Kaituna River Rafting

Kaituna River Rafting

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Join us for one of the most unique and beautiful whitewater rafting experiences on earth!

The famous Kaituna River is a rafters dream – a 50 minute action packed ride down 11 wild rapids, 3 epic waterfalls – One of which is the highest rafted waterfall in the world.

All of this in a deep, usually warm water jungle canyon!

Cheers for supporting local tourism

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3 Kaituna River Tutea falls rafting
Map of Kaituna

White Water Rafting Rotorua

Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand’s most exciting and beautiful rivers!

Experience the thrills and spills of the mighty Kaituna River as we take on the world famous 7 meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall.

Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy a 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids in a tight and twisting warm water jungle canyon.

This is a white water enthusiasts dream and is a must do for adrenaline junkies and 1st time rafters alike!

No prior experience is necessary as you will be given full and comprehensive training.

All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of fun and adventure, swimwear and a towel.

Come Join us and our awesome crew!

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The Kaituna River

The Kaituna River is famous the world over for its white-water rafting and kayaking rapids, with people travelling from Auckland and further afield every day to experience the thrills. However, there is much more to this stunning river, too.

The river runs for 45km from Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, eventually opening up in the Bay of Plenty. Almost every stretch of the river is stunning, particularly the upper section that is commonly referred to as the Okere River. It offers fantastic views with an abundance of natural wildlife.

As for rafting and kayaking, it is paradise on earth. Whether heading into one of the fastest moving sections of the river or down Tutea or Okere Falls, rafting here is an experience like no other. Plus, with our excellent guides, you don’t need any experience.

We often say that the Kaituna River offers the best white water rafting experience anywhere near the Auckland area. That statement doesn’t even do these rapids justice, though, as you’d be hard-pressed to find a better white water rafting experience anywhere in the country.

So, your search for white water rafting in Auckland is over – start planning your trip to Rotorua today.

Check in Time

Daily at 9am, 11:45am and 2.30pm. (We also offer a 4:30pm tour in the summer months - self drive only!)

Duration

A 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids and the worlds highest rafted waterfall. Allow 2.5 hours in total.

Availability

All year! - Warm water in the summer and cooler in the winter (more gear provided).

Location

18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, Rotorua, New Zealand. Our base is located on the banks of the Kaituna River and there are no long bus rides or waiting around in wet suits! Arrive early and take a stroll down the beautiful Okere Falls Scenic Reserve walking track. With multiple viewing platforms of the river, and its many waterfalls, it’s the perfect pre-rafting activity!

Conditions

Grade 5 rafting trip 13+ years - Grade 3 option available for 10 - 12 year olds at $70pp. NOT SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. Recommended maximum weight is 120kgs - must be fit and healthy.

We Provide

The most entertaining & fun guides to be on the river with (and safest.), custom built rafts, wet suits, helmets, life jackets, paddles, warm fleece tops, wet suit booties and splash jackets. There is also heaps of free off street parking - a volleyball net, loads of picnic tables and chill areas - with access to the river !

Price Includes

Includes free shuttle to and from Rotorua - Bookings essential.

What to bring

Swimwear, Shorts, Towel & a sense of adventure! We are GoPro friendly so feel free to bring yours along with a chest harness attachment.

Minimum Numbers

No Minimum

Gallery

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Health & Safety

We are taking all precautionary safety measures to give you a safe (and amazing) trip down our iconic Kaituna River, Wairoa & Rangitaiki Rivers. However River Rafting is an adventure activity with a degree of risk which increases with the grade of rapids. Rafts can capsize, and people may fall out of the raft in fast flowing & violent water, people may be injured.
The Kaituna & Wairoa River’s are class 5 rivers and both have waterfalls and hard rapids.
Grade 5 = Very difficult rapids, High-powerful-irregular waves, difficult to negotiate, the extreme for commercial operations. This said – The Kaituna river is an amazing river & is normally good for most fit and healthy people”

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT KAITUNA CASCADES CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY.

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  • star rating  Our favorite part was the whole trip! We took our work social club from Auckland down to Rotorua for the day and this company was amazing at hosting us. We... read more

    Ekesas15
    May 23, 2021
  • star rating  Great fun. Instructors were really nice and fun. River was fun and the instructors made it even better.

    Z857NXjamieg
    April 3, 2022
  • star rating  Amazing experience with a wonderful team. Our guide Peter is so fun and sensible. he made sure we all understand the safety guidelines along with having an epic adventure. Thank... read more

    Nelz
    January 1, 2022
  • star rating  I loved going over the falls. It was a cold day but they gave us good gear and I had a great time. Also, our guides were capable but funny... read more

    Trina-Castle
    May 14, 2022
  • star rating  Blue is an awesome guide, great experience! Highly recommended x this was my first rapid rafting trip. Loved it!

    WillieDevine1
    July 9, 2022
  • star rating  Best experience ever! Awesome energetic crew and supervisors. Highly recommend even in the winter time!

    lilyp683
    May 14, 2021
  • star rating  Had boys trip and this was our first stop. Went down the river with Blu, he was awesome and gave us a great experience. Would definitely recommend going with Kaituna... read more

    jasony520
    January 1, 2022
  • star rating  Thoroughly recommend this company for an amazing adventure on the Kaituna river. Even though I was too nervous to do the waterfall, Blue made me feel very welcome and our... read more

    RichardsFive
    January 1, 2022
  • star rating  What a great experience this was and so much fun and laughter. Kaituna Cascades are thoroughly professional in every way and Cole was a fantastic rafting guide. ... read more

    KiwiPalmer
    April 4, 2022
  • star rating  What an amazing experience. Great staff, very skilled and knowledgeable. Enjoyed and Will book again in a few months. Cannot recommend enough.

    jayhale1969
    February 1, 2022
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