KAITUNA RIVER
whitewater RAFTING
$125pp
monthly special
ROTORUA ZIPLINE + RAFTING COMBO:
Kaituna Rafting – Rotorua’s Most Iconic White Water Experience
This is Kaituna River Rafting with Rotorua Rafting - where adrenaline, culture, and nature come together in an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.
Located just outside Rotorua, Ōkere Falls and the Kaituna River is our backyard and our playground. With an all-time team and decades of guiding experience, we’ll take you on a journey through 14 exciting rapids and three epic waterfalls - including Tutea Falls (7m), the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world - all set within steep gorges and lush native bush.
But this isn’t just a bucket list tick.
Kaituna Rafting is about full immersion - into the sights, sounds and power of a river that carries deep cultural significance. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-timer, you’ll be in safe, passionate hands with our hand-picked crew.
Expect good yarns, heart-pumping adventure, and a real connection to the Ōkere Awa - and the people who call it home.
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history
largest
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Features + Highlights
Highest Rafted Waterfall
Raft over the Famous 7 metre Tutea Falls
Grade 5 Rafting
14 epic rapids weaved through native bush and steep gorges.
World-Class Equipment
Top-tier gear for your safety and comfort.
Eco-Tourism Activity
Be apart of our sustainability journey.
Cultural Connection
Guided by the stories of our sacred river, Kaituna.
2 Hour Adventure
1hour of river time, allow 2 hours round trip.
Transport Available
We offer transport from Central Rotorua. From $15pp.
Photo Packages
Rewatch the action with the help of our pro photographers. Available for purchase post trip.
join us for the most epic rotorua adventure on the kaituna today!
Trip Details
Your Kaituna River Rafting adventure starts right here in Ōkere Falls, Rotorua.
From the moment you arrive at Rotorua Rafting’s base, everything is streamlined to make your experience easy, exciting, and unforgettable. Check-in is quick and hassle-free — you'll meet your guide, get a rundown of what to expect, and be fitted with top-of-the-line gear including wetsuits, helmets, and personal flotation devices. Then it's time to head to the river.
trip times
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most popular questions...
Have a Different Question?
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Yes — no experience is required. Our guides are highly trained and will talk you through everything. You’ll be briefed before and during the trip, and safety is always our top priority.
Not at all! Many of our guests have never rafted. Your guide will give a full safety briefing, gear training, and paddling instruction before you start, so you’re ready from the get-go!
We’re located at 761 State Highway 33 in Ōkere Falls—about 20 minutes from central Rotorua. We do offer a pickup/drop off service for $15 per person, but most rafters find it more convenient to drive directly to our base and utilise our safe and free parking!
We set our maximum weight at 130 kg for safety reasons. It’s not just about numbers—a proper fit into our safety gear is essential. Our wetsuits range from XXS to XXXXL.
An average level of fitness is preferred for your comfort, however, you don’t need to be an athlete! As long as you're in good health and comfortable with light-moderate activity, you’ll be ready to enjoy the experience. If you have any specific concerns, feel free to reach out!
Nope! We take many non-swimmers rafting who thoroughly enjoy their experience on the river. Every rafter is equipped with a personal flotation device (PFD), a crucial piece of gear specifically designed to help keep you afloat if you end up in the water. During check-in and after the safety briefing, we make sure non-swimmers fully understand the risks and feel comfortable with the possibility of being in the water. Rest assured, though, help is always close by with our guides and safety on the river.
