White Water Rafting & River Sledging on the Kaituna River Rotorua
Updated: 14th July 2026
Kaituna River Rafting & Sledging with Kaitiaki Adventures
Experience one of Rotorua’s premier white water adventures with Kaitiaki Adventures. Choose between world-class white water rafting on the legendary Kaituna River, home to the 7-metre Tutea Falls—the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world—or experience the thrill of river sledging at water level through lush native bush. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or an experienced thrill-seeker, Kaitiaki combines adrenaline, expert Kiwi guides and Māori storytelling for an unforgettable Rotorua adventure.
Rotorua White Water Adventures on the Kaituna River
Located just 11 km from central Rotorua, Kaitiaki Adventures is a 100% Kiwi-owned and operated company offering world-class white water rafting and river sledging experiences on the legendary Kaituna River.
Using modern equipment and experienced local guides, every trip combines adrenaline, safety and genuine Māori hospitality. Whether you’re tackling Grade 5 rapids, riding a whitewater sledge or combining your adventure with a guided walk on Mount Tarawera, you’ll experience one of Rotorua’s most exciting outdoor adventures.
Whitewater Rafting on the Kaituna River
Experience the excitement of rafting the world-famous Kaituna River, home to steep bush-clad canyons, powerful Grade 5 rapids and the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls—the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Guided by experienced Kiwi rafting professionals, this unforgettable adventure combines adrenaline, spectacular scenery and fascinating Māori stories. No previous rafting experience is required, making it ideal for both first-time rafters and experienced adventure seekers.
Kaituna River Whitewater Sledging
Experience the Kaituna River from an entirely different perspective as you navigate exciting rapids at water level using a specialised whitewater sledge. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll surf standing waves, float through beautiful native forest and enjoy an unforgettable adventure unlike any other.
No previous sledging experience is required. All specialist equipment is provided, making this an exciting activity for confident swimmers looking for something different.
Operating Times & Transport
Kaitiaki Adventures operates seven days a week and provides courtesy transport from central Rotorua. With experienced guides, quality equipment and a strong commitment to safety, every trip is designed to deliver an unforgettable white water adventure from start to finish.
Rotorua White Water Rafting & Sledging Tour Options
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Price: $151.51 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: Three Hours
Departs: Select tour time when booking
Experience the excitement of rafting Rotorua’s legendary Kaituna River, one of New Zealand’s premier white water adventure destinations.
This 3-hour round trip takes you through 14 exhilarating rapids and over three spectacular waterfalls, including the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Guided by experienced Kiwi rafting professionals, this unforgettable adventure combines adrenaline, stunning native scenery and fascinating Māori storytelling. No previous rafting experience is required, with full safety instruction and premium equipment provided, making this trip ideal for both first-time rafters and experienced adventure seekers.
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna Whitewater Sledging Adventure
Price: $146.25 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: Three Hours
Departs: Select tour time when booking
Take control of your own adventure as you experience the Kaituna River from water level on an exhilarating whitewater sledging trip.
As New Zealand’s original white water sledging specialists since 1989, Kaitiaki Adventures offers a unique experience where you’ll navigate exciting Grade 3 rapids and surf playful standing waves using a specialised river sledge and flippers.
Surrounded by beautiful native bush and guided by experienced professionals throughout the journey, this hands-on adventure is perfect for confident swimmers looking for an unforgettable Rotorua white water experience. No previous sledging experience is required, and all specialist equipment is provided.
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 spectacular waterfalls, including the world-famous 7-metre Tutea Falls.
After your rafting adventure, experience the river from a completely different perspective during an exciting Grade 3 whitewater sledging trip. Using flippers and a specialised river sledge, you’ll weave through playful rapids and pristine native bush for an unforgettable hands-on adventure.
This combo is perfect for adventure lovers wanting to experience the very best of Rotorua’s legendary white water in one unforgettable day.
Kaitiaki Rafting – Kaituna River & Mt. Tarawera Combo
Price: $352.48 per person (Incl Fees)
Duration: A full day adventure
Departs: 8:15 am
Combine two of Rotorua’s most iconic adventures in one unforgettable day, pairing a guided Mount Tarawera crater walk with world-class Kaituna River white water rafting.
Begin your day exploring the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Mount Tarawera, where you’ll walk across dramatic crater rims, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and discover the mountain’s fascinating geological and Māori cultural history with your experienced guide.
After your volcanic adventure, head to the Kaituna River for an adrenaline-filled rafting experience. Navigate 14 thrilling rapids, conquer the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls, and paddle through spectacular native bush and dramatic canyon scenery.
With all transport, expert guides and premium equipment included, this full-day experience delivers an unforgettable combination of adventure, culture and some of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Why Choose Kaitiaki Adventures for Whitewater Rafting & Sledging in Rotorua?
Kaitiaki Adventures has been delivering award-winning white water adventures on the Kaituna River since 1989 and is recognised as one of Rotorua’s leading adventure tourism operators. Their experienced Kiwi guides combine outstanding safety standards with local knowledge, Māori storytelling and plenty of fun, creating an unforgettable experience both on and off the river.
Whether you choose exhilarating Grade 5 white water rafting, the unique challenge of river sledging, or combine your adventure with a guided walk on Mount Tarawera, you’ll enjoy premium equipment, small group experiences and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural scenery. It’s the perfect choice for first-time adventurers, families with older children and experienced thrill-seekers looking for an authentic Rotorua adventure.
FAQ for Kaitiaki Adventures Whitewater Rafting & Sledging
What makes the Kaituna River rafting experience unique?
The Kaituna River is home to the legendary 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Along with 14 exciting rapids, spectacular native bush scenery and fascinating Māori stories shared by your guide, it offers one of Rotorua’s most memorable white water rafting adventures.
What is white water sledging?
White water sledging (also known as riverboarding) lets you experience the Kaituna River at water level using a specialised river sledge and flippers. Unlike rafting, you’re in control of your own path through the rapids, creating a more immersive and hands-on adventure.
Do I need previous rafting or sledging experience?
No. Both rafting and sledging are suitable for beginners. Experienced guides provide a full safety briefing, professional instruction and all the specialised equipment you need before entering the river.
What can I expect on the Mount Tarawera & Kaituna River Combo?
This full-day adventure combines a guided Mount Tarawera crater walk with an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Kaituna River. You’ll explore volcanic landscapes, learn about Māori history and culture, then tackle Grade 5 rapids, including the world-famous Tutea Falls.
How long do the rafting and sledging trips take?
The white water rafting and river sledging experiences each take approximately 3 hours, including safety briefings and time on the river. The Raft & Sledge Combo lasts around 6 hours, while the Mount Tarawera Combo is a full-day adventure.
Is white water sledging safe?
Yes. Qualified guides provide full instruction and supervise every trip. All essential safety equipment, including wetsuits, helmets, buoyancy aids and specialised sledges, is supplied.
Is there a minimum age?
Participants must be at least 10 years old for rafting and sledging experiences. Some activities also have minimum fitness and weight requirements to ensure everyone enjoys a safe adventure.
Can I combine more than one adventure?
Yes. The popular Raft & Sledge Combo lets you experience both activities in one day, while the Mount Tarawera & Kaituna River Combo combines a guided volcanic walk with world-class white water rafting.
What cultural experiences are included?
Kaitiaki Adventures’ experienced local guides share Māori stories, traditions and the cultural significance of both the Kaituna River and Mount Tarawera, adding a deeper understanding of these remarkable places.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Most rafting and sledging trips operate in a wide range of weather conditions. If river or weather conditions are considered unsafe, Kaitiaki Adventures will reschedule your trip or offer an alternative arrangement.