White water rafting in Okere Falls is one of New Zealand’s most exciting and renowned experiences.

Located close to Rotorua, these beautifully intense cascades pack a powerful punch for white water rafters, and require some serious teamwork to navigate! Yet, white water rafting isn’t the only thrill to be discovered at Okere Falls.

We at Kaituna Cascades explore them all in this blog, below.

The Okere Falls Track

The areas surrounding Okere Falls offer an array of picturesque bush walks that cater to all fitness levels. Our favourite is the dedicated Okere Falls Track; a 1.3 mile loop trail across a safe, well-maintained gravel path.

What makes this walk exciting is the fact that you can see three of New Zealand’s most amazing waterfalls en route! This includes the stunning Okere Falls themselves, Trout Pool Falls and Tutea Falls – which is the highest commercially raftable waterfall in the world!

The Grade 5 Rapids at Okere Falls

Grade 5 rapids often feature large, irregular waterfalls that are unpredictable and powerful. Rafters often find the Grade 5 rapids at Okere Falls to be remarkably exciting, and with the proper manoeuvring, the trip will put you through your paces without being too dangerous.

At Kaituna Cascades, we do prepare our customers that the white water in Grade 5 rapids can be turbulent, and a moderate level of skill or experience is required. You should know your paddling techniques, and be able to follow the guidance of your trip leader! We conduct a range of rafting expeditions across Rotorua, including through the mighty Tutea Falls through our starting point at Okere Falls.

The Rafters’ Exit Point, and the Benefits of Rafting at Okere Falls

The Rafters’ Exit Point is a fun spot at Okere Falls, where visitors walking the Falls Track can watch white water rafters in action. If you think the sport looks thrilling from a distance, it’s even better to attempt it for yourself! There are many benefits to rafting at sights like the beautiful Okere Falls. For example:

1. The Adrenaline Rush – White water rafting anywhere along the Kaituna River offers an adrenaline-pumping experience that gets your heart racing and your body up and running! Conquering rapids is an adventure, and one that brings you closer together with your fellow rafters.
2. The Sense of Achievement – Indeed, after rafting at Okere Falls, you’ll feel a great sense of achievement. There’s nothing better than the satisfaction that comes with going up against nature and winning! Of course, what matters most is overcoming your fears and mastering different skills; this can massively boost your self-esteem.
3. Your Connection with Nature – Rafting at Okere Falls allows you to connect with nature properly. You gain a new appreciation for the pristine beauty of New Zealand’s natural environment, and immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds and sensations of the nearby wilderness!

Looking to try white water rafting in Okere Falls? At Kaituna Cascades, we are the original Kaituna rafting company, and create unforgettable white water rafting experiences in Rotorua. To discover more about our services and how we can get your adventure started, please contact an experienced member of our team, today.