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
1,277 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome
rashby123,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful short trip down a fast river. The guide was a lot of fun.
Fun!!!
824mervis,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was excellent. Enjoyed every second of it. Unbelievable beautiful river, great rapids & huge drops. Our guide Pablo kept up good spirit and let us have so much fun. Super great, I absolutely recommend!
Incredible Experience!
X6552FKlucyf,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible experience for our first time in NZ on our honeymoon! Jared was top class, reassured us throughout and was witty and funny always! Very grateful for the experience! We will definitely be back :)! 10/10!!!
An Unforgettable Rush at Okere Falls!
Wanderer46445184970,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are looking for the perfect balance of adrenaline and safety, look no further than the Kaituna team. We spent the day rafting at Okere Falls, and it was easily the highlight of our trip. The Experience: Okere provides just enough thrill to get your heart racing without being overwhelming. It’s the sweet spot for anyone who wants excitement but doesn’t want to feel like they’re in over their head. Our Guide: A massive shoutout to Cobba! He was fantastic. His instructions were clear, which made us feel confident and safe even when heading toward the bigger drops. The Atmosphere: The entire staff was incredibly friendly and informative from the moment we arrived. You can tell they really love what they do, and that energy is contagious. Bottom line: If you’re in the area, do yourself a favour r and book a trip with these guys. Thanks for the memories, Cobba and the rest of the crew!
What a way to ring in the New Year!
654brycel,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! I've never been whitewater rafting before and I would definitely do it again! Ollie was a great, friendly guide.
Awesome job
Trek48408916925,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff are very friendly, we felt very safe even having our 13 year old and 10 year old (10 year old on the easier part). Very clear instructions and safety procedures, definitely recommend.
Wet and Wild
Paradise38996962726,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best money spent while traveling, request Josh. If you don’t see him there, he’ll be at Bardeaux in Queenstown visiting us.
Awesome fun!!!!!!!
Deborahsfaux,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have done many rafting trips, and this by far was the absolute best! My husband and I went with our grown children and their husbands. The scenery was spectacular as you go thru the gorge. The rapids and falls were fantastic.we were given the opportunity several times to bow out if we felt uncomfortable, but honestly we did everything and it was great. Our guide, Ollie was great! He gave us excellent instruction and made us feel safe while giving us an incredible adventure! Don’t miss out on this fun trip!
5 stars
946harrisono,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00100% an Amazing experience. Our guide Jasper was excellent and funny. One of the best things we’ve done in New Zealand all month.
Very fun
noahhZ3670RG,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was really fun. Jasper our guide kept the energy light, friendly, and made sure we felt safe the whole time. It was my first time rafting and I would definitely go again
From NZ$135.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Kaituna Cascades