Rotorua White Water Sledging | Kaitiaki Adventures + Transport
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Regardless of skill level, you are bound to have the experience of a lifetime on this white-water sledging adventure from Rotorua. White-water sledging — also called riverboarding or hydrospeeding — lets you take charge of your own vessel as you twist and turn down the rapids while propelled by the flippers on your feet. Trained guides are available on the Okere River to encourage, motivate, and help you when necessary.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Free central Rotorua pick-up makes this whitewater sledging experience easy from the start. There’s something for everyone on this unforgettable river adventure, from stunning native scenery to playful hydraulics and exciting rapids. Experience the Kaituna River at eye level as you take control of your own sled, propelled by flippers on your feet for a truly hands-on ride. Our experienced Kiwi guides are right there with you on the river, offering encouragement, tips, and support every step of the way. With no prior experience needed, it’s the perfect mix of fun, challenge, and confidence-building — ideal for families, first-timers, and adventure seekers alike. This is whitewater, up close and personal; fun, immersive, and unlike anything else.
Options
Rotorua White Water Sledging | Kaitiaki Adventures + Transport
Option 1: Take on the river at eye level! Play holes and awesome rapids to negotiate your way through as you are in charge of your own vessel – propelled by the flippers on your feet. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Professional Adventure Photographer
Amazing Kaituna Sledging (2hr round trip)
Professional Kiwi Guide
All River/Safety Equipment Provided
Free Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
100 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fast and fun time on the river!
Heather B,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exciting and challenging! A different way to play in the river. The guides were fantastic and made it a great experience.
We didn’t flip 😀
L5355QQrobyns,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great crew, good communication by our skipper.
Sledging down the white water
NewDiscoveries7,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The white water sledging was an amazing experience. Being in the white water was a lot of fun. The guides were excellent. Always seemed to be in the right place and they all worked well as a unit. Never felt uncomfortable during the tour. Thanks to Cobba, Reiya, Aoife, Ginny and Maea!
Excellent guides who were...
Yvonne T,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guides who were proficient and very helpful. An exhilarating experience and would recommend if you like adventure and are not afraid of the water.
A-MAZING!
Daphne A,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved it! Our guides (Ben and Caruso and Shenae) were fabulous! They helped us feel comfortable and safe. They learned all our names and made a personal connection. Sledging didn’t disappoint. We would definitely do it again!
Best day of my vacation!
dentistmom,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a rush! The sledging experience was what I was most looking forward to in visiting NZ for the first time! I have been a water rat my whole life and usually go boogie boarding when I visit my family in San Diego California. This was very different and exciting. Our guides Jackie and James were great at making the experience safe and exhilarating. I had a little trouble with understanding their nz accents and I am 62 so I may be losing some of my hearing, but they were great at repeating things slowly so I could follow directions. We all got the hang of sledging pretty quick. I will definitely do it again. They picked us up on time and its a pretty well oiled operation. Just do it!
Sledging with Kaitiaki Adventures in Rotorua
christinemW7551YI,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sledging in Rotorua was a physical challenge even for those much younger than myself. The guides were awesome in supporting me by aiding me through the first few rapids with a push/pull when I got stuck getting out of the rapids and into the clam waiting area. After traversing a few rapids/falls I started to get the hand of the river flow. Normally the rapids are class 3 and 4 but since we were in the midst of a huge rainstorm the rapids were now a class 4 and 5. The adrenaline pumped and the joy of sledging was felt. Kaitiaki Adventures, has a first class team from start to finish during our experience. If you are an adrenaline junkie and near Rotorua, New Zealand this is a must do activity.
10/10 experience
Jade B,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. The guides were fantastic and made me feel like I was in very safe hands the entire time. You do need confidence in your swimming ability and a reasonable level of fitness. I was a little nervous at the start, but it ended up helping me tick off some fears and personal goals. So glad I did it.
Safety and fun mixed
hayden428,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Guides were knowledgeable and safety was their number one concern. After going down the river, we get why. Had a blast. Little more work than we thought it was going to be but none the less, we had a blast
Fantastic.
danielwS9898CS,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day. We started with sledging which we thought would be just sliding down the river a little easy. It was so much cooler than we thought. If you get the chance to take it. Rafting is also cool. Really fun rapids with the 7m fall as the icing on the cake. 😍. The element of Mauri culture made it even better. Thank you Jackie, Ben and Connor for making our day great.
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Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa