Kaituna White-Water Rafting Adventure: Conquer 14 Rapids and World’s Highest Rafted Waterfall

Conquer 14 rapids and experience the thrill of rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Join us on a 2-hour white-water adventure on the Kaituna River in New Zealand’s native forest.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 780 State Highway 33 - After pickup from any hotel in central Rotorua at your selected departure time, set off for a wild ride on the Kaituna River. Hop into your transport vehicle to the picturesque rafting base in the Kahikitea Forest, where river guides provide a full safety briefing. Once you’ve slipped into special clothing to keep you warm, grab your paddle, helmet, and life vest for the exciting journey ahead on the white water.\n\nYou’ll paddle over more than a dozen rapids, including the impressive Tutea Falls, a cascade that boasts a 22-foot drop with adrenaline overload. Pass through a steep canyon lined by subtropical native forest while you learn to navigate the thrilling white water.\n\nWhen you’re safely back on shore, you’re delivered back to the base where you can ‘chill out’ for a bit and view souvenir photos snapped by a professional photographer (available to purchase). Change into dry clothes and relax while transferred to your starting point.
What's Included
  • Guidance by a professional Kiwi guide.
  • Experience 100% Pure NZ Kaituna Rafting on a 2-hour round trip.
  • Complimentary hotel or motel transfer included.
  • Capture your adventure with a professional photographer.
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Navigate 14 rapids with cascades varying from 3 to 22 feet (1 to 7 meters), including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Traverse through deep, forested canyons and New Zealand’s indigenous woodland, perfectly suited for both seasoned rafters and beginners. Expert river guides deliver a comprehensive safety orientation along with top-notch clothing and gear for this 2-hour exhilarating journey on the Kaituna River.

  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Location
1135 Te Ngae Road
Te Ngae Road
Please arrive at our raft base for check in
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(612 Ratings)
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Tkremic
Aug 17, 2024
Awesome - The team here was amazing, they made a great atmosphere and fun. All new to rafting and they made us feel awesome. Best adventure we will be back for our next adventure “Sledging” Thank you from us to your team.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gim_j
Aug 17, 2024
Very special and unique experience! - GIM and Son participated 13th August 14:30. And we joined with Captain Jack. Unfortunately the files you had send to me were erased. So could you please send files once again to [email protected]. I just only need the CAPTAIN JACK`S FILE. Thank you so much.
Review provided by Viator
Iona_b
Aug 13, 2024
Super fun and thrilling adventure - This was so much fun! The team made sure we were well looked after whilst having the most amount of fun possible. I loved going down the waterfalls and surfing in the rapids. Also the pick up and drop off to and from our accommodation was ideal.
Review provided by Viator
Leiferik_e
Jul 9, 2024
GREAT RAFTING! - Amazing rafting! Recommend it for everyone. Jack was a great guide and captain of our rafting boat. Best rafting I’ve done
Review provided by Viator
Steviem963
Jul 9, 2024
Great fun with a great crew - Such an amazing experience! Our tour guides were great at keeping us excited despite being very professional and clearly experienced. They got us kitted up and gave really clear & useful safety information — I thought it was pretty impressive that they managed to make the risks clear without scaring us off. The rafting itself was super fun and didn’t require much skill beyond listening to instructions. The environment was gorgeous & the water actually wasn’t as cold as expected! 10/10 recommend. Thanks to Harry & the Boss Man for making it so fun (Monday afternoon 8/7/24). Also, buying the photos at the end was very reasonably priced!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
876cassandrae
Jul 9, 2024
Don’t be afraid, embrace the chill - My husband and I had an incredible experience white water rafting with KAITIAKI Rafting Rotorua. Our captain, Jaq, was amazing—his enthusiasm and helpfulness made me feel at ease, even though it was my first time rafting. His positive energy truly enhanced the adventure, and he even let us partake in a Māori prayer, which I found beautiful and moving. Chucky, our bus driver/photographer/sick as tour guide, was also fantastic. She had a great vibe, took awesome photos which required her to run after our raft the whole trip, it is truly something we appreciated. This was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. The natural surroundings were breathtaking, and I recommend rafting in the winter. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being cold together, with the fresh, beautiful water all around. I highly recommend KAITIAKI Rafting Rotorua to anyone seeking an unforgettable New Zealand adventure. Don’t be afraid to go in the winter!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
809vinniej
Jul 6, 2024
Unforgettable Experience - It was an amazing experience, With epic people. They made my partner who was very scared feel safe and she had the most epic experience. Our guide Captain Jack was the an for the job and made it an unforgettable trip. I couldn't recommend these guys enough and it's so cheap for what you get!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L1911kmsarahm
Jul 1, 2024
Amazing white water rafting experience - I went with my 2 boys and my Mum. We all had the most amazing time. Everyone was friendly and helpful right from pick up to drop off. Captain Jack was awesome, his knowledge and expertise made the whole experience. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it definitely was above my expectations. I wish I could have done it again before I left
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahhb7442ts
May 31, 2024
Awesome experience - Such a good morning, the whole crew were fun, super nice and obviously loved what they did. Rafting was exhilarating and you always felt in good hands. Jack (Captain Jack) our rafting guide was epic, knowledgable and made sure everyone had a good time! I’d recommend this to everyone in Rotorua! It was a privilege to raft down the Kaituna with such significant Māori heritage and a beautiful river too! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightsee30311303171
May 24, 2024
The worst experience till today - We did rafting for more than 6 times in newzealand this was the first time with kaitaiki & I think it will be the last time our guide ( jack ) was osm but the other guys NICK was the worst if you get any wounds while rafting don't expect a single thing from Them. Some of the guys are really Rude ...I'll post a video soon on my YouTube chanel for the whole incident.ill make sure they will take some strict action against the guys which I have mentioned ..nothing to do with the team there are some staff member who need to get proper training .....
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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