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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.
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
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.
1,803 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Monika A,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
The raft is so much fun. The waterfall might sound really scarry but with the guides and your fellow paddlers it‘s great fun. In fact I would do it again. ☺️

Michelle R,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
Can’t say enough about this experience. We had Jack as our main guide and he was fantastic. We had mixed experience on our boat and I felt that he handled that beautifully. The experience was awesome and the beautiful surrounding were amazing. Highly recommend this to everyone visiting Rotorua. We liked it so much that we signed up for their zip lining the next day and it was just as awesome!! Johnny and Elise were great guides!! Really great company to work with.
Annie R,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
Awesome experience! Awesome customer service! All great provided. No lazy river here: this was rapids the whole time. Teens and adults loved it. We took this tour because a cousin has done it previously, and he absolutely loved it too. But I will say both he and one of my teens left with some war wounds on their faces--one got hit by an unsecured paddle and the other took someone's helmet to his face. But both said it was worth it.
Navigate15157834707,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Highly recommend. Amazing experience with fantastic guides. Very fun, professional and safe. I had never rafted and had such a great time!
Jeremiah H,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was one of the best experiences on our journey through New Zealand . It's a must do and they had amazing customer service even when we got caught in traffic! They made it happen. I would give more than 5 stars if I could
X1869MZkellyw,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!! The CREW ARE INCREDIBLE!!! We had the most spectacular day..from start to finish, the crew were amazing, made us feel so welcome, very informative, very safe, very motivating and so much fun. We were first timers and what a great company to have our first white water rafting adventure with. JUSTIN was our guide…Brilliant, funny, motivational, experienced, felt very safe. Was the BEST Day of our whole trip in New Zealand….we also purchased pics…which were brilliant, thank you, can’t wait to do it again and absolutely highest recommendation our guide Justin and for this company…Thanks for an amazing experience!!!!! Kelly and Kyle. Australia.
Carol G,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our rafting trip was excellent. Super fun and exhilarating, and the scenery is incredible. We have been rafting in a few different places and this was definitely the most beautiful and incredible with the 7m waterfall drop Our guide Justin was fun and knowledgeable and made the day fun for everyone. Highly recommend!!
Chintan P,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
Thrilling and breathtaking, somewhat scary but totally worth the experience. The highest commercial waterfall for rafting in the world id s must experience excursion.
O9964VVlizw,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an incredible experience! Such a beautiful area and amazing river. The guides were all wonderful. Didn't want it to end!
Aaron W,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
An amazing few hours! From start to finish this excursion was amazing. Our Rafter Jack was fantastic and the trip was full of thrills and laughs. Absolutely book if considering!
Operated by Rotorua Rafting