The difference between white water rafting and black water rafting is, literally, night and day! Before you choose the right rafting expedition for you, we at Kaituna Cascades explore the many differences below.
White water rafting involves navigating fast-flowing rivers above ground, where rafters will encounter turbulent rapids and interesting obstacles. White water rafting is generally a team activity aboard inflatable rafts. It’s collaborative and exciting, particularly as different bodies of white water have different levels of intensity! You can enjoy the natural scenery as you work together to push through challenging sections of the river, where felled trees or rocks may be common.
Black water rafting involves navigating subterranean rivers in cave systems underground, where it’s dark and filled with intriguing geological formations like stalactites! This is a very unique adventure, because rafters have to navigate these caves aboard smaller inner tubes, wearing headlamps to illuminate the pitch-black waters. If you’re lucky, you may see small underground falls.
The water isn’t as fast-moving, but it’s important to be careful. Watch out for hidden chambers, stay observant and listen to your expedition leader. Whilst good teamwork is still essential, exploring the dark is very different to outdoor white water rafting activities, illuminated by New Zealand’s bright sunlight.
It’s up to you, and what you’re comfortable with! Some people prefer the unique, underground cave environments of black water rafting, and the fact that it offers rafters the chance to experience a mysterious and surreal atmosphere. Others prefer white water rafting for the challenge of the fast-moving rapids, the outdoor scenery and the vast open spaces that surround them. As the difference between white water rafting and black water rafting is big, the choice is down to preference and expertise. Black water rafting tends to be slightly more adventurous with a slower pace, and whitewater rafting tends to be faster and more exciting!
At Kaituna Cascades, we provide expert white water rafting expeditions throughout beautiful Rotorua, New Zealand. Our expeditions are as safe as they are enjoyable and thrilling, and are the perfect bonding activity for families, friends and even colleagues! Contact us for more information, today.
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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