Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Kaituna River Whitewater Rafting in Rotorua stands out for its blend of big-water fun and deep connection to place. Drop the world-famous Tutea Falls (7 m/22 ft) and surf a lively gorge while local & Māori guides share whakapapa (genealogy and stories of place), tikanga (customs and protocols) and the river’s cultural significance. We keep groups small as possible, supply premium cold-weather gear, and include central hotel pick-up. Pro photos available, book here for adrenaline, scenery and authentic stories you won’t find elsewhere.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience Kaituna River Whitewater Rafting in Rotorua with convenient pick-up from central hotels including the i-SITE/Information center 30 mins before your selected time. Travel to our rafting base set among the last towering kahikatea stand, meet our professional local & Māori guides for a thorough safety briefing, and gear up with wetsuits, helmets, booties and life vests. After being transported to the Kaituna River, hit the water for an exciting journey on a lively stretch of whitewater with more than a dozen rapids and drops, including iconic Tutea Falls (7 m/22 ft). Navigate a steep volcanic gorge cloaked in native forest as your guides share the river’s stories, cultural significance. Back at base, change into dry clothes, relax, and preview professional photos captured during your run (available to purchase) before return transfers to your starting point. Learn about kaitiakitanga (guardianship), tikanga (protocols), and the awa’s (river's) cultural significance to iwi (local tribe).
What‘s Included
Professional Kiwi Guide
100% Pure NZ Kaituna Rafting! (2hr round trip)
Free Hotel/Motel Transfer
Professional Adventure Photographer
Food and drinks
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Rangitaiki River Rafting
Light Lunch Provided
Rangitaiki White Water Rafting: Rafting the Rangitāiki River! 6hr round trip river located in Murupara NZ
Pickup included
Kaituna Whitewater Rafting
Raft the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall! 7 Meter Tutea Falls. 3hr Round Trip. Kaituna River in Rotorua
Pickup included
Reviews
770 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Warm and wet!
223as,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very accommodating for what I wanted. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This beats everything. A must-do!
W6042ALrobertv,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is really a must-do on your trip to New Zealand. We already had some rafting experience but "this beats everything!" Good and friendly guidance, laid back vibe and waterfalls in the category: awesome, super, mega. Just do it!
An Unforgettable First Rafting Adventure!
Freedom51878789116,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing first rafting experience! The guides were professional and friendly, making the whole trip feel safe and super fun. The rapids were thrilling, and the scenery was beautiful. Definitely something I’d love to do again!
Amazing experience!!
Nomad559742,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience! The guides are fun and very knowledgeable. The whole tour was great and going down the waterfall was amazing! Highly recommended!
Unforgettable experience!
riahuxley1,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely unreal experience white water rafting for the first time! Our guide Cobber was amazing and made it super memorable. Would highly recommend doing this if visiting Rotorua.
An amazing white water experience!
Jane L,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, safety conscious, enthusiastic and helped make this an unforgettable white water experience!
Really fun down the rapids
cleoc154,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First time white water rafting. Survived and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There were four rafts going together and our guide was fantastic. At places, I was fully submerged. There was an opportunity to swim a rapid. I skipped as I am not much a swimmer. The only downside was I came away a bit motion sick, but I get motion sick snorkeling even.
Amazing
Culture58792497778,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing would do it again! Love all the information they gave and so so helpful! Thank you to our amazing guides and everyone who came with us
Old American White Water Junky
Voyage24553291527,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The entire team buys in on guess safety and the importance of the Maori culture. Polite professionals that enjoy and respect the river while playing hosts. KUDOS!
Experience the best river guide in the world
emilv604,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent 5 star experience, simple and easy booking process, Aoife our river guide is the best in the world of river rafting - she was courageous, professional, high energy and fun. Highly recommended 👍
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa