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 Adventure Photographer
Professional Kiwi Guide
100% Pure NZ Kaituna Rafting! (2hr round trip)
Free Hotel/Motel Transfer
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
800 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome
Explore20826281538,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun and awesome crew. Very respectful of nature and excellent customer service.
Never received photo package that I paid for
Ping X,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I paid extra $40 for the photo package while booking the trip for March 21st 8:30 am session. The trip was good but I have never received the link for my photo. I emailed to them a few days after the trip and didn’t get any response. Now it is March 31st and I’ve already back to U.S. I don’t know how to get hold of them. It is very disappointing and frustrating!
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
Wet & Wild Times
479geoffreyk,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an incredible experience rafting the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The gear was in great condition, no stinky wetsuits or flotation aids. The Guide in our boat Kyle was an absolute legend and so friendly! He navigated the rapids with skill and class. We surfed in some of the waves and got to laugh and enjoy the experience with everyone in our group! 10/10 recommend, I wish I could just do lap after lap on this beautiful river!
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa