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
1,284 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
Amazing excitement adventurous..a must try ...once in life time.
J4487MQdianat,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Our guide Mr.Cobba was excellent guided us perfectly and explained everything perfectly and made the experience fun and excitement. Overall great experience!! Will recommend everyone who wants to visit New Zealand. Thank you for such incredible experience. A must try.
Awesome ride with great guides.
jennifermY7621PH,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great ride! There were three of us, ages 18-58, with little to no rafting experience. The guides were amazing. Everything was explained and you felt prepared for what was coming along the way. Our raft tipped over, which got the adrenalin pumping. It was so much fun. Highly recommend the company for their top notch crew.
Highlight of my year
194kristag,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for an amazing experience, I was a little bit scared at first but our guide Dan made us feel safe, we followed instructions and noone fell out of the raft. I am from Latvia and this was my first rafting experience, I loved every second of it. We had amazing team and simply the best time.
5 stars
ariellac308,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so good! The guides were well prepared and knew exactly what to do at all times to keep us safe. We all had lots of fun and got to float down the river and one of the rapids.
Wild ride, but always safe
Hope F,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized. Always had fun and felt safe. I would highly recommend to anyone! The guides made the whole experience.
Awesome
rashby123,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful short trip down a fast river. The guide was a lot of fun.
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by Kaituna Cascades