Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rotorua, New Zealand
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure on this Kaituna River white-water rafting trip from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. Navigate steep canyons through native forest and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle, and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery with all safety equipment and hotel transfers included.
- A must-do activity for adventurous thrill-seekers
- The half-day trip leaves time in your schedule for other activities
- Opt to purchase professional photographs after, for a great souvenir
- Māori guides share meaningful stories about the area
What's Included
- 100% Pure NZ Kaituna Rafting! (2hr round trip)
- Professional Adventure Photographer
- Professional Kiwi Guide
- Free Hotel/Motel Transfer
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Kaitiaki Adventures Rotorua Sledging | Rafting | Hiking
2
Okere Falls
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 42 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Tess_T
We had such a wonderful experience! The staff picked us up from our hostel and took us back. We came, we rafted, we conquered! The staff makes you feel like part of the group and I appreciate the hospitality! Big shout out to our guides for making the experience great, Deborah, reiya, yonexsi, and manaaki were awesome! Highly recommend this excursion.
Reviews
4.9
based on 799 reviews
Jeffrey_S, Mar 2026
Great experience. All the staff were friendly. Get wet and have a great time. Plenty of safety measures in place.
Jennifer_B, Mar 2026
So much fun! Definitely a must do in Rotorua. Our guide, Kyle, told us all about the area's history and Māori culture.
Ariel_A, Jan 2026
Really fun time rafting with Kaituna. Reiya was an incredible guide and made sure we knew all that we needed to go down the falls safely.
Tess_T, Dec 2025
We had such a wonderful experience! The staff picked us up from our hostel and took us back. We came, we rafted, we conquered! The staff makes you feel like part of the group and I appreciate the hospitality! Big shout out to our guides for making the experience great, Deborah, reiya, yonexsi, and manaaki were awesome! Highly recommend this excursion.
Kip_B, Nov 2025
Friendly and helpful staff. The guides were amazing and FUN! Loved the big drop. Memorable photos made available at the conclusion of the journey.
Geoffrey_H, Oct 2025
Well run very friendly and professional with laid back people. Would do it again. Enjoyed respect for that Maori.
Lesroy_L, Apr 2025
Great time. Perfect explanation to fun ratio. The guides hype you up, make it funny and interesting. Safety was important but so was having fun with the water and your boat mates. “Sweet as” is now my new saying, lol
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Cheers for the awesome review – we LOVE that “Sweet as” has made it into your vocab! 😂 That perfect balance of fun, hype, laughs, and safety is exactly what we aim for, and it’s epic to hear our crew delivered just that.
Glad you had a blast!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Crew 💦🚣♀️🔥
Allie_R, Apr 2025
We had such a phenomenal experience. Jack, our guide, made the trip that much better. Would recommend!
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Awesome to hear you had such a phenomenal experience – that’s what we love to hear! Jack will be chuffed to know he helped make it even more memorable for you. He’s a real asset to the team and always brings the mana to every trip.
Thanks so much for the recommendation – we hope to welcome you back again soon!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Crew 🌋💦🤙
Elizabeth_T, Jan 2025
Extremely experienced staff make this an enjoyable & relatively safe experience & a lot of fun would recommend
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Thanks so much for the great review! We’re stoked to hear you had a fun and safe time with us — our crew pride themselves on bringing both expertise and good vibes to every trip.
We really appreciate the recommendation and would love to have you back for another adventure anytime!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌊😄🔥
Mathew_G, Dec 2024
A thrill a minute. The guides make something that could be very dangerous almost completely safe. The big waterfall is white knuckle and the highlight of the experience. There are a few different companies but I would recommend Kaitiaki.
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Thanks a ton for the awesome review! We’re stoked to hear you had a thrill-a-minute ride — that’s exactly what we aim for! The 7-metre drop is definitely a white-knuckle moment, and we love that it stood out as the highlight for you.
Massive thanks for the shoutout to our guides — they’re absolute pros at managing the adrenaline while keeping everyone safe and supported. Your recommendation means the world to us, especially with other operators in the mix.
Hope to welcome you back for more epic moments soon!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌊🔥🙌
Zoe_B, Dec 2024
Well organized, exciting, very good guides. Beautiful scenery we would not have seen under other circumstances.
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Thanks so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the experience and got to see some of the stunning scenery that’s often hidden away from the usual paths. That’s exactly what we love sharing with our manuhiri!
