Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for your trip with packing lists, driving directions, and timing advice.
Kaituna River white water rafting (Tutea Falls)
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, State Highway 33, Okere Falls
GPS -38.0078, 176.3425
Open directionsGetting there
Drive to Okere Falls or take a shuttle from Rotorua.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Self-drive from central Rotorua taking State Highway 33 north to Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. | 20 minutes | Free parking | Plentiful free parking is available at the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve or at the operator bases located just off the highway. |
| Bus: Most major rafting operators offer a shuttle pick-up and drop-off service directly from central Rotorua accommodations. | 30 minutes each way | $15 NZD | Must be arranged in advance when booking your rafting ticket; available on specific trip departure times. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Rafting operates year-round. Summer (December to February) provides warm water and busy visitor conditions. Winter offers cooler temperatures but often higher, more intense water flows. Wear a warm fleece for the post-rafting chill in winter.
What to bring
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Basic swimming ability is mandatory for all rafting trips.
You must be comfortable fully submerging in moving water.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules for your river trip.
A typical 2.5-hour round trip from central Rotorua.
- Pickup
Catch the shuttle from your Rotorua hotel.
- Base arrival
Get fitted for your wetsuit, helmet, and booties.
- Safety briefing
Learn paddle commands and how to brace for the waterfall.
- River run
Spend 50-60 minutes navigating 14 rapids and Tutea Falls.
- Change and view photos
Return to base, dry off, and purchase souvenir photos.
- Return
Take the shuttle back to Rotorua.
Combine a raft trip with a walk through the scenic reserve.
- Drive
Drive 20 minutes north on State Highway 33 to Okere Falls.
- Rafting
Check in and complete your 2-hour rafting round trip.
- Okere Falls Track
Walk the 30-45 minute trail to watch other rafters drop down Tutea Falls.
- Tutea's Caves
Walk down the historic steps to the caves for 15 minutes.
What to bring
Pack a swimsuit to wear underneath the provided wetsuit. Bring a towel and a change of dry clothes for the ride home. A plastic bag is useful to store wet swimsuits after the trip.
If you require personal medication like an asthma inhaler, bring it. For cameras, you need a waterproof action camera with a secure chest mount. Check your operator's specific camera policy before mounting it.
Easiest way to do it
Rotorua White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures + Transport
2 h 30 min 5.0 (817)
- Kiwi Guides with Māori Cultural storytelling
- Private transportation
- Changing Rooms with free storage to lock away belongs
- Professional Adventure Photographer
From$81per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I get to the Kaituna River?
Drive 20 minutes north from central Rotorua on State Highway 33. Alternatively, book a shuttle through your rafting operator for $15 NZD or choose a tour with free pickup.
Is there free parking?
Yes. Plentiful free parking is available at the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve and operator bases.
What if I wear glasses?
You should bring a secure glasses strap. Some operators do not provide them.