Rotorua Sledging White Water Sledging | Kaitiaki Adventures
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Rotorua, New Zealand
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Take a scenic excursion through the New Zealand wilderness on this white-water sledging adventure from Rotorua. Listen as a guide explains the challenges ahead, don your helmet and life vest, and take to the Okere River on your floating sledge. Twist and turn through swirling river rapids, float along relaxing flats, and admire views over the mighty Kahikatea Forest. See parts of the landscape you couldn’t reach any other way.
- Includes handy Rotorua hotel transfers so you don't need to drive yourself
- This family-friendly tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels
- Take to the river confidently with a full briefing and safety gear
- A fun activity for outdoor enthusasts and adventure seekers
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
What To Expect
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos





Reviews
4.9
based on 100 reviews
Heather_B, Mar 2026
Exciting and challenging! A different way to play in the river. The guides were fantastic and made it a great experience.
Yvonne_T, Mar 2026
Excellent guides who were proficient and very helpful. An exhilarating experience and would recommend if you like adventure and are not afraid of the water.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia ora! Thanks so much for your awesome review 😊 We’re thrilled to hear you found our guides helpful and professional — we pride ourselves on making sure everyone feels safe while still having an epic adventure!
Stoked you enjoyed the thrill of it and appreciate the recommendation — especially for fellow adventure lovers who don’t mind getting a bit wet! 🌊💪
Jade_B, Feb 2026
Great experience. The guides were fantastic and made me feel like I was in very safe hands the entire time. You do need confidence in your swimming ability and a reasonable level of fitness. I was a little nervous at the start, but it ended up helping me tick off some fears and personal goals. So glad I did it.
Aaron_S, Oct 2025
Sledging is a one of a kind experience, it was exciting and fun. Pretty exhausting fighting the current to get into position for the rapids, but that’s part of the fun. Had a blast
Fiona_A, Jan 2025
Great thrill and great instructors leading you through the rapids. The river is warm and not too scary.
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Thanks for the awesome review! We're so glad you enjoyed the thrill of the rapids and felt well-guided by our crew — they’ll be stoked to hear it.
And you’re right — that warm river is a bonus! Just the right amount of excitement without being too intimidating.
Hope to see you back for more adventure soon!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌊🔥😄
Emilie_S, Dec 2024
As others have noted this is for people who love to swim and are comfortable in whitewater conditions. You are in the water the entire time. If you love that idea you'll LOVE this. We had a blast! This is physically demanding as you need to be able to kick into and out of rapids. All that being said, the river is absolutely gorgeous reminiscent of Jurassic Park 😉
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Thanks so much for the epic review! You’ve absolutely nailed it — sledging is 100% for the water lovers who don’t mind getting right amongst it. It’s physical, it’s wild, and it’s so worth it if you’re up for the challenge!
We’re stoked you had a blast and totally agree — the river’s lush, dramatic beauty definitely gives off those Jurassic Park vibes 🌿🦖
Thanks again for joining us — hope to see you back for round two!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌊💪🔥
matt_l, Nov 2024
The tour guides and all staff were very friendly. Captain Jack and Kyle were legends and made it fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone that loves an adventure
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Love this — thank you so much! We’re stoked to hear you had a great time with Captain Jack and Kyle — they’re absolute legends and always bring the energy to every adventure.
Really appreciate the recommendation — we’d love to have you back for another go anytime you’re keen!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌊🔥😄
simplyashleyjohnson, Mar 2024
For the adventurous heart! We had such a great time from arrival to the end. My husband is healthy and in good shape so he really enjoyed himself. I’m a plus size woman and honestly I was nervous about being able to do this.
To be honest, if you can keep your mind strong (don’t overthink it) and trust your body then definitely consider this adventure because the views and the feeling of accomplishment at the end is so empowering. It will push you, but the guides are so capable of keeping you safe and on course you have nothing to worry about.
You’ll need to do some walking to get to the river and have decent arm strength and leg strength to manage your sledge, but after that it’s pure fun!
Thank you to our guides who were super patient, considerate, and understanding as we went along our adventure. You made our day awesome!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kia Ora! Thank you for choosing our Kaitiaki Experience and for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to have shared a piece of our culture with you through manaakitanga.
Paul_G, Feb 2024
I bought the photo package after river sledging. They weren't uploaded in the initial Dropbox link that was sent out (other rafting times that day did have their photos uploaded). I had multiple exchanges of emails with the company, where they said things like "oh we're just doing it now", "we'll do it today and let you know when it's done" etc, none of which happened. I've asked for a refund for the photo package... no response. The river sledging itself was fun.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Kia Ora! This is disappointing to read, we are sorry your photos we not delivered to you in a timely manner! Please be aware we have refunded your booking in full :)
Shannon K, Feb 2018
This was fun, but a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Kicked my butt.
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Kia Ora!
Thanks for your awesome review! Hope to see you again one day :)
Enjoy the rest of your Journey!
Nga Mihi Nui, (kindest regards)
Kaitiaki Whanau
Noah_B, Feb 2025
Außergewöhnliches Event
Grundfitness nötig, durchaus anstrengend
Wunderschöne Landschaft
Tolle Guides
Response from Host, May 2025
Kia Ora!
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you found the experience außergewöhnlich – it’s definitely a proper adventure! It’s true, a bit of base fitness helps, but with stunning scenery and our awesome guides by your side, it all becomes part of the journey.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team – they’ll be stoked!
Ngā mihi nui,
The Kaitiaki Adventures Whānau 🌋💪🌿
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