Our guides will be chuffed to hear your feedback — they take great pride in creating safe, exciting, and unforgettable journeys.
We’d love to welcome you back any time for another adventure!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌋🌿✨
GIM_J, Aug 2024
GIM and Son participated 13th August
14:30. And we joined with Captain Jack.
Unfortunately the files you had send to me were erased.
So could you please send files once again to qhfk332@naver.com.
I just only need the CAPTAIN JACK`S FILE.
Thank you so much.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Kia Ora Gim!
Thanks so much for your review! Happy we got the link back to you too :) Enjoy the rest of your journey!
Nga Mihi
Iona_B, Aug 2024
This was so much fun! The team made sure we were well looked after whilst having the most amount of fun possible. I loved going down the waterfalls and surfing in the rapids. Also the pick up and drop off to and from our accommodation was ideal.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Kia Ora Iona! Thank you so much for your amazing review! We really appreciate you! We also had such an amazing time taking you down the rapid with us! Safe travels! Nga Manaakitanga
LeifErik_E, Jul 2024
Amazing rafting! Recommend it for everyone. Jack was a great guide and captain of our rafting boat. Best rafting I’ve done
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Ki Ora LeifErik_E!
Thank you for your awesome review! Jack is an asset to the Kaitiaki Whanau - we will be sure to pass on your kind words.
Nga mihi nui (Kindest regards) - Kaitiaki Adventures
Cynthia_C, Apr 2024
Amazing team of people run this tour. They all work well together and provided us with the safest adventure. Highly recommend - still talking about it!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for the glowing review! We're delighted to hear that you had such an awesome time with the crew :) Nga Manaakitanga
David_V, Mar 2024
High adrenaline in a relatively short time. Staff were super friendly and the operation was well run. Only a short 10 minute drive from the meeting point to the river on their bus. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kia Ora! Thank you for sharing your experience of our Kaitiaki Experience. We're grateful for your review and glad to have provided a memorable adventure!
Rylan_H, Jan 2024
The staff was incredibly helpful, comforting and competent. We'd do it again, today (same day) if we could! Highly recommended! @Curtis was amazing as were his compadres 😉. Worth noting, their photographer is actually great and the photos an absolute necessity. Advised to take a 260 cam video (chest mount only allowed). I left mine sadly but the float and river is unreal beautiful!!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Kia Ora Rylan! We're thrilled to receive your review for your Rafting Experience. Your feedback encourages us to continue offering immersive cultural adventures that embody manaakitanga.
smashtokyotoys, Dec 2023
As a professional Adventuring-Loud-Mouth-Braggart with 2-titanium pins in my shoulder and 3 in my knee I'm always getting SLAMMED by guides who just don't believe my OUTLANDISH stories of my awesome stuntman life.
This trip was no different.
Flipped, drowned, pounded, wobbled, wacked, slipped....I got all of it AND I DIDN'T EVEN DO MUCH ROWING!
IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!
-Very professional guides....Felt like family, worked well together. Don't be a dummy like me, if anyone says "Have you rafted before?" The answer is "No, never." Or you will get OWNED and TESTED every step of the way.
-Very original tour.
The offer of 2-man rafts...I've rafted all over the world and def all over NZ and that was a unique experience.
I only thought I was going to die once and it was my fault (let go of the oar if it's keeping you under the water folks!)
The chalet experience....it's out of the way so you can stay there, you can drink coffee, eat, have booze with your extreme adrenaline-junkie mates before or after etc
CONS
They won't pick you up because it's literally up in the mountains on a windy dirt rd. You HAVE to get your own way there. Not a great problem but will hinder most hostel-dwelling millenials.
Don't do this if you are exhausted, injured, old or all three.
I was exhausted, overweight, unfit and had underestimated an old injury and was trying to relive my gung-ho glory-days.
I can't lift my arm days later after 4 days straight of rafting.
Don't be that guy.
Great activity, great stretch of river, great place to stay, two thumbs up.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Kia Ora Mate!
Thanks for the awesome review!
Nicole_N, Dec 2023
Such an amazing experience and I do not regret doing this! Ben was an awesome guide and made sure everyone felt safe. Wish the rafting experience was longer. Would definitely do again!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Kia Ora Nicole!
Thanks for your great review - we will be sure to pass on your kind words to Ben.
