Tongariro Thrills: Grade 3 Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Our Tongariro River expedition offers a unique blend of excitement and accessibility. Perfect for first-time rafters, the grade 3 rapids promise thrills and spills without the need for prior experience. Brace yourself as your pulse races and your senses are inundated with the sheer awesomeness of the journey.
In the midst of thundering waters, surrounded only by your fellow adventurers, you'll discover the addictive allure of white water rafting firsthand.
But the adventure doesn't end there. Paddle through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Lake Taupō region, where towering pine forests, native bush, and volcanic cliffs form the backdrop to your journey. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sightings of Whio, the endangered blue ducks, nesting along the river banks, and marvel at the colossal New Zealand trout gliding beneath you – some so large they've been known to snack on a passing mouse or two!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options 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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Wetsuit, helmet, river shoes, gloves and fleece (seasonal)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What To Expect
You'll meet at the Rafting Centre and get kitted out in all the gear you need for rafting, all you need to bring is swimsuit, towel and any kind of emergency medication including but not limited to asthma inhaler, epi pen, heart medication etc We supply helmets, wetsuits, (gloves, fleece and boots in winter) and provide an in-depth safety briefing before we drive to the entry point on the river. Once we're on the river, we'll navigate 14kms of the Tongariro River which includes approximately 60 different rapids. You'll be shown how to paddle and your guide will provide instructions the whole way to ensure you're comfortable, safe and having a fabulous time. At the end of the trip, you'll be transported back to the Rafting Centre to get changed, take a look at the video and photos taken and swap notes with your new rafting friends.
Options
Tongariro Thrills: Grade 3 Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST ONE IN NORTH ISLAND👻
Culture49329109380,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was fantastic! The whole rafting trip took about 3–4 hours and was incredibly fun — perfect for early summer! The guide was super cool and awesome! She shared a lot of info throughout the journey and worked really hard, which definitely elevated the overall experience! I might come back again with friends if I get the chance! P.S.: The gear they provided was excellent — no need to worry about getting cold or wet at all! 💯 P.P.S.: It would be even better if the photos were a bit more affordable.
Fantastic Experience!
kalyninamoran,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable experience rafting the river. The guides were exceptional with good helpful instructions for you to enjoy the grade 3 rapids. This is a must for anyone wanting adventure, knowledge of wildlife & conservation. A big thanks to the team at Tongariro for a great day! 😎
A must do
dimityl2024,
Jun 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0020's to 12 Yeats old, had a fantastic time. The best experience in new Zealand. Great guides, professional services, lots of fun. The scenery was amazing, wet gear and soup at the end topped off the experience:) would highly recommend this company and experience. Well worth the price.
An Oarsome experience
Robin H,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Previously been on grade 1 and 2 rides, but this was definitely a grade above. Stefan was our guide, and tutored our group of six well. My instinct was to hold on most of the time, however Stefan's confident instructions overcame my natural instinct, so we all followed his instructions, and only held on when he told us to. Great experience, taking our rafting to the next level. We would probably try a grade 4 next time. Thanks Stefan.
Thrills without the Spills!
mizdotmatrix,
Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damn we had fun!! Nick took charge of us and for two hours , we splashed and laughed our way down the Tongariro River. We had a fun jump into the freezing water and those that wanted took an extra plunge and float a wee bit further down. This was a first class, well run, worth the money adventure. There were grade 3 rapids that cascaded one after another-and just enough time to regroup before we hit the next one. Everyone at the base camp was pumped and friendly and clearly intent on making sure we all enjoyed ourselves….which we did. Solid 5 for 5.
So much fun!
Nomad419364,
Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first river rafting experience (even though we’re from BC, Canada) and we had a great time. Finn was our guide and he made it simple, easy and fun. It was a beautiful, sunny day and with all the gear on, we didn’t feel cold even after swimming. Thanks again team!
Go for it
Inspire43767269948,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great event thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish . We were looked after so well by the company’s employees on this trip explaining everything we needed to know and do to enjoy and be safe on the adventure. Our group leader , Fletcher , was terrific very professional but great fun with it making this white water rafting experience the best . If you haven’t done it before , which we hadn’t , do it you’ll love it
A “Must Do” adventure when you visit New Zealand.
kozaksp2691,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best rafting trip I have ever been on. Our guide Kate was fantastic. We covered more than 60 rapids and enjoyed beautiful scenery.
I’d Give Them 6 Stars If I Could!
Getaway65008361004,
Feb 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When Charlie, our guide, first started reviewing the list of precautions, I started to chicken out… I’m so glad that I stuck with it. The rafting was beautiful and thrilling. We saw some unusual birds and plants along the way, and Charlie quietly worked hard behind us to ensure our safety. This was among one of the best adventure experiences we’ve ever had.
Newbie has fantastic time
susanoP4561HT,
Feb 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was my first time river rafting and I was pretty nervous. That changed quickly. Our guide, Ethan, was so knowledgeable about the river and in command of the boat that I relaxed quickly. When he checked in to see if we wanted a calmer or more exciting route I was ready for the exciting route. Really impressed with the safety and help getting on all the right clothes. The river was so clean and clear and the view gorgeous. This was one of the trip highlights. Definitely go even if you are scared.
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