White Water Rafting & River Sledging on the Kaituna River Rotorua
White Water Rafting & River Sledging on the Kaituna River Rotorua
Experience one of the top white water adventures in Rotorua with Kaitiaki Adventures. Tackle the world-famous Kaituna River Grade 5 rapids — including the 7 m Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world — or ride white water sledges at eye-level through lush native bush. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, beginner rafter, or just want an unforgettable Rotorua outdoor experience, Kaitiaki blends adrenaline, Kiwi guides, and Māori storytelling for an adventure you won’t forget.
Rotorua White Water Adventures on the Kaituna River
Discover Kaitiaki Adventures: White Water Rafting & Sledging in Rotorua
Located just 11 km from the heart of Rotorua, Kaitiaki Adventures is a 100% Kiwi-owned and operated company offering world-class white water rafting and river sledging experiences on the Kaituna River.
With state-of-the-art gear, expert local guides, and a genuine passion for adventure, every trip is designed to be both safe and unforgettable. Safety is our top priority — and entertainment is guaranteed.
Whitewater Rafting on the Kaituna River
Experience the thrill of rafting Rotorua’s iconic Kaituna River, a natural playground of steep, bush-clad canyons and 13 exhilarating drops.
Conquer the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls — the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world — and feel the adrenaline surge as you navigate powerful Grade 5 rapids. Perfect for first-time rafters and seasoned thrill-seekers, this adventure blends Māori culture, local history, and pure excitement for a truly memorable Rotorua experience.
Kaituna River Whitewater Sledging
For a unique twist on white water adventure, try Kaituna River sledging. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll ride through rapids and play holes at water level while soaking up stunning native scenery.
No experience is required, and all specialist equipment is provided. This 3-hour round-trip experience includes around 1 hour on the river, making it an accessible yet adrenaline-packed adventure for confident swimmers.
Operating Times & Transport
Kaitiaki Adventures operates 7 days a week and offers courtesy transport to ensure your Rotorua rafting or sledging experience runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you’re chasing high-energy thrills or a deeper connection with Rotorua’s natural beauty and culture, this is an adventure you won’t forget.
Rotorua White Water Rafting & Sledging Tour Options
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Price: $142.04 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: Three Hours
Departs: Select tour time when booking
Embark on a thrilling white water rafting journey on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure rivers.
This 3-hour round trip takes you through 14 exhilarating rapids and over three stunning waterfalls, including the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Guided by world-class Kiwi guides, this adventure blends adrenaline-pumping action with Māori culture and storytelling. No prior rafting experience is required — full training and top-quality safety equipment are provided, making this trip ideal for first-timers and experienced rafters alike.
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna Whitewater Sledging Adventure
Price: $146.25 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: Three Hours
Departs: Select tour time when booking
Experience the thrill of white water sledging, where you take control of your own journey down the Kaituna River.
As New Zealand’s original white water sledging specialists since 1989, Kaitiaki Adventures offers a unique adventure that lets you navigate Grade 3 rapids and play holes at eye level.
Using flippers on your feet and a specialised sledge, you’ll propel yourself through the water while soaking up stunning native scenery. With qualified guides on hand at all times, this hands-on experience is perfect for thrill-seekers and confident first-timers.
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna Raft & Sledge Combo
Price: $247.26 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: Six Hours
Departs: 8:30 am & 12:30 pm
Experience the ultimate Rotorua white water adventure by combining rafting and sledging into one action-packed day.
Start by tackling the Kaituna River’s Grade 5 rapids, navigating 14 powerful rapids and plunging over three waterfalls, including the world-famous Tutea Falls.
After your rafting adrenaline rush, switch perspectives and take the river on at eye level during a Grade 3 sledging experience. With flippers on your feet and a specialised sledge, you’ll weave through playful rapids and pristine native bush for a truly immersive journey.
This combo is ideal for adventure lovers wanting the best of Rotorua’s white water in one unforgettable experience.
