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
Kaituna Whitewater Rafting
Raft the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall! 7 Meter Tutea Falls. 3hr Round Trip. Kaituna River in Rotorua
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Reviews
756 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun activity
Traveler06257268316,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was fun and safe, the rafting guide has full of energy also telling respectful stories.
White water rafting
981kayleed,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time white water rafting, and the whole experience was an absolute thrill from start to finish. The waterfalls were a real highlight especially the 7-meter drop, which was incredibly exciting. On one of the smaller waterfalls, I even got to sit on the nose of the raft. It was terrifying at first but also so much fun, and I was proud to have held on the entire time! We even got to get out of the raft and swim down one of the rapids which was so much fun. Our guide, Ben, truly made the experience unforgettable. He was extremely knowledgeable, reassuring, and very funny, which kept the atmosphere light while making us feel completely safe throughout the trip. Thanks to his expertise and great energy, the adventure was both exhilarating and comfortable. I would highly recommend this rafting experience to anyone looking for excitement and unforgettable memories. The whole trip was around 1.5-2 hours long and so much fun. On the TripAdvisor website we paid $75 per person which was a very reasonable price for the experience we had. We went with around 20 people and everyone was so nice and hyping everyone up.
Top experience
Seaside24122731962,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience, guides very fun and they made sure we were all safe. You will have a lot of fun, I was a bit scared beforehand but you won’t regret it!
Best experience in NZ. No need to be afraid.
kwnstantinosv123,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was definetely the best experience that we had in New Zealand. It was so fun. Before i got there, i was a bit afraid but the professionals and especially Jackie explained everything very good and I felt that i know what i have to do in order to be safe. It was just amazing! I can definetely recommend it.
Exciting, thrilling, do it!
Kara Y,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant experience!! Booked this for myself and my partner for our last day in NZ. Saved the best until last. Very well organised, great staff, all equipment provided. Our guide was Caruzo, brilliant fun and clearly very experienced. Teamed up with team Europe, Uk, France, Italy and Germany, we all loved it! Would highly recommend! Great waterfalls and rapids. Only trouble being, that I don’t think anything else will match this😁
Total bucket list experience!
H3015SZrebeccag,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic team, really clear and supportive - especially of those who were a little unsure. Jack steered us brilliantly down all the rapids and we really appreciated his skill, encouragement and stories. Highly recommend this company - beautiful manakitanga and a really experienced team.
Really fun time rafting...
Ariel A,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really fun time rafting with Kaituna. Reiya was an incredible guide and made sure we knew all that we needed to go down the falls safely.
An excellent adventure like few in the world
Ilsolebergamo,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent everything. The guide, the attention of all the staff, and, above all, a unique experience in the world. While Rotorua also has other attractions, it would be worth coming to Rotorua just to do this rafting. We felt at all times very careful and made easy what, prior to the experience, seemed very difficult and dangerous. We've done other rafts of lower grades than this (which is grade 5), and we had experiences not as good as this. A must-see excursion.
Surprise Rafting
Happiness07566077384,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. It was a surprise experience for the teens. They didn't know what we were going to do until we got there. They absolutely loved it, and so did us adults
Fun filled day
Curiosity46738677468,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great people...great experience...safe and fun...Thank you guyzz...wish to do it again ..highly recommended..Thanks
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa