Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

Rotorua , New Zealand

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

Active

(1810 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Spend one adrenaline-crammed hour of white water rafting down the Kaituna River on this tour from Rotorua. Start at a spot where wild waters meet subtropical rainforests and canyons engraved in the earth. Raft over beautiful cascading waterfalls, including the stunning Tutea Falls, and even take the opportunity to do some swimming through some of the rapids. This tour is good for novice and expert rafters. Free Sauna included.

Available options

Year Round Season

What's included

Hotel pickup & drop-off available on request

All equipment (wetsuit, helmet, booties, buoyancy aid, paddle)

GST (Goods & Services Tax)

Professional rafting guide

Free Sauna

Detailed itinerary

Experience the best rafting section in New Zealand on this exciting 2-hour white water rafting excursion from Rotorua.
After getting a full safety briefing, including safety procedures and some tips, hop on the raft and get ready for some adrenaline-flowing fun.
Float down a deep canyon on the Kaituna River, which is lined with beautiful New Zealand native flora.
Admire the subtropical scenery while flowing down the river, which starts off with some easy white water. Then continue on where the river builds in difficulty. Eventually, float right under a couple of majestic waterfalls.

Experience warm water, and amazing rapids with three waterfalls, including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world - the 23-foot (7-metre) Tutea Falls.
Then head down the river for more action-packed rafting.

After the tour, enjoy a hot shower and check out your faces on the big screen, as you enjoy seeing your professional photos.

What's not included

Swimwear and towel

Food & drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE JA EN DA ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

225 reviews

5★

224

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1,585 reviews

5★

1556

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Age limit: Minimum 10 yrs. 10-12 yr olds, will partake in the half river experience. They will walk with the photographer to the half way point and join the raft below Tutea Falls.

Grade 5 action

1 hour is spent on the river, allow 2 hours for the trip.

During the summer months, the river can reach temperatures of 25 degrees.

Transfers from Rotorua, must be prebooked 24 hrs prior at a cost of $15pp by calling 0800 772 384.

By accepting this Risk Disclosure, you at this moment acknowledge that in participating on a trip run by Rotorua Rafting, there are inherent dangers and risks and that while Rotorua Rafting will use a high degree of skill in ensuring the safety and welfare of participants, it will not be responsible for loss, injury or damage sustained by a participant or their dependents in circumstances where the exercise of reasonable care could not have avoided such an event. While the staff and management of Rotorua Rafting will take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers, I acknowledge that I must follow the guide's instructions and use the safety equipment when instructed. If I am responsible for a person under 18, I must ensure that the underage person follows the Guides' instructions at all times. I release and indemnify Rotorua Rafting and its staff from any responsibility or consequences resulting from my failure to follow Rotorua Rafting instructions or the failure of any underage person accompanying me to follow the Guides' instructions. Rotorua Rafting reserves the right to withdraw any person who, in their opinion, is likely to endanger themselves or others. This exclusion includes the overuse of alcohol and/or recreational drugs. I also recognise that Rotorua Rafting reserves the right to cancel, modify, or curtail any trip if my safety or that of any other person becomes a concern. I am aware that Rafting is an Adventure Activity with a degree of risk inherent to the grade of the river being rafted, and participation in a “Rotorua Rafting Tour" may have extreme dangers and risks, some of which include: River Hazards - Rivers are dynamic environments with hidden risks in their natural state and have many obstacles and severe hazards that may not have been identified before, examined and identified Raft Flipping - which may frequently occur in certain rivers Weather - weather conditions may be extreme and change rapidly without warning. Vehicle - additional risks are posed by road travel. Conduct of the Guide - the behaviour of the Guide and the Guiding Staff and the conduct of other rafters. I willingly accept all the risks of rafting, including the risks described above and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or loss resulting from any reason. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of rafting are derived partly from rafting on grade 5 rivers. The inherent risks of rafting contribute to such joy and excitement. I accept that Rotorua Rafting is not responsible for any loss or damage to my property, disruption to travel plans, or mental injury. This exclusion is subject to any rights or remedies a customer has under Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2017 or any other New Zealand law. By accepting this Risk Disclosure, I confirm that I am of the Age of Majority and that I have read and understood this Agreement and agree that this Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and successors. If under 18 years, the parent or legal guardian must accept this Risk Disclosure.

Free Sauna

Weight limit of 130kg

Meeting point

Please drive into the Rotorua Rafting carpark and park. You are supposed to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. i.e. 8:45am for a 9am departure

Important notes

Please arrive at our base at 15mins prior to trip time.

About Rotorua

Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity, Maori culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The city is a hub for geothermal wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, making it a unique and appealing destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Te Puia

Te Puia is a geothermal park and cultural center showcasing Maori culture and geothermal activity. Visitors can see geysers, mud pools, and traditional Maori performances.

Nature/Cultural 2-3 hours $45-60 NZD

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

This geothermal park features colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools. It's one of the most visited attractions in Rotorua.

Nature 2-3 hours $38 NZD

Redwoods Treewalk

A unique night walk through the Redwoods forest on illuminated platforms. The experience offers a magical view of the towering trees and the night sky.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours $50-70 NZD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

A traditional Maori feast cooked in an earth oven using geothermal heat. The meal typically includes meat, kumara (sweet potato), and vegetables.

Dinner Can be adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets

Whitebait Fritters

A delicacy made from tiny whitebait fish, mixed with egg and fried into a fritter. It's a popular dish in the region.

Lunch Contains fish

Rewena Bread

A traditional Maori bread made from fermented potato and flour, cooked in a hangi or oven.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Ziplining Mountain biking White water rafting Black water rafting Spa treatments Hot spring soaking Scenic walks Maori cultural experiences

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Rotorua, offering warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the geothermal attractions.

21-25°C 70-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Maori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rotorua is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or tours
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Rotorua Regional Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Rotorua Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services to key locations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Rotorua Central Ohinemutu

Day trips

Waitomo Caves

100 km from Rotorua • Full day

The Waitomo Caves are famous for their stunning limestone formations and glowworm caves. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves and experience the magical glowworm displays.

Taupo

60 km from Rotorua • Half day to full day

Taupo is a lakeside town known for its stunning natural beauty and adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and exploring the nearby geothermal parks.

Festivals

Rotorua Festival of Lights • Late November to early January

Pro tips

Visit geothermal parks early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the geysers erupt
Book cultural experiences and tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
Try local Maori cuisine, such as hangi and rewena bread, for an authentic Rotorua experience
Pack layered clothing, as the weather can change quickly and geothermal activity can make the air feel warmer
Use the AT HOP card for discounted fares on public transport