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‘s Included
Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets
Local, professional & highly trained guides
Digital photos (Available to purchase)
Glasses Strap $5
Rent a Towel $5
Go Pro Harness Hire $5
Other Souvenirs (T-shirt etc)
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!
Reviews
1,159 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best excursion we have ever done! Even those less adventurous in our crew LOVED it!
Kirk P,
Apr 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our FAVORITE excursion on our New Zealand Cruise. Malcom - our guide - AMAZING. Two in our group were VERY nervous because of the falls. However, did an amazing job on the safety briefing - with humor - that helped them relax. The scenery is breathtaking and the river beautiful. Anyone of any skill level CAN do this. There are six to a raft (plus guide) and they do a great job training and getting you ready for the "drop." My buddy and I were in the front and got "popped" out as the raft came up out of the wash below the falls. EXHILERATING!! Seriously, so fun. All on our boat - including those nervous about the trip - were on a high the rest of our trip. DO THIS. reasonably priced souveniers and photos (which you must get - some hilarious ones!) at the end. Enjoy (and ask for Malcolm!)
If you’re considering this adventure - DO IT!
Kevin W,
Mar 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00This activity was EVERYTHING you’d imagine. It was beautiful in the valley, the trees and the river. It was fun getting in the water for a swim at the beginning of the journey down the river. It was exciting going down the small waterfalls. The 7m waterfall was scary, exhilarating and over so fast. The pictures of the experience are fantastic. Definitely worth buying them. We were in a raft of 2 couples - aged 61, 65, 65 and 68. We all loved it. Age is not a reason not to do this adventure if you are considering it.
Wonderful and fun...
Troy S,
Mar 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wonderful and fun experience! We had a great time and would recommend this rafting experience to everyone who likes big rapids. The crew were knowledgeable and kind.
Amazing Experience!
Kimberley S,
Mar 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00What an amazing experience! I was quite frightened about doing this but you are given lots of instruction and the guides are excellent. They tell you everything you need to know to be safe. There are also safety kayaks to help if needed. Even though we were in the front and fell out on the ‘big one’, I really enjoyed it. Once in a lifetime experience on our trip to NZ.
Staff were so fun &...
Marissa B,
Jan 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Staff were so fun & entertaining. We felt very safe the whole time. Best experience - a must do when in NZ!
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Operated by Kaituna Cascades