Ready for action-packed excitement and a life-changing experience? Rotorua, New Zealand, is a spectacular geothermal wonderland and a front-seat location for engaging cultural experiences. However, it’s also a prime spot for adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting.
When you raft in New Zealand, you can select the level of adventure to suit your style and experience. First-timers can opt for a terror-free day you’d trust to take your grandma rafting on, and hard-core adrenaline junkies can choose a more jaw-clenching white-water rafting experience. Whichever adventure you choose, you’ll enjoy a melting pot of mesmerising views, dramatic waterways, and welcoming kiwi hospitality.
Where Can You Go White Water Rafting In Rotorua?
Kaituna River – Grade 5
Image credit: @roadynz
The mighty Kaituna River squeezes between an insanely steep and narrow gorge, where the water furiously tumbles, shoots, and races. Raft along emerald-tinged water, surrounded by magnificent scenery. You’ll traverse one of 14 drops, plunge down two small waterfalls, and head for the powerful 7-metre Tutea Falls – the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Wairoa River – Grade 5
Image credit: @kaituna.cascades
A rafting trip along the Wairoa River is only possible 26 days a year, as a hydro-power station controls the river and opens only at specific times. But when it does, the tumultuous rapids and adrenalin-pumping drops create the best rafting experience for any thrill-seeker.
Rangitaiki River – Grades 2 to 4
Image credit: @point.in.time.nz
The Rangitaiki River is the longest in the Bay of Plenty and covers various Rotorua rafting possibilities. Choose from a family-friendly grade 2 to a more exhilarating grade 4. You’ll raft past stunning waterfalls, be surrounded by lush forests, and paddle through striking gorges.
Rotorua White Water Rafting Companies
Rotorua Rafting – Kaituna River
Image credit: @rotoruarafting
Join the Kaituna rafting specialists for heart-pumping whitewater rafting action that was voted #1 travellers choice in New Zealand, #1 in the South Pacific, and #2 in the world. The company was established by locally born and bred 4 x World Champion Extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton in 2011. Jump aboard and fly down the world-famous Kaituna River, home to Ōkere Falls, Kaituna Falls, and the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – Tutea Falls. The action begins directly opposite the start of the Kaituna River, where the best-handpicked guides with extensive local and cultural knowledge will show you the beauty – and power – of the Ōkere Awa.
Kaituna Cascades
Image credit: @kaituna.cascades
TripAdvisor rated Kaituna Cascades as the #1 Rotorua rafting company. Its creators pioneered the river’s original rafting explorations, opening it up commercially. Join experienced raft guides for rafting trips on the Kaituna, Wairoa, and Rangitaiki Rivers. Or choose a rafting combo of Kaituna and Wairoa or Kaituna and Rangitaiki.
Kaitiaki Adventures
Image credit: @kaitiakiadventures
Kaitiaki Adventures is a Māori owned and operated, 120% climate-positive, award-winning adventure tourism company. Experience the perfect alchemy of adrenaline and Māori culture with Rotorua rafting and sledging experiences, plus guided hikes up Mount Tarawera. Adventure seekers will have a wonderful time rafting on the Kaituna River. Snake through bush-clad canyons with world-class guides, then plunge down the Tutea Falls into the frothing water below.
River Rats
Image credit: @riverratsrafting
River Rats provide fun and safe river rafting in Rotorua and are proud holders of a Qualmark Enviro Gold Award – the first company of their kind in NZ to receive the honour. Choose Rotorua rafting, kayaking, or sledging tours. If you want to level up your rafting experience, go kayaking to a secluded beach, shower under a waterfall or enjoy a soak in a hot pool accessible only by boat or floatplane.
Raftabout
Image credit: @raftabout
Raftabout was the first company to single-guide the Kaituna River and opened the section known as ‘Awesome Gorge’. Join expert guides and raft the 50-minute Kaituna Waterfall experience for white-knuckle, white-water action. This experience is one of the best rafting adventures for adventure-seekers and is a must-do adrenaline-pumping activity in Rotorua.
Explore More Fantastic Things To See And Do In Rotorua