Nga mihi,
Kaitiaki Adventures
Alice_W, Oct 2023
The tour guides were absolutely amazing and full of confidence which made the experience extremely fun! We went over 3 waterfalls and loads of rapids! The pictures taken were epic & everyone was just great. Don't miss out on this experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Kia Ora! Your review of our Kaitiaki Experience encapsulates the essence of what we strive to offer: cultural richness and adventure. We appreciate your support and kind words!
Kaitiaki Adventures
Francisco_G, Apr 2023
The Rapids are awesome! The scenery is amazing! The water fall drop is outstanding! The guides are so much fun to be around! Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Kia Ora, thank you for the review!! We hope your rafting experience has taken a top spot in your memory bank :)
Barbara_B, Dec 2022
We enjoyed rafting with this company. My first time rafting, felt well prepared in both techniques and equipment. Ben was a great guide!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Kia ora,
We’re stoked that you had fun rafting with us, we had a blast with you too! We’re excited to have you back again in the future!
Nga mihi nui,
Killian_M, Nov 2022
This trip was absolutely amazing. Jackie was an awesome guide and had alot of fun in the kayaks between waterfalls, getting out of the kayak for fun, and paddling back into the rapids. Would recommend to all.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Kia ora Killian,
The team and i had a blast with you during this trip and we love that you enjoyed it just as much as we did! We are excited to have you again in the future :)
Nga mihi nui,
Tom_B, Nov 2022
White-water rafting was on my wife’s bucket list, so we did a last minute booking with this company and boy did we get lucky. They did an amazing job from start to finish. We felt safe the entire time and the guides kept us laughing and seemed highly experienced. Hudson was our boat guide and he was absolutely spectacular. He made sure we were prepared for all the difficult rapids and waterfalls in advance and gave us the confidence to push through them as a team. All the employees seem to love what they do and that truly created an amazing experience to be apart of. I would recommend this experience again and again.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Kia ora,
We’re so happy you and your wife enjoyed your time with us! We love that you felt safe and encouraged to the point where you could relax and enjoy! We hope to see you again in the future!
Nga mihi nui,
Chris_F, Aug 2022
An excellent white water rafting trip with no hassle. The staff was friendly and accommodating to all of their guests.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Kia Ora Chris,
Thank you for your awesome review, its awesome to see that you enjoyed your time and experience with us here at Kaitiaki. Looking forward to having you aboard for a second trip!
Nga mihi maioha,
tu_n, Jun 2022
Great service, nice people, some interesting stories relating to the river. I was hoping slightly longer but that's my problem
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Kia Ora,
It was a pleasure hosting you on the trip and we hope to have you back soon for round 2!
Nga mihi nui,
Laurel_H, Feb 2020
The thrill of a lifetime. Have done many rafting trips but this was one of the best. Great guides that explain everything that is going to happen. Well organized. Would love to do this ride again.
Response from Host, Jul 2020
Kia Ora Laurie,
Great to see you enjoyed your time with us rafting! Our guides are great and do try make sure everything is organised and give customers the best experience. Hope to see you in the near future :)
Nga Mihi, Kaitiaki Adventures.
simonporter1981, Jan 2020
This was very fun and enjoyable. Our guide Hudson was fantastic, made the experience a whole lot better. Would definitely recommend! What are you waiting for!
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Kia Ora Simon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your wicked Rafting trip with Hudson! Get thAT INNNDDIIAAA!!!!
Oh_H, Nov 2018
I had a wonderful and excellent guide who taught us how to have the maximum fun and memorable experience. He always reminded us that we should "HOLD TIGHT TO THE RAFT!!!!!", "DEEP PADDLE!!". The morale of the rafters in my raft were at sky high throughout the journey and i must admit that we had lots of fun!!!I forgot the name of the guide and i will like to say a big thank you for giving me my first time good white water rafting experience.Cheers,James (Hong Guan)
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Kia Ora James!
Thanks for your awesome review! Hope to see you again one day :)
Kaitiaki Whanau
Andrew P, Jan 2018
Really enjoyed this activity, well organised friendly and definitely worth doing. If you've never done anything like this and I hadn't give it a go - you'll not regret it.
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Kia Ora Andrew!
Thanks for your awesome review! Hope to see you again one day :)
Enjoy the rest of your Journey!
Kaitiaki Whanau
From $79.02
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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