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
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.
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!
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,358 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very good
217sairam,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was awsome. The guides, Dan and Malcom were very nice and very helpful. Will come back next time. Me and my kids really enjoyed ourselves. 3 hrs drive from Auckland was worth it
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
briankJ4272NY,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I can check it off my bucket list. From start to finish, the ride was exhilarating, filled with thrills and excitement beyond anything I had imagined. What made the adventure even better was our guide, Cole. He struck the perfect balance between safety and fun, making sure everyone felt comfortable, confident, and fully able to enjoy the experience.
MUST DO AMAZING TIMES
Travel11418519932,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highlight of my trip in the north island it’s a must do, Malcom was an amazing guide
Perfect Mother’s Day present
183maramam,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great fun for our family of four. We were provided with everything we needed and just needed swimwear and towel. My 16 year old daughter was a little nervous at the beginning but is now planning to do it all again. All the staff were friendly and professional and raft guide Dan provided lots of laughs. River views are stunning. Highly recommend.
Amazing adventure
Z6459SRgabrielf,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was absolutely epic! I loved every minute and would go back again in a heartbeat. The guides were not only experienced and careful, but really enthusiastic and helpful. The photographer got some great shots, but if you want the photos it is $50.
Jake the best guide! Haha he didn't tell me to write that....
Travel48220692367,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip. Fantastic guide - Jake. Good banter, made the river a truly enjoyable experience! Would definitely recommend these guys!
Can't wait to do it again
tesselliot,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience on the mighty Kaituna! From start to finish, I loved every aspect. All the staff were friendly and really welcoming, like a big family. My guide Jake was knowledgeable and hilarious right from the start, I learnt lots about the river and it's history as well as the basics of rafting! Making sure I had fun while feeling safe and entertained. Would recommend this to anyone passing through or locals who have been thinking about it!!! I can't wait to do it again!
Highly recommended
cormacwb,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed my trip with Kaituna Cascades, very professional whilst still being able to have some fun! Malcom and Dan did an amazing job 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Big Vinaka Vaka Levu from Fiji 🤙🏽🤙🏽
Awsome
nigelw473,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome. MALCOLM was such a personal guide that but the entire boat at ease. Lots of water time. It was a most memory making experience. Why did I wait 30 years to do it again.
Great experience
Wanderer27983296171,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cole and the team were fantastic! Very kind and reassuring but also made the experience even more fun. 10/10 recommend
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