Kaituna River: Grade 5 White Water Rafting

About this experience

This ticket secures a place on a guided Grade 5 white water rafting trip along the Kaituna River, departing from Rotorua. Professional guides lead each group through one of New Zealand's most demanding commercially rafted rivers, a deep basalt canyon lined with native New Zealand vegetation. The two-hour guided run takes in three waterfalls, the most significant being Tutea Falls, a 7-metre drop recognised as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. The route begins with manageable rapids before building steadily in intensity, giving rafters a clear progression through the river's character before reaching its most challenging sections. Before launch, the guides provide a full safety briefing and all necessary equipment. A professional adventure photographer accompanies the trip, capturing the run on camera. After the rafting, participants can use hot showers at the base and view their photos on a large screen. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland is available at an additional cost per person. The ticket covers the two-hour rafting experience, guide fees, and all equipment. Swimwear and a towel are not included and should be brought along. Vehicles are not sold through this listing. Any vehicle used during the experience is supplied by the operator and returned at the end.

Highlights

• Raft the Kaituna River from Rotorua on a 2-hour trip
• Descend Tutea Falls, the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall
• Drop 7 metres over Tutea Falls on a Grade 5 river
• Navigate three waterfalls through a deep basalt canyon
• Paddle past native New Zealand vegetation in a river gorge
• Rapids build progressively, suiting first-timers and experienced rafters

What is included

• Professional guides
• All necessary equipment
• 2-hour rafting experience
• Hotel pickup and drop-off ($15 per person)
• Professional adventure photographer

Not included

• Swimwear and towel

Before you go

Arrival and timing Arrive at 761 State Highway 33 in good time before your scheduled departure so you can check in and get kitted out without rushing. The full experience runs for 2 hours, so plan your day accordingly and allow extra time afterwards for a hot shower and to view your photos on the big screen at the base. What to bring Swimwear and a towel are not provided, so bring both with you. All rafting equipment is supplied, including everything you need on the water. Secure any valuables before you launch, as they cannot be taken onto the raft. On the river Before entering the water, guides will run a full safety briefing covering procedures and paddling techniques. Follow their instructions throughout the trip and stay attentive, particularly as the rapids increase in intensity towards Tutea Falls. A professional photographer will capture the experience, so there is no need to bring a camera onto the raft.

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.