In short
- Kaituna features a 7-metre (23-foot) waterfall drop.
- Shotover offers scenic runs with smaller rapids.
- Kaituna runs through a warm, native bush canyon.
In this article
New Zealand offers incredible whitewater rafting options. The Kaituna River in Rotorua and the Shotover River in Queenstown provide very different experiences. Your choice depends entirely on what kind of thrill you want.
What grade are the rapids on each river?
The Kaituna River is a fast-paced Grade 5 run with 14 rapids. The Shotover features smaller rapids.
Kaituna rafters navigate steep drops and intense whitewater. The Shotover River focuses more on scenic stretches with less extreme rapids.
Which river has the biggest waterfall?
The Kaituna River features the 7-metre (23-foot) Tutea Falls. This is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
On the Kaituna, you will plunge down three distinct waterfalls: Okere Falls, Kaituna Falls, and Tutea Falls. The Shotover River does not have massive waterfall drops. Instead, it offers a series of smaller rapids.
How does the scenery compare?
The Kaituna flows through a deep, steep, native bush canyon. The Shotover River offers a scenic environment in Queenstown.
The Okere Falls Scenic Reserve surrounds the Kaituna River. The steep walls create a fast, intense thrill ride. The Shotover provides a different type of scenic beauty in the South Island.
How long is the Kaituna rafting trip?
The Kaituna River trip takes about two hours round trip. You spend 50 to 60 minutes on the water.
This on-water time is packed with action. The steep canyon means you hit 14 epic rapids in rapid succession. There is little downtime between the drops.
Can kids raft the Kaituna or Shotover?
The full Grade 5 Kaituna trip requires participants to be at least 13 years old.
Younger guests aged 10 to 12 can join a half-river Grade 3 option on the Kaituna. This alternative joins the river just below the main waterfall. You must weigh under 130 kg (286 lbs) to participate safely.
Is the water cold on these rivers?
The Kaituna River is famous for its unusually warm waters.
Because it flows through a temperate rainforest, the Kaituna is warmer than typical New Zealand rivers. Rafting operates year-round here. You will still wear a provided wetsuit for comfort.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need rafting experience for Tutea Falls?
No previous rafting experience is required. However, you must be comfortable swimming and fully submerging in moving water.
How tall is Tutea Falls?
Tutea Falls is 7 metres (23 feet) tall. It holds the title of the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
What happens if the raft flips on Tutea Falls?
Rafts commonly flip at the bottom of the falls. This is a known and celebrated part of the Kaituna rafting experience.
