When visiting the Kaituna River in Rotorua, you must prepare yourself for many things – the beautiful sights, experiencing a thriving natural world, learning new histories of New Zealand, and spending time with your loved ones.

Really, there are so many things to do here that it’s difficult to know where to begin! At Kaituna Cascades, we would of course recommend enjoying Rotorua’s thrilling water activities, which are Kaituna River’s largest attractions, but there are a few things you should know before booking such activities.

Read on, and find out!

Kaituna River is connected to rich Māori history

The first thing you should know about the Kaituna River is its history! The history of Kaituna River stretches back for thousands of years, and is deeply connected to rich, Māori culture. The local iwi (tribes) consider Kaituna River (Okere River) to be a taonga (treasure). Kaituna’s name is also derived from its historical use as an eeling and whitebaiting river for the Ngāti Pikiao people. We mention this fact because it’s extremely important to be respectful of Kaituna River, whatever water activities you undertake here.

Practice responsible tourism, and never leave litter behind.

Kaituna River’s Tutea Falls is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world

The beautiful Tutea Falls is the centrepiece of Kaituna River, and at 7 metres high (or 23 feet!) ranks as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. What makes Tutea Falls even better is that it belongs to a complex of three picturesque waterfalls in the heart of Rotorua, including Kaituna and Okere Falls. There’s so much to enjoy here, and the thrill of rafting such a majestic waterfall is truly unforgettable.

The white water rapids here are ranked as high as Grade 5

Whilst beginners can absolutely enjoy rafting or kayaking through the rapids of Kaituna River, it’s important to be aware that these waters can rank as high as Grade 5. This means that the river may have large and irregular waves, with long and violent rapids occasionally filled with obstructions and steep drops! Fortunately, companies such as Kaituna Cascades provide the comprehensive training you need to navigate these obstacles with ease.

If you’re not a fan of water activities, Kaituna’s bushwalk is renowned!

Some of us prefer to stay on dry land – and that’s okay! The Kaituna bushwalk follows the river, providing trekkers with the perfect vantage point of the river rapids. You can spectate as the rafters paddle, whilst connecting with the verdant nature that Kaituna has to offer. If you trek carefully at nighttime, you might even see glow worms! This bushwalk is renowned for good reason, after all.

Enjoy the best of water activities in Rotorua by booking onto a white water rafting expedition in Kaituna River with Kaituna Cascades, Rotorua’s number one rated rafting company! For more information about Kaituna Cascades and our thrilling rafting experiences, don’t hesitate to contact a team member as soon as possible. We always look forward to welcoming new adventurers.