White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft guides - so you know you'll be in great hands!!
No where in the world can you raft down such a beautiful river that drops into a vertical walled canyon filled with raftable waterfalls and countless playful rapids. The water is deep and warm (most of the year) and is usually a highlight of peoples visit to NZ. All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We will give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river!
This is also most definitely the best value for money rafting in NZ too.
Our aim is have FUN, So come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience.
Cheers & see you on the river - Pete & Blue
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Availability is all year round - Warm water in the summer and cooler in the winter (more gear provided)
MUST be under 120 kgs
Not recommended for non swimmers
NO expectant mothers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Join us for the most unique and beautiful whitewater rafting experience in New Zealand! The famous Kaituna River is a rafters dream – a 50 minute action packed ride down 11 epic rapids, 3 wild waterfalls – One of which is the highest rafted waterfall in the world at 7 meters. All of this in a deep, usually warm water jungle canyon! All this with our legendary guides & you’ve got yourself the perfect day out! This is an exciting GRADE 5 RAFTING EXPERIENCE. We have a weight limit of 120 kgs and minimum age of 13yrs old - up to 65 years of age Our sweet Rafting Base in Okere Falls is in an awesome sunny location, surrounded by a scenic reserve and backs onto the shores of the Kaituna. We are the closest and most accessible company to the river. The native scenic reserve has a beautiful walking trail which you can view many rapids of the Kaituna River & there is even an amazing café around the corner. This makes for a great half day trip out to this stunning region of Rotorua. Also please note – This is an exciting GRADE 5 RAFTING EXPERIENCE and is NOT SUITED FOR OLDER OR BIGGER PEOPLE, or people that aren’t comfortable in the water. We have a weight limit of 120 kgs.
What‘s Included
Local, professional & highly trained guides
Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets
Digital photos (Available to purchase)
Glasses Strap $5
Rent a Towel $5
Go Pro Harness Hire $5
Other Souvenirs (T-shirt etc)
Options
Rotorua White Water Rafting on the Kaituna River
Option 1: Ever wanted to Raft a 7m waterfall? Join the original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers!
Reviews
1,301 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ingenious
Pizza-170,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect day, Super experience with a super guide. Despite working hours, they made one last trip for us. Great team
10/10
Giannafigallo,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks for the great tour! We experienced a near-death experience in between when the boat tipped, but thanks to our highly competent guide Malcolm, this day became one of our wildest and best experiences we have ever had. Highly recommended for the adventure, but also for the likeable guides.
Just DO it !!
Paradise55640625887,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Anyone looking for thrill / adrenaline factor amongst stunning nature.. in a way that requires your full participation... I would HIGHLY recommend rafting with Kaituna Cascades!! I had been contemplating doing this whitewater rafting trip for about 6 years ahahaha.. finally got it done & I couldn't be happier I did it !! Yes... it's has scary moments but overall it was a surprisingly peaceful experience... I decided to just relax and go with the flow... Bal, Cole, Jasper and Pablo were the kaiarahi / guides that took us down the awa... you guys are absolutely incredible!! Super fun & safety first at the same time.. take care out there team.. chur!
White water rafting
312irelanda,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best experience ever! We would go again! Made us feel so safe and comfortable whilst also letting us experience thrilling adventures’
Perfect experience
thomasvY4127UX,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing. Definitely worth the money. We were there for 1,5 hours i think. We went for a walk past the waterfalls first and then came back for the real stuff. Everybody was really hiped and the guides were amazingly friendly. We were with a family of 5 in 1 raft. They ask if you have an injury. And they explain everything multiple times until everything is very clear. Great experience and we had lots fun
Must do in Rotorua
Dream32064661411,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our trip down the mighty Kaituna!! Josh Dickey was an excellent guide with our group. We were having so much fun I didn't want it to end.
Tons of fun
AlMasri,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this activity. The setting is beautiful and the drops are fun especially the waterfall. There’s a few more rapids to keep thrill seekers satisfied but nothing most people can’t handle.
Fabulous adventure
694daniellaw,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant. I'm not a strong swimmer so was a bit apprehensive but it was so much fun. Loui our guide was fabulous. Gave clear instructions and made it really fun. Scenery is spectacular. The staff did a great job making you feel safe.
Most amazing experience I’ve ever had!
Sariah H,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the most amazing experience! The guides were very informative, helped everyone understand the plan and just made for one exciting and amazing adventure!
fun and scenic
Juliaguliadavies,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the rafting trip was super fun, scenic and well organised, safe etc We were lucky enough for our raft to flip but the process of being rescued back into the raft was very smooth and professional. the trip is not too long so we did not get cold (despite me being a cold frog!) and doable with other activities during the day
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaituna Cascades