The Thrill of Rotorua’s Whitewater

The first sound you notice is the river. A constant roar that seems to echo through the bush. Then bursts of whistles, followed by screams and laughter. The Ōkere section of the Kaituna River, tucked into Rotorua’s lush volcanic landscape, is where whitewater rafting in New Zealand finds its most dramatic stage. Ōkere loosely translated to ‘the place of drifting’ a beautifully poetic translation that sums up its personality.

This section of the Kaituna is home to Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall falling seven meters, and a gorge wrapped in native forest, this river is a magnet for thrill-seekers from around the globe. But it’s more than just rapids. Here, adrenaline mixes with cultural stories and environmental care, creating an adventure unlike anywhere else.

White Water Rafting over Tutea Falls in Rotorua with Kaitiaki Adventures

Why the Kaituna River is World-Class

• The Waterfall Factor: No other commercial river run in the world includes a drop as spectacular as Tutea Falls. Experiencing the moment of freefall, followed by the raft plunging ‘yellow submarine’ into foaming whitewater, is exhilarating and unforgettable.
• Riding the Rapids: The Kaituna packs 14 rapids into a short, action-filled stretch, there’s something awesome happening every few minutes. It’s classed as Grade 5, which means it’s challenging, fast, and requires expert guiding.
• Epic Scenery to Match: Ancient pā sites, overhanging ponga trees, and moss-lined canyon walls make this river as beautiful as it is exciting. You are transported to what feels like the middle on no-where and you’re only 20 minutes from Rotorua city.

Clients Raft on the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures in Rotorua

Meet the Kiwi Guides: Kaitiaki Adventures

While several operators run trips on the Kaituna, Kaitiaki Adventures offers a distinctly local and cultural experience.

For more than 25 years, Kaitiaki has been guiding visitors through the Kaituna, weaving Māori narratives into every trip. It’s not about just steering rafts for them; they share kōrero about the awa (river), the significance of the surrounding land, and the values of kaitiakitanga — guardianship of people and place.

This is what sets Kaitiaki apart. You’re not only getting a Grade 5 adrenaline hit, you’re connecting with the whenua (land) and wai (water) through the eyes of its people.

More Than Rafting

Kaitiaki Adventures is the only company in Rotorua to offer:

• Whitewater Sledging

  – Lie flat on a specially designed board, propelled by the flippers on your feet, take on the rapids at eye level. This is adventure sport at its rawest.

• Raft & Sledge Combo

  Spend the day conquering the Kaituna from two perspectives.

• Mt Tarawera Guided Hike

  Step into the volcanic crater of Rotorua’s most famous maunga (mountain), learning its explosive history and cultural importance.

• Seasonal Wairoa Rafting

  One of the North Island’s most technical Grade 5 rivers, only available on select dam-release days.

• Rangitāiki River Trips

  A scenic Grade 2-4 option, perfect for families or those wanting a balance of calm and challenge.

White Water Sledging the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures

Planning Your Rafting Adventure

• Season: Rafting runs year-round in Rotorua. Summer (Dec–Mar) is warmest, but winter trips offer high water and fewer crowds.

• Duration: Kaituna trips typically take 2–3 hours including safety briefing, training, and river time.

• Who Can Go: Minimum age is usually 13 for Kaituna rafting, lower for Rangitāiki. No previous rafting experience needed — just reasonable fitness and comfort in water.

• What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, and a sense of adventure. Kaitiaki provides all river equipment including wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, and footwear.

• Safety: All guides are highly trained. Raft flips are part of the fun and handled with calm professionalism.

  

  Rafters Screaming White Water Rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures

Beyond the River: Rotorua’s Adventure Playground

Many travellers pair rafting with other Rotorua highlights:

• Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
  World-class mountain biking and the Redwoods Treewalk.

• Velocity Valley
  High-adrenaline rides like the Swoop and Agrojet.

• Geothermal Wonders
  Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu, and bubbling mud pools.

• Hot Pools
  End your rafting day soaking in Polynesian Spa or the natural pools at ‘Hot and Cold’.

Rotorua makes it easy to fill a weekend with a mix of culture, relaxation, and adrenaline.

Why This Belongs on Your Bucket List

Sitting at the top of Tutea Falls, paddle in hand, you feel your heart race. A moment later you’re airborne, weightless, before crashing into the churning pool below. You resurface grinning, surrounded by your crew, the bush ringing with your laughter.

That’s the magic of the Kaituna. It’s not just another rafting trip, it’s THE rafting trip to do in New Zealand. And with Kaitiaki Adventures, it becomes something richer: a story of water, land, and people that you’ll carry long after you’ve left the river.

👉 Ready to take the plunge? Book your Kaituna rafting adventure today with Kaitiaki Adventures and discover why Rotorua is the beating heart of rafting in Aotearoa.