariro is good for beginners. The Rangitaiki is an alternative. Only the Kaituna offers a Grade 5 trip with a massive waterfall.
The World's Highest Waterfall
Tutea Falls is a 7-meter drop. No other company offers this. You will go over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. This is a unique thrill.
Safety Meets Adrenaline
The Kaituna is a "pool drop" river. A calm pool follows each rapid. This makes the trip safe for everyone. It is the perfect Grade 5 trip for beginners and families. You get the thrill without constant risk.

The Kaituna Cascades Difference

Pioneers of the River
We were the first on the Kaituna River. We have been rafting this river for over 30 years. Our history gives us an advantage. We have unmatched expertise.
Our Unmatched Local Guides
Our guides know this river intimately. They have a deep connection to the place. This ensures a safe and authentic journey. Your safety is our main focus.
Respect for the Land
We are committed to sustainable tourism. We work with the local Māori people. They are the guardians of the river. We honour the concept of Kaitiakitanga. We protect the North Island's environment.

The Experience

From Calm to Conquer

Your trip has a clear path. You will navigate thrilling rapids. You will then float through peaceful, beautiful canyons. The trip has moments of heart-pounding action. It also has moments of quiet beauty.

See North Island's Wild Side

We honour the local Ngāti Pikiao people. They are the guardians of this land. This concept is called Kaitiakitanga. We work to preserve this sacred place for future generations.

Safety And Qualifications

Safety sits at the centre of every trip. Guides train regularly and follow clear river protocols.

Boats and gear are checked before each run. The briefing covers commands, positions, and what to do if you fall out.

The team makes go/no-go calls based on current levels and forecast. If conditions shift, your booking will be moved to a safe time or section.

NOT CONVINCED?

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bring your swimsuit and a towel.

The experience lasts about three hours. 

The minimum age is 10 years old. We have a great safety record.

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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