Kaituna River: Grade 5 White Water Rafting Tickets at Kaituna River Rafting

Official tickets5.01 reviewKaituna River Rafting

A 2-hour Grade 5 rafting trip on the Kaituna River near Rotorua, including the 7-metre Tutea Falls, the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall.

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Free cancellation (24h)

Kaituna River: Grade 5 White Water Rafting is a guided rafting experience departing from Rotorua, taking participants along one of New Zealand's most demanding commercially rafted rivers. The Kaituna River runs through a deep basalt canyon lined with native New Zealand vegetation, and the two-hour trip includes three waterfalls, the most significant being Tutea Falls, a 7-metre drop recognised as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. The run begins with manageable rapids before building steadily in intensity, giving rafters a clear progression through the river's character before reaching its most challenging sections.

Professional guides lead each group through warm-water rapids and technical passages, with a full safety briefing and all necessary equipment provided before launch. A professional adventure photographer accompanies the trip, capturing the run on camera. After the rafting, participants can use hot showers at the base and view their photos on a large screen. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland is available at an additional cost per person. Booking covers the two-hour rafting experience, guide fees, and all equipment. Swimwear and a towel are not included and should be brought along.

What's included

Professional guides
All necessary equipment
2-hour rafting experience
Hotel pickup and drop-off ($15 per person)
Professional adventure photographer

Swimwear and towel

Good to know

Know before you go: Arrival and timing
Arrive at 761 State Highway 33 in good time before your scheduled departure so you can check in and get kitted out without rushing. The full experience runs for 2 hours, so plan your day accordingly and allow extra time afterwards for a hot shower and to view your photos on the big screen at the base.
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel are not provided, so bring both with you.
All rafting equipment is supplied, including everything you need on the water.
Secure any valuables before you launch, as they cannot be taken onto the raft.
On the river
Before entering the water, guides will run a full safety briefing covering procedures and paddling techniques. Follow their instructions throughout the trip and stay attentive, particularly as the rapids increase in intensity towards Tutea Falls. A professional photographer will capture the experience, so there is no need to bring a camera onto the raft.
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Frequently asked

What is Kaituna River: Grade 5 White Water Rafting?

This is a 2-hour white water rafting experience on the Kaituna River, departing from Rotorua, New Zealand. You will navigate a deep canyon with native plants, fast rapids, and three waterfalls, including Tutea Falls, the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall at 7 metres (23 feet).

How long is the Kaituna River white water rafting experience?

The experience lasts 2 hours in total.

Where does the Kaituna River rafting experience start?

The starting point is 761 State Highway 33, Rotorua, New Zealand.

What is included with the Kaituna River rafting ticket?

Your booking includes professional guides, all necessary equipment, the 2-hour rafting experience, and the services of a professional adventure photographer. Hotel pickup and drop-off is also available for an additional fee per person. Swimwear and a towel are not included and should be brought with you.

Is the Kaituna River rafting experience accessible for wheelchair users?

No, this experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel my Kaituna River rafting booking?

Cancellation is available before a specified date. Please check the cancellation terms at the time of booking for the exact cut-off.

What happens after the rafting on the Kaituna River?

After the rafting adventure, you can take a hot shower at the venue and view your photos on a big screen, captured by the professional adventure photographer included with the experience.