Kaituna River White Water Rafting Rotorua
Overview
Join a guided white water rafting trip on the Kaituna River, a short drive from Rotorua. You paddle through 14 rapids and three waterfalls, finishing with the 7 m Tutea Falls, which is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Experienced guides lead the raft, and wetsuits, life jackets, booties and splash jackets are provided. The whole outing takes about two and a half hours with roughly one hour on the water. Depending on the option you choose, hotel pickup is included or you meet at the base.
Highlights
- 14 rapids and three waterfalls on a single river run
- The 7 m Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world
- Experienced local guides in every raft
- All river gear provided: wetsuit, life jacket, booties and splash jacket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Rotorua with the default option
- Four departures a day, from 08:30 to 14:30
- Lush green gorge scenery beside the river
Full Description
The Kaituna River near Rotorua
The Kaituna River drains Lake Rotorua and its neighbouring lakes and tumbles down towards the Bay of Plenty through a narrow, fern-lined gorge. Its Maori name links to kai, food, and tuna, eel, a reminder of how important the river has long been to local people. This stretch is the most popular white water rafting in Rotorua, and it is easy to reach from the city.
The river is short, steep and consistently lively, which is why an outing here feels action-packed even though it is only about an hour on the water. Guides adjust the run to the flow on the day, so you get a lively but well-managed ride, whatever the season.
Tutea Falls: the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall
Tutea Falls is the star. This 7 m drop is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and taking it in a raft is what visitors talk about after a Kaituna River rafting trip. Your guide gives a full safety briefing, then the raft drops backwards over the ledge before bobbing back up in the pool below.
Some people expect to fall out, but the raft is built for it and guides train in rescue. If you are asking whether Tutea Falls is safe, the answer is that thousands of guests raft it each year with trained guides, correct gear and a clear briefing, and you can hold on tight with the paddle grip your guide demonstrates.
14 rapids and three waterfalls: what the run feels like
Before the falls the river offers a string of smaller drops and rapids, 14 in all, with three waterfalls along the way. You paddle on command, work as a team and take a breather in calm pools where the gorge walls rise above you. The scenery is native bush, cliffs and the occasional waterfall coming off the rocks.
All the gear is included: a wetsuit, life jacket, booties and splash jacket keep you warm and safe, even on a cool day. The guides are experienced Kiwi locals, and the whole trip runs about two and a half hours from check-in to leaving, with roughly one hour on the water.
Planning your Kaituna rafting trip: transport, times and what to bring
Departures run four times a day, from 08:30 to 14:30. The default option includes hotel pickup and drop-off and courtesy transport to the rafting base, so it answers the question of how to get to the Kaituna River without a car. The other option is for guests who make their own way to the base.
Bring swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and a change of dry clothes. Food and drinks and photos are not included, though photos are available to buy. The best time for rafting in Rotorua is the warmer months, but trips run through much of the year and the wetsuit keeps you comfortable.
Itinerary
- Pickup or arrival at the baseWith the default option you are collected from your Rotorua accommodation; otherwise you arrive at the rafting base for your departure time.
- Gear-up and safety briefingYou put on a wetsuit, life jacket, booties and splash jacket, then your guide explains the commands and safety.
- Transfer to the riverA short ride takes the group to the put-in point on the Kaituna River.
- Rapids and waterfallsYou paddle 14 rapids and three waterfalls, about one hour on the water.
- Tutea FallsThe finale is the 7 m drop, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
- ReturnChange into dry clothes and return to the base, then to your hotel if you chose pickup.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Courtesy transport to the rafting base
- Experienced local guides
- Round-trip whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River
- All river gear and safety equipment (life jackets, wetsuits, booties, splash jackets)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Photos (available for purchase)
Not suitable for
- Travellers who are uncomfortable in moving water or cannot swim at all
- Pregnant women and people with serious heart, back or neck problems
- Very young children, as the operator sets age and weight limits: please ask us before booking for a family
- Anyone who is unwell or not fit enough to take part safely
Meeting point
With the default option you are picked up from your accommodation in central Rotorua, or from a location arranged when you book, and taken to the rafting base by courtesy transport, then returned afterwards. With the other option there is no transfer: you make your own way to the rafting base on the Kaituna River and arrive before your departure time of 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 or 14:30.
Important information
- Bring swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, plus a towel and dry clothes for afterwards
- Wear secure footwear to and from the raft, and leave valuables at the base or hotel
- All river gear is provided: wetsuit, life jacket, booties and splash jacket
- Hotel pickup and courtesy transport are included only with the default option
- Food, drinks and photos are not included, though photos can be bought
- Listen closely to the safety briefing and to your guide throughout
- Age, weight and health limits apply, so tell us about any medical condition before you book
- Departures are at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30 and depend on availability on your date
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does Kaituna River rafting cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, either with courtesy transport or meeting at the base. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
It is included with the default option, together with courtesy transport to the rafting base. The other option has no pickup, so you meet at the base yourself.
How long is the Kaituna rafting trip?
The whole experience takes about two and a half hours, with roughly one hour on the water.
Is Kaituna rafting suitable for children?
The operator applies age and weight limits, and the booking panel shows the age bands available. Please contact us before booking with children so we can confirm the right option.
What should I wear and bring?
Swimwear under the wetsuit, a towel and dry clothes. The wetsuit, life jacket, booties and splash jacket are provided, so you do not need to bring any river gear.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. With four departures a day you can compare times in the booking panel for your date.
What is the difference between the options?
The rafting run is identical. The default option adds hotel pickup and drop-off and courtesy transport to the base, while the other is for guests who meet at the base by themselves.
Is Kaituna River rafting safe?
Every raft has an experienced guide, all safety gear is provided and you receive a briefing before you start. As with any adventure activity there is some risk, so follow your guide's instructions.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You wear a life jacket, but you should be comfortable in water, as you may end up in the river. If you have concerns, talk to us before booking.
How high is Tutea Falls?
Tutea Falls is a 7 m drop and is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. It is the highlight at the end of the run.
