Kaituna River Rafting in Rotorua – White Water Rafting Trips

Experience some of the best white water rafting in Rotorua on the iconic Kaituna River, home to powerful Grade 5 rapids and the world-famous 7-metre Tutea Falls. From first-time rafters to adrenaline seekers, Rotorua rafting trips on the Kaituna and Okere Awa rivers offer unforgettable thrills, stunning scenery, and expert local guides.

Why the Kaituna River Is Rotorua’s Most Famous Rafting Experience

Discover Rotorua's Ultimate White Water Rafting Adventure

Surrounded by lush native forests and fed by crystal-clear rivers, Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s top destinations for unforgettable white water rafting experiences. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or a seasoned thrill-seeker, Rotorua rafting trips on the Kaituna River and the exhilarating Okere Awa deliver world-class excitement in a stunning natural setting.

Feel the surge of adrenaline as you take on powerful rapids and iconic drops, including the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Led by experienced local guides, you’ll journey through dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and pristine waterways that showcase the raw beauty of the region. Perfect for families, groups, and solo travellers, this is your chance to create unforgettable memories on one of New Zealand’s most famous white water rivers.

Rotorua’s Kaituna River Guided Rafting Adventure

Price: from $135 pp Child: $75
Departs: Select time when booking
Duration: times vary per trip chosen

Embark on a thrilling white water rafting adventure on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall — the 7-metre Tutea Falls.

Surrounded by lush native bush and deep volcanic gorges, this adrenaline-filled journey has been described by TripAdvisor reviewers as the “best, most amazing experience” in Rotorua.

Perfect for first-time rafters and seasoned thrill-seekers alike, this guided experience delivers powerful rapids, unforgettable scenery, and expert leadership from start to finish.

What Makes the Kaituna River Special?

The Kaituna River is more than just a rafting destination — it’s a place of rich history, warm emerald waters, and dramatic natural beauty. With continuous rapids, stunning canyon scenery, and iconic drops, it offers one of the most exciting rafting experiences in New Zealand.

Highlights include:

Three epic waterfalls – including the iconic Tutea Falls
Suitable for all experience levels – from first-timers to confident rafters
Expert, world-class guides – using top-quality safety equipment
Consistent water flow – making it a reliable year-round adventure

A Journey Through Culture and Nature

For centuries, the Kaituna River was the lifeblood of the local iwi, providing food, water, and spiritual connection to the land. It was also a place of conflict, where warriors of Ngāti Hinerangi protected their taonga (treasures).

Today, you’ll step into the role of a modern warrior — facing Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) and her powerful rapids. This experience blends raw natural energy with Māori storytelling, offering a deeper connection to Rotorua’s landscapes and cultural heritage.

This isn’t just rafting — it’s an adventure grounded in respect, history, and place.

Gear Up for the Ultimate Rotorua Rafting Experience

Embark on a high-adrenaline white water rafting adventure on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, featuring powerful rapids and the iconic 7-metre Tutea Falls.

Carving through steep gorges and native forest, this experience delivers non-stop action, controlled challenge, and world-class guiding. It’s a benchmark rafting trip for anyone wanting to experience Rotorua at full intensity.

Equipped with top-of-the-line safety gear and led by champion rafting guides, your Kaituna River adventure is designed to deliver thrills with confidence.

From conquering the mighty Tutea Falls to gliding through breathtaking gorges, every moment captures the essence of Rotorua’s adventurous spirit.

Warm water, outstanding scenery, heart pumping rapids and world class guides.

White water rafting in New Zealand doesn’t get any better than this.

Make Rotorua Rafting your first choice activity in Rotorua.

Price: from $135 pp Child $75
Departs: Select time online
Duration: times vary per trip chosen

Rotorua White Water Rafting – Frequently Asked Questions

Is white water rafting in Rotorua suitable for beginners and families?

Yes. Rotorua offers white water rafting options for a wide range of experience levels. Scenic Grade 2 trips on rivers like the Rangitaiki are suitable for families and first-time rafters, while more challenging Grade 3–5 trips are available for adrenaline seekers.

What is the difference between Rangitaiki and Kaituna River rafting?

The Rangitaiki River generally offers longer, more scenic rafting trips ranging from gentle Grade 2 to exciting Grade 3–4 rapids. The Kaituna River is shorter and more intense, featuring Grade 5 white water and the world-famous 7-metre Tutea Falls.

Do I need prior rafting experience to join a Rotorua rafting trip?

No prior rafting experience is required for most Rotorua rafting trips. All participants receive full safety briefings and are guided by experienced professionals. Higher-grade trips do require good physical fitness and strong swimming ability.

Is white water rafting in Rotorua safe?

Yes. Rotorua rafting trips operate under strict safety procedures and are led by professionally trained guides using high-quality safety equipment. River conditions are assessed daily to ensure trips run safely.

What should I bring for a Rotorua rafting trip?

You’ll need to bring a swimsuit and towel. All specialist rafting equipment and safety gear are provided by the operator. Some higher-grade trips may require strong swimming ability and good overall fitness.