Is December good for rafting? Absolutely, it’s one of the best months of the year for it! Long, warm days, a full summer timetable, and the Kaituna River at its most exciting levels make December prime time for summer rafting in Rotorua. It’s also the one month when both sides of the Tasman are on holiday together.
Kiwis are kicking off their NZ summer holiday, and most Australian states break for summer school holidays from mid-December.
New Zealand Christmas weather is proper early-summer stuff: warm days, long evenings, and the odd passing shower. That’s ideal white-water rafting summer weather, since you’re getting wet either way.
Our river is different to most. There are no rocks, just big waterfalls and big pools in between, which means low water levels in the summer, calmer pools for cruising and swimming, and taller, steeper waterfalls for more adrenaline and excitement!
On the water, Kaituna River conditions in December are hard to beat. The river flows out of Lake Rotoiti and through deep, warm-water canyons before it drops over the 7-metre Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. In 50 action-packed minutes, you’ll take on 14 Grade 5 rapids with a guide who knows this river inside out.
As for Kaituna rafting weather in December, you don’t need to pack much. We provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, and life jackets, so bring your togs and a towel. We operate under Adventure Mark auditing and hold Qualmark endorsement. With controlled river levels due to the control gates at the exit of the lakes, the river seldom floods. But if heavy rain ever floods the Kaituna, our back-up trip on the Rangitaiki River keeps your day on track. Check our River Conditions page before you head out.
For most of us, the summer holiday starts in December, and so do the road trips, family catch-ups, and end-of-year work dos. December rafting in New Zealand slots neatly into all of it.
If you’re planning to visit New Zealand in December, the timing lines up nicely with your school holidays. Here’s when summer break starts in 2026:
| State or territory | Summer holidays start |
|---|---|
| NT | 11 December |
| QLD and SA | 12 December |
| NSW and WA | 18 December |
| VIC, ACT and TAS | 19 December |
Christmas to New Year is our busiest stretch, so starting your break early gives you more trip-time options. Prices are in NZD, so factor that into your budget for a summer vacation in New Zealand.
Most trans-Tasman flights land in Auckland. From there, hire a car or campervan for the roughly three-hour drive (our base has heaps of room for campervans), catch a short domestic flight to Rotorua, or take the coach.
A Kaituna River trip in December takes about two hours from check-in to finish, so there’s plenty of day left. Our Mud Baths & Rafting Combo ($210) pairs the falls with the geothermal mud pools and sulphur spas at Hell’s Gate, the perfect wind-down after the rapids.
Before or after your trip, walk the Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve track to the viewing platforms and watch rafts go over Tutea Falls, named for the chief Tutea, whose resting place lies in a cave along the track. Our photographer captures every big drop, and the digital photo pack is $50.
Day 1: Land in Auckland and head south to Rotorua. Settle in with an easy evening by the lake.
Day 2: Morning rafting on the Kaituna, then an afternoon soaking it off at Hell’s Gate with the combo.
Day 3: Explore Rotorua at your own pace, from the Skyline luge to the Redwoods forest walks, before heading back to Auckland.
Not at all. The Kaituna is lake-fed with warm, sheltered canyons, and we provide wetsuits.
Yes. Kaituna River rafting in December is in high demand, especially for groups and the popular morning slots. Book online to lock in your time and save.
Check live availability on our booking calendar or get in touch with the team. We are 100% closed on Christmas Day only, but open every other day.
Yes. Allow about a three-hour drive each way, plus about two and a half hours with us. It’s a big day, so an overnight in Rotorua is more relaxed.
The Kaituna is a Grade 5 river, so age and health conditions apply. You need to be 13 or older, fit and healthy, under 120 kg, and comfortable floating in deep water.
Rafting isn’t suitable during pregnancy, and please tell us about any heart conditions or major health issues before you book, as some rule out Grade 5. Not sure if it’s right for you? Give us a call.
Whether you’re rounding up the work crew or flying in from across the ditch, December’s long days and full summer timetable make it the perfect time to take on Tutea Falls with the original Kaituna crew, rafting since 1991.
Lock in your date before the holidays kick off. Book your Kaituna River rafting trip or get in touch with our team.
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.
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!
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