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna River & Mt. Tarawera Combo
Price: $310.39 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: A full day adventure
Departs: 8:15 am
Experience one of Rotorua’s most iconic full-day adventures, combining volcanic exploration with world-class white water rafting.
Begin your day with a guided walk on Mt Tarawera, exploring dramatic volcanic craters, soaking in 360-degree panoramic views, and learning about the mountain’s deep cultural and spiritual significance to local Māori iwi.
After your volcanic journey, switch gears for an adrenaline-pumping rafting experience on the Kaituna River. Navigate 14 thrilling rapids, including the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls, surrounded by lush native bush and dramatic canyon walls.
With all transport included, expert guides, and premium equipment, this crater-to-river combo delivers an unforgettable mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Why Choose Kaitiaki Adventures for Whitewater Rafting & Sledging in Rotorua?
Kaitiaki Adventures offers an unmatched white water experience in Rotorua, whether you’re conquering the legendary Tutea Falls, navigating thrilling Grade 5 rapids, or exploring the cultural and natural landscapes of Mt Tarawera.
With expert Kiwi guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and a strong focus on safety and fun, every tour is designed to deliver confidence-boosting thrills and unforgettable memories.
Perfect for first-time adventurers and seasoned thrill-seekers, these experiences combine adrenaline, Māori storytelling, and stunning scenery — making Kaitiaki Adventures a standout choice for Rotorua white water adventures.
FAQ for Kaitiaki Adventures Whitewater Rafting & Sledging
1. What makes the Kaituna River rafting experience unique?
The Kaituna River is home to Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 7 meters. Along with 13 rapids and breathtaking bush-clad gorges, this tour blends adrenaline-pumping action with insights into Māori culture and history, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
2. What is whitewater sledging, and how is it different from rafting?
Whitewater sledging (also called riverboarding) puts you in control of your own journey. Using a specialized sledge and flippers, you navigate rapids at eye level, making it a more personal and immersive adventure compared to group rafting.
3. Can beginners try the Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Combo?
Yes! The combo is designed for adventurers of all levels. The Mt. Tarawera hike features guided storytelling and panoramic views, while the rafting portion includes full safety briefings and guidance to ensure an exciting yet accessible experience.
4. What should I expect on the Kaituna & Mt. Tarawera Combo?
This full-day adventure combines a scenic volcanic hike on Mt. Tarawera with an adrenaline-fueled rafting trip on the Kaituna River. You’ll explore the dramatic crater landscape, learn about the Māori significance of the volcano, and conquer thrilling rapids, including Tutea Falls.
5. How long do the rafting and sledging trips last?
- Whitewater Rafting: Approx. 3 hours (round trip), including a safety briefing and time on the water.
- Whitewater Sledging: Also approx. 3 hours, with around 1 hour navigating the river.
- Raft & Sledge Combo: 6 hours, combining both activities for a day packed with adventure.
6. Is whitewater sledging safe for beginners?
Absolutely! Our expert guides provide comprehensive training and will assist you throughout the trip. All necessary equipment, including wetsuits and helmets, is provided to ensure your safety.
7. What is the minimum age for Kaitiaki rafting and sledging?
Participants must be at least 10 years old for rafting and sledging. Some tours may have additional weight or fitness requirements for safety.
8. Can I combine multiple tours in one day?
Yes! The Kaituna Raft & Sledge Combo is designed to let you experience the best of both worlds in one action-packed day. You can also add the Mt. Tarawera hike for a full-day adventure.
9. What cultural elements are included in Kaitiaki tours?
Our guides share stories about the Māori iwi (tribes) and the spiritual significance of both the Kaituna River and Mt. Tarawera, enriching your adventure with cultural and historical insights.
10. What happens if the weather is bad?
Most tours run rain or shine, as getting wet is part of the fun! In cases of severe weather, we’ll reschedule your trip or provide a refund to ensure your safety.
Return to Rotorua Page
