Kaituna River Rafting: Cultural Adventure Awaits

Conquer 14 rapids and experience the thrill of rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Join us on a 2-hour white-water adventure on the Kaituna River in New Zealand’s native forest.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 1135 Te Ngae Road - Enjoy the thrill of Kaituna River Whitewater Rafting in Rotorua, with easy pick-up from central hotels, including the i-SITE/Information center, 30 minutes before your chosen time.
    Travel to our rafting base nestled among the last majestic kahikatea stand, where you’ll meet our skilled local and Māori guides for a comprehensive…
What's Included
  • Guidance by a professional Kiwi guide.
  • Experience 100% Pure NZ Kaituna Rafting on a 2-hour round trip.
  • Complimentary hotel or motel transfer included.
  • Capture your adventure with a professional photographer.
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Kaituna River Whitewater Rafting in Rotorua is renowned for its exciting big-water experience and profound connection to the local culture. Experience the thrill of dropping down the world-famous Tutea Falls (7 m/22 ft) and navigating a vibrant gorge, all while local and Māori guides share the whakapapa (genealogy and stories of the area), tikanga…

Location
1135 Te Ngae Road
Te Ngae Road
Please arrive at our raft base for check in
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(713 Ratings)
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237mackenzien
Oct 30, 2025
From Hike to Rapids — Still an Amazing Day! - We were supposed to do the Mount Tarawera hike, but it unfortunately got cancelled due to weather. Although I was bummed, it’s good to know they put safety first. As an alternative, we did the rafting tour instead. Our guides Ben and Connor provided a personable, fun and safe experience! We got to raft down the highest commercially rafter waterfall in the world and they were able to get some cool pictures too. Definitely recommend this company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
198trusti
Oct 26, 2025
Review for Kaitiaki Adventures – Rotorua - Kaitiaki Adventures delivered an unforgettable experience that went far beyond our expectations. As beginners to water activities, we felt completely safe, supported, and encouraged throughout the journey. The scenery was stunning, the ride was full of excitement with thrilling twists and turns, and the big waterfall drop was simply breathtaking — a moment we’ll never forget! Fingers crossed to our Captain Jack – you led us like a true pro! And a huge thank you to Kyle and Talia for your care, guidance, and friendly support along the way. The whole team made this adventure not just exciting, but truly meaningful. 11/10 – Highly recommend Kaitiaki Adventures to anyone visiting Rotorua! Welly squad x
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ben
Oct 22, 2025
A great experience with fun people. - I was able to call them and they arrainged a pickup from my stay at the Haka place. A 15 minute drive and then I met the team of professional rafters. We changed to wet suits and off we went to the fast flowing river. We were well instructed and the rafting was a great experience! A 7 meter drop (highest in the world!) was the highlight. I enjoyed it very much and could have done it for hours. Thanks for a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber59693000401
Oct 19, 2025
Overall an incredible time with the most amazing guides. - The overall experience was incredible, the guides were so much fun and gave you some interesting facts about the river. I felt super safe even when i fell in lol. The Team over a Kaitiaki were amazing and I couldn’t recommend them enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geoffrey_h
Oct 18, 2025
Well run very friendly... - Well run very friendly and professional with laid back people. Would do it again. Enjoyed respect for that Maori.
Review provided by Viator
Stephanieab
Oct 18, 2025
Just do it. It’s a total adrenaline rush. - From the time we booked our rafting trip, I was a little concerned about the big waterfall drop. The staff was so accommodating helping everyone get geared up, and comfortable. The guides were so experienced, knowledgeable and safety conscious, they instilled confidence into the rafters. Ben was a really great guide and he made sure we all had a great time. It was the most fun we have had in our stay here in NZ. Thank you all!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M8915ovsarahc
Oct 14, 2025
Highlight of our trip! - This was so much fun and absolutely the highlight of our trip! It was so adrenaline-filled and exciting. The guides at Kaitiaki were very friendly, funny, and most of all, skilled. They made our safety their priority and we definitely felt safe with them. There was a 6 metre drop on this tour, which we were all terrified for, but it was super fun. I was lucky to be in a raft that made it down smoothly (except for a LOT of water smacking you in the face). The other raft flipped and everyone fell out. Everyone was safe and it was funny, but it would have been a bit more scary. The guides prepared everyone for it well and it was all part of the fun and thrills! They provided everything we needed except bathers - full wetsuits, helmets, life jackets. They also take heaps of photos which you can get at the end. As someone with anxiety, I was so scared for this experience, but it was 100% worth it, and I’m so glad I did it! What an empowering feeling to have face the fear and had an incredible time doing so!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emmagt911xl
Oct 4, 2025
Amazing day - Amazing experience. Felt safe at all times. Highly recommend, went with a 15 year old, never tried anything like this before, but would go again. Friendly staff
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort06060512816
Oct 2, 2025
Never too old to try something new - I was so scared at the beginning but our guide was absolutely awesome, his patience was astounding and by the end I felt a lot better and thoroughly ended up enjoying the whole experience, thoroughly recommend it, age is no barrier.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deanm81
Oct 2, 2025
A fun whitewater rafting challenge with a great guide! - What a great experience rafting down those waterfalls!! The guide (Drax) really made this adventure a fun experience for the whole group. Highly recommended to all who have a sense of adventure and want a challenge in great natural surroundings. Would go again when in Rotorua.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $76
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).