5.0 (2.2 k) · Rotorua · By Rotorua Rafting Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Experience an exhilarating hour of white water rafting down the Kaituna River on this tour departing from Rotorua. Begin your adventure at a point where wild waters meet lush subtropical rainforests and canyons carved into the earth. Navigate beautiful cascading waterfalls, including the spectacular Tutea Falls, and seize the opportunity to swim through some of the rapids. This tour is suitable for both novice and expert rafters. A complimentary sauna is included.
✓ All necessary rafting equipment (wetsuit, helmet, booties, buoyancy aid, paddle)✓ Goods & Services Tax (GST)✓ Guidance from a professional rafting guide✓ Complimentary Sauna access✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request for the 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM tours.✕ Swimwear and a towel✕ Food and beverages1 Rotorua Rafting
Embark on New Zealand's premier rafting experience with this exciting 2-hour white water rafting excursion from Rotorua.
After a comprehensive safety briefing covering procedures and essential tips, you'll board your raft for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Drift along the Kaituna River through a deep canyon adorned with New Zealand's native flora.
Soak in the subtropical scenery as you navigate the river, starting with gentle rapids and gradually increasing in intensity.
You'll eventually pass beneath several impressive waterfalls.
Enjoy warm waters and thrilling rapids, featuring three waterfalls, including the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall – the 23-foot (7-meter) Tutea Falls.
Continue downstream for more action-packed rafting.
Following the tour, refresh yourself with a hot shower and relive the excitement by viewing professional photos of your adventure on the big screen.
· 2 h · Admission included
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please proceed directly to the Rotorua Rafting carpark and park your vehicle. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time (e.g., 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure).
Please proceed directly to the Rotorua Rafting carpark and park your vehicle. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time (e.g., 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure).
Kindly arrive at our base 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This activity is wheelchair accessible. Infants and young children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted on this tour. Transportation options provided are wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces are designed to be wheelchair accessible. This activity is not recommended for individuals with spinal injuries. This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers. This activity is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular health concerns. Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness. Minimum age requirement is 10 years. Children aged 10-12 will experience a portion of the river. They will join the photographer to walk to a midway point and then board the raft below Tutea Falls. Experience Grade 5 rapids. Approximately 1 hour is spent on the river; please allow 2 hours for the entire trip. During the summer months, the river's temperature can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius. Transfers from Rotorua must be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance by calling 0800 772 384, at a cost of $15 per person. By accepting this Risk Disclosure, you acknowledge that participating in a trip with Rotorua Rafting involves inherent dangers and risks. While Rotorua Rafting exercises a high degree of skill to ensure participant safety and welfare, they are not liable for loss, injury, or damage sustained by a participant or their dependents if reasonable care could not have prevented such an event. Rotorua Rafting staff and management take all practical steps to identify and minimize potential dangers, and participants must follow the guide's instructions and use safety equipment as directed. If responsible for a person under 18, you must ensure they follow the guide's instructions at all times. You release and indemnify Rotorua Rafting and its staff from any responsibility or consequences arising from your failure or the failure of an underage person accompanying you to follow instructions. Rotorua Rafting reserves the right to remove any person deemed likely to endanger themselves or others, including due to alcohol or recreational drug use. Rotorua Rafting also reserves the right to cancel, modify, or curtail any trip if safety concerns arise. Rafting is an adventure activity with inherent risks associated with the river grade. Participation in a Rotorua Rafting Tour may involve extreme dangers and risks, including: River Hazards – dynamic environments with hidden risks and unidentified obstacles; Raft Flipping – which can occur on certain rivers; Weather – conditions can be extreme and change rapidly; Vehicle – additional risks associated with road travel; Conduct of the Guide – behavior of staff and other rafters. You willingly accept all rafting risks, including those described above and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage, or loss. You acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of rafting are partly derived from navigating grade 5 rivers, and inherent risks contribute to this experience. Rotorua Rafting is not responsible for any loss or damage to property, travel disruption, or mental injury, subject to rights under the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2017 or other New Zealand law. By accepting this Risk Disclosure, you confirm you are of legal age and have read and understood this Agreement, which will bind your heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, and successors. If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept this Risk Disclosure. A weight limit of 130kg applies. Complimentary Sauna access. Arrive at the Rotorua Rafting base 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Bring swimwear and a towel for use after rafting and in the sauna. Consider pre-booking transfers from Rotorua if needed. Listen carefully to your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Be prepared for an exhilarating ride with multiple waterfalls and rapids. The tour is suitable for those with a moderate level of physical fitness. For a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 17658P1
Activity offered by Rotorua Rafting via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous travelers Rafting enthusiasts Families with children aged 10+ Individuals seeking a thrilling outdoor experience Experience thrilling white water rafting on the Kaituna River. Navigate the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, Tutea Falls. Enjoy the stunning subtropical rainforest scenery. Suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Complimentary sauna included for post-rafting relaxation. Professional photos available to capture your adventure.
