Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Plunge down a 7-meter waterfall on a fast-paced Grade 5 river run. Navigate 14 rapids through a deep native bush canyon.
5.0 from 2,167 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare trips with included transport or extra perks.
Most bookedSpend 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...
Top ratedKaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft guides - so you...
Explore
What to expect on the river and the viewing trails.
Tutea Falls is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Listen to your guide, tuck your chin, and hold on tight.
Plan your visit
The total round trip takes about 2 hours. You spend 50 to 60 minutes on the water.
Summer offers warm water and peak conditions. Winter brings cooler temperatures but often higher water flows.
Drive 20 minutes from central Rotorua to the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. Parking is free.
Grade 5 adult tickets cost about $115 to $145 NZD. Walking the Okere Falls Track is free.
The Kaituna River winds through a steep canyon in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. The route features warm water flowing through a temperate rainforest. Rafters face a fast-paced Grade 5 run with 14 distinct rapids.
The main event is Tutea Falls. This 7-meter (23-foot) drop is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Rafts commonly flip at the bottom, which operators consider a celebrated part of the trip. Check Weight & Age Limits for safety rules.
A Grade 3 half-river option allows 10-year-olds to join the fun. If you prefer to stay dry, walk the Okere Falls Track. Read Getting to the River for transport details.
We detail exact age and weight limits for all river trips.
We show which tours include free shuttles from Rotorua hotels.
Just the direct facts you need to choose the right raft operator.
From Viator
2,167 reviews of the rafting & sauna on Viator
Awesome experience going down the river , guides were knowledgeable and fun. And one of the cheapest activities to do in Rotora. Had that much fun wish it went longer 😊oh and I have never been white water rafting before .
This is an experience of a lifetime! We had the best trip….what a beautiful place. Our guides Luca & Fletcher were masters at making us feel safe, yet had the best personalities to keep us laughing & having a blast. Highly recommend this company
Really great experience. Our guide Jared was amazing, made us feel safe and comfortable. He knew what he was doing and we had an amazing time. We were a group of 4, so a nice small crowd. Atmosphere was pretty laid back.
There are many exciting things to do in NZ. This has to be at the top of your list if you are chasing a thrill
The whole experience was awesome! The ride to/from was very accommodating as I was traveling with a group on other activities, and instruction and scenery and inclusion of the local culture for safe keeping on the river was just some of the highlights!
My siblings had the best time on this activity they always mentioned that their guide was the MAN I think it was Corey sorry if I’m wrong. But thank you for a wonderful experience from all our family. So thank you Kaitiaki 😊 keep up the good mahi x
Travel tips
Ticket Prices GuideA complete breakdown of Kaituna River rafting costs and extra fees.Read 
Getting to the RiverLearn how to drive or catch a shuttle to the Kaituna River.Read 
Best Time to GoFind out when to raft the Kaituna River for warm water or wild rapids.Read 
Weight & Age LimitsCheck the weight limits and age rules for Kaituna River rafting.Read 
Packing GuideFind out exactly what to wear and pack for a Kaituna River rafting trip.Read 
Kaituna vs ShotoverCompare Rotorua's Kaituna River with Queenstown's Shotover River.Read Tutea Falls is 7 meters (23 feet) tall. This makes it the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
No previous rafting experience is required. However, you must be comfortable swimming and fully submerging in water.
Rafts commonly flip at the bottom of Tutea Falls. This is a known and celebrated part of the experience. Guides brief you thoroughly on what to do if this happens.
Participants must be at least 13 years old for the full Grade 5 trip. The minimum age for the Grade 3 half-river trip is 10 years old.
Yes. Rafters are subject to a maximum weight limit of 130 kg (286 lbs). This ensures a safe fit in the provided safety equipment.
The full rafting route is classified as a Grade 5 whitewater run. A half-river Grade 3 option is available for younger guests.
Book your Kaituna River trip and prepare for the 7-meter plunge.
