We run three main missions every day at 9:00 am, 11:45 am, and 2:30 pm. During the peak of summer, you can also catch our 4:30 pm tour if you are driving yourself to the base. You should plan for about 2.5 hours in total for the full experience from start to finish.
You can find us at our sweet rafting base located at 18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074. We have plenty of space to hang out, so show up ready for an epic day on the water.
Lock in for a Grade 5 white-water mission perfect for anyone aged 13 and over. If you have younger legends aged 10 to 12 in tow, our Grade 3 Youth option keeps the fun going at a slightly lower intensity.
Safety is our priority on the river.
Warning: This trip is NOT suitable for pregnant women or anyone with a heart condition. Our weight limit is 120kg. You just need to be fit, healthy, and ready to get wet.
We hook you up with everything needed for a legendary run. Our crew provides custom-built rafts and entertaining guides who know these rapids inside out. Every rafter gets a full kit including wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, paddles, warm fleece tops, booties, and splash jackets.
The fun starts at our riverside base before you even hit the water. Make use of our free off-street parking, picnic tables, and chill-out areas. You can even get a game going at the volleyball net or head straight to the river via our private access.
Just pack your swimwear, shorts, and a solid sense of adventure. We are a GoPro-friendly crew, so bring your camera along if you have a chest-mount harness.
If you forget anything, we have you covered at the base. You can rent a towel for $5 or a GoPro strap for $5. We also have a professional photographer on the river, and you can grab the full pack of digital photos for $40 after your tour.
The Kaituna River is a world-famous magnet for adventure seekers from Rotorua, Auckland, and all over New Zealand. Flowing from Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti out to the Bay of Plenty, this river serves up the most exciting rapids in the country.
Our playground on the upper section is the Okere River. You will navigate a stunning native bush canyon packed with local wildlife and massive drops. This stretch delivers a heavy-hitting mix of powerful Grade 5 rapids and natural beauty. It is easily the top white-water experience on the North Island.
Your search for the best white water rafting in Rotorua or near Auckland ends right here at the riverbank.
Our whitewater rafting trips cater for almost anyone, even the young at heart, making a Kaituna Cascades gift voucher the perfect gift idea.
You can personalize the voucher by adding names and even include a small message.
Still unsure on what experience to gift them… Buy a gift card with a custom monetary amount for them to spend on there rafting trip, photo’s or merchandise! 12month Validity!
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.
Expect a high-energy white-water mission just outside Rotorua. You will tackle legendary Grade 5 rapids and the famous 7-metre Tutea Falls, which is the highest commercially rafted waterfall on earth. Our expert crew guides you through a steep jungle canyon filled with non-stop rapids and stunning scenery. It stands as the most iconic rafting run in New Zealand for a reason.
No prior experience is necessary. This is a Grade 5 river, but it is perfectly suited for confident first-timers who are fit and comfortable in the water. We provide a full safety briefing and all the paddling instructions you need before we hit the first rapid. Your guide will be with you every step of the way to lead the line.
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours in total for the full experience. This covers your check-in, gear fitting, and the safety briefing. You will enjoy 50 to 60 minutes of continuous action on the river as we navigate the waterfall section and the surrounding rapids.
We manage risks through strict safety procedures and a team of highly trained, expert guides. Rafting is an authentic adventure with inherent risks, particularly on Grade 5 water. You will receive top-tier safety equipment and clear instructions on how to handle the rapids and what to do if you end up taking a swim.
Participants must be at least 13 years old for the main Grade 5 mission. For younger adventurers aged 10 to 12, we offer a Grade 3 “Youth” option. The maximum weight limit is 120kg. This activity is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with serious heart or medical conditions. You must be fit, healthy, and confident in the water.
Yes, we run the river every day of the year. The water stays warm through the summer and we hook you up with extra thermal gear during the winter months to keep the cold at bay. The sheltered canyon provides a great environment for rafting in any season, so the fun continues regardless of the weather.
Bring your swimwear, shorts, and a towel. We provide everything else at the base, including wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and booties. Feel free to bring your GoPro if you have a chest-mount harness. You can also rent towels and GoPro straps or buy the professional photo pack once we get back to the base.
© 2026 | Kaituna Cascades | All Rights reserved | Designed by 
