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Kaituna River White Water Rafting: Experience Grade 5 Rapids and Tutea Falls
4.9
390 Ratings
Rotorua
The Kaituna River is home to grade 5 rapids and the magnificent Tutea Falls, which at 7 meters (23 feet) is the highest waterfall in the world that is commercially rafted. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with this white water rafting tour on the Kaituna River.
The Kaituna River is home to grade 5 rapids and the magnificent Tutea Falls, which at 7 meters (23 feet) is the highest waterfall in the world that is commercially rafted. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with this white water rafting tour on the Kaituna River.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- River Rats Raft & Kayak - The trip runs through a stunning bush clad gorge and features 14 rapids, including the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall.\n\nYour day will begin with a pickup from your hotel. From here you will be taken to the airport base where you will obtain your equipment and participate in a safety briefing as well as quick training. After this you’ll proceed to Kaituna River.
- River Rats Raft & Kayak - The trip runs through a stunning bush clad gorge and features 14 rapids, including the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall.\n\nYour day will begin with a pickup from your hotel. From here you will be taken to the airport base where you will obtain your equipment and participate in a safety briefing as well as quick training. After this you’ll proceed to Kaituna River.

What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- All necessary equipment
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- All necessary equipment
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Minimum age is 13 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- There is a recommended minimum weight of 40 kilograms (88 pounds) for this tour
- Please bring swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure!
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the…
- Minimum age is 13 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- There is a recommended minimum weight of 40 kilograms (88 pounds) for this tour
- Please bring swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure!
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Location
River Rats Raft & Kayak
Te Ngae Road
Hangar 14s, Rotorua Airport.
Take the driveway on the left as you enter the airport and follow it till you see our signs.
Free parking is available out the front of our base.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(390 Ratings)
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Voyage61232731168
Sep 29, 2025
You're in good hands here - Best family fun ever ! A nervous mum became a happy and excited white water rafter- the guides are switched on, safety focused, and excellent at keeping everyone safe whilst showing you a good time- can't wait to go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
422yuukic
Sep 28, 2025
Trust your guide, have a lovely time! - Great experience! I was picked up by one of the guides Justin, straight from my hotel (Aura Accommodation in Rotorua) which made it much easier as our group were only using public transport. Very short drive to the place, Justin is lovely to talk to and very professional and welcoming. He easily communicated what we were going to do and all the safety precautions (even with people not paying attention) he was very patient. Even going solo he made the experience (although nerve-wracking) feel safe and easier than what we thought, Justin gave us all plenty of time and attempts to be able to confidently navigate the water and always made it seem fun. We hade some bad weather predicted, but they contacted me as soon as they could to notify me of any changes, and were very helpful in making it so we could change the day, which turned out to be a lovely day to raft!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
96maschak
Jul 3, 2025
Don't miss this! - Amazing adventure! Great guide and staff. We had a blast and felt totally safe. My daughter even had the guts (and gear) to swim down a rapid.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C
Apr 24, 2025
Family friendly Adrenalin rush. Wild experience! A must do with teens! - What an Adrenalin rush. So much fun! River rats team of Cam (guide) Lenny (safety kayaker) and Justin (photographer) were fantastic. They were focussed on safety, but also kept it entertaining and helped push us slightly outside our comfort zone (in a good way). We did some basic skills before we got into the water and then jumped straight in. As a family of 5 (with 3 teens ranging from 13 to 17), it was a highlight of our holiday. The kids loved it and what a thrill to do something together as a family that got us out in the beautiful Kaituna river and working together. We did the Grade 3-5 rapids and the 7m waterfall at the end. Loved it. Do yourself a favour and add this to your ‘Adrenalin adventure holiday’ must do list in the North Island. Highly professional team, great experience and something we’ll talk about and reminisce for years to come.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela_r
Apr 11, 2025
A well run operation. ... - A well run operation. The experience provided beautiful scenery, exilerating rapids and waterfall drops and lots of fun.
Review provided by Viator
Odyssey676833
Apr 10, 2025
River Rats are the Best - This was absolutely awesome. I did it with my son & grandson, 65,43 & 15 years old so 3 generations. We had Neville as our guide and he was friendly and funny. Highly recommend River Rats Rafting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passport35781253539
Mar 31, 2025
AMAZING!! - Nice activity to do with a group of friends! The guide is very patient to guide us, and everything goes well. Definitely recommend to those coming to Rotorua.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesiw1388fc
Mar 28, 2025
White Water Thriller - Excellent experience & the people taking were amazing. We had Lenny & he was the man. Thoroughly recommend this to anyone coming to Rotorua.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andy
Mar 8, 2025
Epic Rafting - Excellent experience. All the staff (Cam, Jen, Sophie, Lenny and Pete) were fantastic and did their absolute upmost to help at all times. The rafting was unforgettable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracie2930
Mar 6, 2025
River Rats rock! - This was one of the best whitewater experiences I’ve ever had. Simply the best river, exciting and beautiful. Peter, Cam and photographer Jen were all fun, funny and moreover skilled with guiding our raft to ensure we had the best time. They were steeped with local history and wove the knowledge in with the trip. I can’t say enough fabulous things about River Rats!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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