Population 58,500 (2020)
Elevation 280 m
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 19° Jan 19° Feb 17° Mar 14° Apr 12° May 9° Jun 8° Jul 9° Aug 11° Sept 12° Oct 14° Nov 17° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the minimum age for this rafting tour? + The minimum age is 10 years old. Children aged 10-12 will participate in a modified half-river experience.
What should I bring with me? + You should bring swimwear and a towel. All other necessary rafting equipment will be provided.
Is hotel pickup available? + Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available upon request for the 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM tours. Please book this in advance.
How long does the rafting trip take? + While the time spent on the river is about 1 hour, please allow a total of 2 hours for the entire experience, including safety briefings and post-rafting activities.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour may be cancelled in case of bad weather.
★★★★★ Viator review
Not passed it yet
Cynthia_H, October 2026
Just be honest to the guide and when answering the questions on the registration. Im 56 and LOVED it.
From the moment we entered the building ALL STAFF were VERY welcoming and friendly, down to earth,fun,professional and clever at reading the raft.
Response from the operator · Sam S Thank you for the fantastic review, Cynthia! Stoked to hear that you had such a blast out on the river with us. Good on you for taking it on—hope to see you back for round two!
★★★★★ Viator review
10/10 Rafting Experience!
Christopher_K, October 2026
My wife and I are in NZ for our honeymoon and this was a major highlight of our trip! We had an absolute blast and Luca helped us feel extremely educated and safe on the waters! Would highly recommend!
Response from the operator · Sam S Cheers, Christopher! Congratulations on the wedding! So glad to hear you both had an absolute blast with Luca guiding the way. Appreciate the high recommendation, legend!
★★★★★ Viator review
The experience was...
Colton_N, October 2026
The experience was awesome! The guides were all excellent. They were very fun and knowledgeable. We felt very safe and care for throughout the entire experience.
Response from the operator · Sam S Kia ora Colton! So awesome to hear you had such a great time with us! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review—hope to see you back on the awa again soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fabulous !
295eb, October 2026
Great experience. We loved it.
Response from the operator · Sam S Cheers for dropping us a review! Appreciate you coming through with Rotorua Rafting, and hope to see you back for round two soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Rafting over waterfalls in New Zealand, what more could you want?
terrycr8on, October 2026
Shout out to our guide Jasper! This was a thrilling rafting trip, Jasper explained everything and our raft did not flip! He even let us ride down one water fall on our tummies! Visiting from the US and this was a highlight of our trip. The warm sauna afterwards was great! My husband and I loved it…and added their zip-lining tour for a couple days later. Great company!!
Response from the operator · Sam S Thank you for the fantastic review! Jasper will be stoked to know he looked after you both so well and brought all the thrills on the awa. We really appreciate the high recommendation and hope the ziplining was just as epic for your trip!
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