Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Spend one adrenaline-crammed hour of white water rafting down the Kaituna River on this tour from Rotorua. Start at a spot where wild waters meet subtropical rainforests and canyons engraved in the earth. Raft over beautiful cascading waterfalls, including the stunning Tutea Falls, and even take the opportunity to do some swimming through some of the rapids. This tour is good for novice and expert rafters. Free Sauna included.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Age limit: Minimum 10 yrs. 10-12 yr olds, will partake in the half river experience. They will walk with the photographer to the half way point and join the raft below Tutea Falls.
Grade 5 action
1 hour is spent on the river, allow 2 hours for the trip.
During the summer months, the river can reach temperatures of 25 degrees.
Transfers from Rotorua, must be prebooked 24 hrs prior at a cost of $15pp by calling 0800 772 384.
By accepting this Risk Disclosure, you at this moment acknowledge that in participating on a trip run by Rotorua Rafting, there are inherent dangers and risks and that while Rotorua Rafting will use a high degree of skill in ensuring the safety and welfare of participants, it will not be responsible for loss, injury or damage sustained by a participant or their dependents in circumstances where the exercise of reasonable care could not have avoided such an event. While the staff and management of Rotorua Rafting will take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers, I acknowledge that I must follow the guide's instructions and use the safety equipment when instructed. If I am responsible for a person under 18, I must ensure that the underage person follows the Guides' instructions at all times. I release and indemnify Rotorua Rafting and its staff from any responsibility or consequences resulting from my failure to follow Rotorua Rafting instructions or the failure of any underage person accompanying me to follow the Guides' instructions. Rotorua Rafting reserves the right to withdraw any person who, in their opinion, is likely to endanger themselves or others. This exclusion includes the overuse of alcohol and/or recreational drugs. I also recognise that Rotorua Rafting reserves the right to cancel, modify, or curtail any trip if my safety or that of any other person becomes a concern. I am aware that Rafting is an Adventure Activity with a degree of risk inherent to the grade of the river being rafted, and participation in a “Rotorua Rafting Tour" may have extreme dangers and risks, some of which include: River Hazards - Rivers are dynamic environments with hidden risks in their natural state and have many obstacles and severe hazards that may not have been identified before, examined and identified Raft Flipping - which may frequently occur in certain rivers Weather - weather conditions may be extreme and change rapidly without warning. Vehicle - additional risks are posed by road travel. Conduct of the Guide - the behaviour of the Guide and the Guiding Staff and the conduct of other rafters. I willingly accept all the risks of rafting, including the risks described above and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or loss resulting from any reason. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of rafting are derived partly from rafting on grade 5 rivers. The inherent risks of rafting contribute to such joy and excitement. I accept that Rotorua Rafting is not responsible for any loss or damage to my property, disruption to travel plans, or mental injury. This exclusion is subject to any rights or remedies a customer has under Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2017 or any other New Zealand law. By accepting this Risk Disclosure, I confirm that I am of the Age of Majority and that I have read and understood this Agreement and agree that this Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and successors. If under 18 years, the parent or legal guardian must accept this Risk Disclosure.
Free Sauna
Weight limit of 130kg
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Rotorua Rafting
Experience the best rafting section in New Zealand on this exciting 2-hour white water rafting excursion from Rotorua. After getting a full safety briefing, including safety procedures and some tips, hop on the raft and get ready for some adrenaline-flowing fun. Float down a deep canyon on the Kaituna River, which is lined with beautiful New Zealand native flora. Admire the subtropical scenery while flowing down the river, which starts off with some easy white water. Then continue on where the river builds in difficulty. Eventually, float right under a couple of majestic waterfalls. Experience warm water, and amazing rapids with three waterfalls, including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world - the 23-foot (7-metre) Tutea Falls. Then head down the river for more action-packed rafting. After the tour, enjoy a hot shower and check out your faces on the big screen, as you enjoy seeing your professional photos.
Hotel pickup & drop-off available on request
All equipment (wetsuit, helmet, booties, buoyancy aid, paddle)
GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Professional rafting guide
Free Sauna
Swimwear and towel
Food & drinks
1,992 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jessica P,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
10/10 experience rafting! Awesome crew, great weather, highly recommend this tour. Highlight of our trip!
petermM8785MM,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
One of the best experiences I’ve been on. The guides and whole company were amazing. A must when in Rotorua. It was my first rafting experience and I was a little nervous, but the guides sense of humor really helped me out and I felt safe the entire time. You should for sure get in the water a drift along then the guide's say you can.

W1989HDjamesb,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wow!! This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The guides were epic, extremely good at their jobs and a good balance of professional and fun. On behalf of the students at Hillcrest High School, we sincerely thank you for making our experience one to remember.
Camper706531,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had amazing time in the river. None of us are good swimmers. Guide was very encouraging and let us have good time with safety as priority. They take all necessary precautions to watch. They take few rafts at the same time and watch one and another for the safety of the riders, at the same time let us have a good time.
Leigh C,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
Worth every penny. Excellent staff- guides were awesome- funny, skilled and knowledgeable. The river was stunning- an amazing sight that you wouldn’t otherwise see!
1sharkim1,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We did a combo Kaituna rafting trip and the remote hot springs pools only accessible by boat/plane. It was amazing. The rafting trip was really fun and a big adventure- they are not kidding about the big drops! I think it was the largest drop I’ve ever done for whitewater rafting. Super fun. We were also able to swim thru one of the rapids that really emphasized the power of the river. The hot spring pools were awesome too- we caught a boat that took us over Lake Rotoita to a very secluded spot with a number of different temp pools. Adults & kids alike jumped into the lake when the pools got too warm, going down a slide or jumping off a small wooden platform. We had so much fun and the pools were super relaxing. A great rafting/soaking combo that was one of the highlights of our trip so far!
Clare T,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
Brilliant 1st experience of White Water Rafting, over several waterfalls and rapids. Amazing instructors. Very informative but fun too. 100% recommend it
markbA7834JQ,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely a fantastic experience. I’ve been Whitewater river rafting in many places around the world, but this was by far the best experience, very safe, energetic and funny guides, warm water, and the thrill of a lifetime.
Scenic273104,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Bucket list stuff. Great experience nit gor faint hearted and in exoerienced hands with a obsession for their sport and what they were doing. Unforgettable!
yinglN5011FM,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
perfect experience, will do again with my children
Operated by Rotorua Rafting