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
Pickup included
Rangitaiki River Rafting
Light Lunch Provided
Rangitaiki White Water Rafting: Rafting the Rangitāiki River! 6hr round trip river located in Murupara NZ
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Reviews
788 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Adrenaline rush in fabulous river gorge
SomersetCyclist2,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A definite thrill ride not for the feint hearted. A very enjoyable experience. All staff are helpful, kit you out with wet suits and safety gear quickly. They do thorough briefings of what to expect and how to react. You have plenty of practice of the correct positions to maintain over deep waterfall. My boat flipped and I was caught in back wash of waterfall. I remembered to curl up and came up under boat which was a relief as we had been alerted to this situation. Then there were plenty of fun exercises to make sure you had a fabulous time. Well organised, clear on safety and determined to give you a great experience.
Epic adventure
Jennifer B,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So much fun! Definitely a must do in Rotorua. Our guide, Kyle, told us all about the area's history and Māori culture.
Thrilling river adventure!
jenniferpang808,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Must do in Rotorua! Our guide, Kyle, was fantastic. Not only did we have a thrilling adventure, we learned about the history of the Māori in the area. We also started with an oli. It was exciting and yet I felt safe the whole time as the guides kniw the river well. Definitely jump in and swim the last rapid, it is super fun.
Experience of a lifetime
Curious00762031679,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From beginning to end the rafting experience was amazing. Reiya was as incredible instructor and we had a lot of fun. Going over the falls was incredible! Would do it again forsure!!
Adventure on the white water
GrandTour47525145253,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly, skilled, competent leaders who explained everything clearly and guided us safely throughout the trip. Exciting and exhilarating experience that does require physical exertion. Ben and Caruso assisted us whenever we struggled with something and we felt secure under their guidance . Recommend if you like adventure and getting out of your comfort zone
Mega Event
Navigate46952106612,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just great. We were out with friends who didn't want to swim. Everything was made possible. Our guide was experienced and afterwards there were great photos. Immediately again👍
Fun experience
VictoriaT592,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the rafting trip during our stay in Rotorua and it was really fun and the entire staff was great - they are all very enthusiastic and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. We had Gilly as our rafting guide and he was great. I was nervous at first with the drops but he made us feel totally prepared. Highly recommend!
Best Day Ever!!
corporatec729,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience, best day of our lives. Super fun and adrenaline filled epic adventure. Fantastic crew, Cant wait to do it again......
Exhilarating adventure.
760kristieg,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely incredible, exhilarating experience for our family. Pristine water, thrilling adventure, competent and capable guides/staff. A must do experience for families with teens. Bought is so close together having this shared experience, working together to achieve a common goal. Highly recommend. And the price was incredible- cheap deals on Book Me. I would 100% do it again.
It was amazing!!
356nelew,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience!!! The tourguide was very cool and made it it a once in a lifetime experience. Would definitely do it again!!!
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa