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The Roaring Rapids of Rotorua: Exploring the Kaituna River

 

The Kaituna river is infamous for heart-racing white water rafting in New Zealand, Rotorua. Ranked at an impressive Grade 5, rafters on the Kaituna river might experience large and choppy waves, roaring rapids and challenging obstacles like trees, rocks and steep gradients. That is to say, when you’re up to the task, white water rafting in Kaituna can be extremely rewarding. Discover more about Kaituna here, and how to prepare for a rafting experience safely.

The History of the Kaituna River

The Kaituna river is rich with vibrant Māori history, deeply connected to the Ngāti Pikiao people who once used the river for eeling and whitebaiting! In fact, Kaituna itself translates to ‘eat eels.’ And, Tutea Falls, the seven-metre drop that characterises the spirited Kaituna river, is named after Chief Tutea, who is buried there..

Although Kaituna is now the domain of avid white water rafters and outdoor enthusiasts, it has also been used for power generation across the years – a diverse, multi-purpose river indeed! 

The Kaituna river is a very special place to the local Iwi’s and raft guides alike – we love this place.

How to Prepare for the Experience

As the Kaituna is a Grade 5 white water river, it’s important that you prepare for the experience in advance. At Kaituna Cascades, we provide all of the safety equipment that you need to enjoy your journey without worry, but often times, rafting is about your mentality, too! It’s vital that you inform yourself of the risks that come with adrenalin-inducing rapids, and are prepared to deal with big obstacles on the move, hydraulics and boulders included. 

Once you’re prepared, nothing on the Kaituna river will faze you. 

What You Can Expect

Overall, on the Kaituna river, you can expect a whole lot of bumps, steep waterfalls, and blood-pumping thrills! That’s on top of all the rushing water. But, we always like to tell our customers at Kaituna Cascades about the beauty of Kaituna, too. There are sights and sounds along this river that are completely unique – it’s a one-of-a-kind experience unlike anywhere else on the planet. 

White water rafting in New Zealand, Rotorua is a must-do. 

Explore the Kaituna river at its most thrilling with the team at Kaituna Cascades, highly-recommended professionals in white water rafting across New Zealand, Rotorua. To book your own Kaituna river rafting adventure, check out our website or get in touch today.

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We pride ourselves on being the safest company on the river, while having all the fun…We are audited by Adventure Mark and comply with the New Zealand Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities 2017. We are also endorsed by Qualmark NZ!

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LET OUR RAFTERS TELL YOU ABOUT
THEIR TIME WITH US
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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KAITUNA CASCADES
RAFTING COMPANY

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!
CELLPHONE:
+64 27 276 5457
EMAIL:
[email protected]

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