Rotorua White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures + Transport
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Free central Rotorua pick-up sets this Kaituna River whitewater rafting experience apart, making your adventure seamless from the moment you book.
Take on the world-famous Tūtea Falls (7m), the highest commercially rafted waterfall on the planet, and ride a thrilling stretch of Grade 5 rapids through a native bush-clad volcanic gorge. What truly elevates this experience is the depth of connection to place, your local and Māori guides share rich cultural storytelling, including whakapapa (stories of place), tikanga (customs and protocols), and the significance of the awa to iwi.
We keep groups small for a more personal experience, provide premium cold-weather gear for comfort, and ensure every detail is taken care of from start to finish, including return transport and optional professional photos to capture the moment.
This is more than rafting; it’s a seamless, high-energy adventure grounded in authentic Māori storytelling and connection to the river.
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
Kiwi Guides with Māori Cultural storytelling
Private transportation
Changing Rooms with free storage to lock away belongs
Professional Adventure Photographer
FREE Hotel/Motel transfers
Food and drinks
Souvenir photos (available to purchase on-site)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kaituna Whitewater Rafting
Raft the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall! 7 Meter Tutea Falls. 3hr Round Trip. Kaituna River in Rotorua
Pickup included
Rangitaiki River Rafting
Light Lunch Provided
Rangitaiki White Water Rafting: Rafting the Rangitāiki River! 6hr round trip river located in Murupara NZ
Pickup included
Reviews
801 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing fun
Elemel1,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went rafting with our guide Uri and we had the best time. It was pretty scary at times but we felt safe in the hands of the expert team guiding us. Absolutely loved the rapids and waterfall drop. Defo recommend this trip for everyone seeking some fun and an unforgettable experience!
Nature and action at its best
katharinabU5607RX,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This rafting was absolutely stunning and adventurous. We had a really good time and Jackie our guide just made it perfect. We had so much fun and I loved the connection to nature combined with action. Would definitely do it again. Thank you.
Awesome
Explore20826281538,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun and awesome crew. Very respectful of nature and excellent customer service.
Best rafting ever!
AviedeAsis,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best rafting experience I've done! It was so fun going through that drop!!!
epic energy!
Compass54612050354,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00very well run. guides were so full of energy and made us feel safe the whole time. massive respect and props to kaitiaki adventures. also loved the karakias throughout the trip, made it feel super special
Amazing!!!
Oscar H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved this experience, the rafting was super cool. The company provided everything you could need and were full of friendliness, I would 100% recommend!
Hold on. If you can.
bradcX988GQ,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized and fun guides. We've done white water before where it is miles and hours of rapids. This is a flat out roller coaster ride of short calms and steep waterfalls. What a rush! "Paddle hard! Get down!! Yahoo!!!" Then that big wave crashes over the bow as we plunge down into the "washing machine" at the bottom. A truly unique brand of white water rafting with thrills usually reserved to crazy kayakers.
Splash Down
Jeffrey S,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. All the staff were friendly. Get wet and have a great time. Plenty of safety measures in place.
Totally epic
Kylieosborne,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally epic adventure. Felt very supported by the guides to ensure a great experience.
Amazing tour!
Venture62628901453,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely a must do!! The whole tour was amazing and the fact that you get pick up and dropped off at your hotel is the icing on the cake. I made new friends and survived a water fall drop haha
-15% off
From NZ$114.75Was NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa