In short
- Maximum weight limit is 130 kg (286 lbs).
- Minimum age for the Grade 5 trip is 13 years old.
- Minimum age for the Grade 3 half-river trip is 10 years old.
In this article
Before booking your trip down Tutea Falls, you must check the physical restrictions. All operators enforce a strict Kaituna River rafting weight limit. You also need to confirm the age of everyone in your group. Safety gear must fit correctly, and participants must handle intense rapids.
What is the Kaituna River rafting weight limit?
The maximum weight limit for rafting the Kaituna River is 130 kg (286 lbs).
This restriction exists so you can safely fit into the provided wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and helmets. Rafts also have weight distribution limits to prevent capsizing improperly in the rapids.
What is the minimum age for Tutea Falls?
You must be at least 13 years old to raft the full Grade 5 route over Tutea Falls.
The 7-metre (23-foot) drop is intense, and rafts commonly flip at the bottom. Teenagers must be able to follow fast instructions and hold on tight during the descent.
Can younger children raft the Kaituna River?
Yes, children aged 10 to 12 can join the half-river Grade 3 option.
This family-friendly route skips the massive Tutea Falls. Younger guests enter the river just below the main waterfall. They spend 20 to 30 minutes navigating playful, splashy rapids.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, basic swimming ability is mandatory for all rafting trips on the Kaituna River.
You must be comfortable fully submerging in moving water. While you wear a buoyancy aid, the water is deep and the current is strong. Previous rafting experience is not required.
Are there any other health requirements?
You must be physically fit, healthy, and not pregnant.
Rafting is an active sport requiring upper body movement and balance. If you require personal medication like an asthma inhaler, you must bring it with you to the river.
What happens if the raft flips?
Rafts commonly flip at the bottom of Tutea Falls, which is an expected part of the experience.
Because flips happen often, all rafters must strictly follow the guide's commands. You will be instructed to tuck your chin and hold on tightly during the waterfall drops.
Questions travellers ask
How tall is Tutea Falls?
Tutea Falls is 7 metres (23 feet) tall. It is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
Is Kaituna River rafting open in winter?
Yes, rafting operates year-round. Winter brings higher water flows, while summer offers warmer water temperatures.
How long does the Kaituna River rafting trip take?
The on-water experience lasts 50 to 60 minutes. The total round trip takes roughly 2 hours.
