White water rafting in Rotorua has been on my bucket list since the first time I went tumbling headfirst down a set of rapids in Slovenia. I can’t say I enjoy that split second under water where I feel like I could drown, but I do love the moment I come up for air and realise I just tumbled 7 metres down a waterfall and I didn’t break anything.

New Zealand is known for its rugged landscape and draws in thousands of adventure seekers every year. Yet somehow, it’s taken me two rafting trips in Europe for me to realise I should experience white water rafting in New Zealand?
Rotorua is the tourism capital of New Zealand’s north island. Geothermal activity, spas, lakes, history and adventure draw in thousands of national and international tourists each year.

The wild waters and bubbling mud pools mean Rotorua can either be as exhilarating, or as relaxing as you choose.

About White Water Rafting in Rotorua

Location 761 State Highway 33, Okere Falls 3074
What to Bring Togs and towel. They provide the rest!

Rotorua Rafting was founded in 2011 by Okere Falls Local, Sam Sutton. Sam has kayaked in 24 different countries and won the Extreme Kayaking World Championship four times, so it’s fair to say he knows a bit about rough waters and kayaks. During the past 10 years Rotorua Rafting has quickly established itself as one of the best rafting companies in Rotorua. (The Google reviews speak for themselves.) Offering 3 different water-based experiences to suit almost everyone’s’ abilities; rafting on the Kaituna river, stand up paddle boarding on a choice of 3 lakes, or you can go all out by ending your exhilarating rafting experience with a dip at the nearby Manupirua Hot Pools.

Rafting on Kaituna River takes around 2 hours from the time you sign in to the moment you squeeze yourself out of the wetsuit. And the great thing about these sort of white-water rafting trips is that no prior rafting training or experience is required! As long as you have two hands to paddle and don’t mind a bit of cold water you are qualified enough to enjoy the white waters of Kaituna! Photos are taken throughout the rafting experience by a staff member at different spots along the side of the river. So wear your best smile!

Still have questions? Visit Rotorua Raftings’ FAQ page

RELATED: Waikite Valley Hot Springs, Rotorua

History of Kaituna River, Rotorua

The Kaituna River has the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world and is famous for its white-water rafting. Graded as a level 5 river on the international scale of river difficulty, meaning it’s super fun, adventurous and definitely worth the experience. But at the same time making it a breeding ground for future competitive kayakers, but also a magnet for adventure seekers. This wild river in Rotorua has been regularly occupied by kayakers and rafters since 1991, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. With a slalom course, several waterfalls and surrounded by dense forest, the Kaituna river is perfect for anyone wanting to upskill or test their rafting abilities.

The Kaituna River also has a strong cultural and historic significance with local Maori. I don’t want to give away too much about the learning experience, so I’ll let you discover and learn about the history on your own trip! But expect to recite a karakia (Maori prayer) before making your descent to the bottom of Tutea Falls.

Our Experience White Water Rafting in Rotorua

We had the time of our lives. I’ve rafted in Slovenia and Austria but white water rafting on my own turf truly takes the cake for the most wild ride.

Once we were geared up with all the necessary safety equipment and given a lesson on how to not knock out the teeth of the person opposite us with the paddle. We were ready to experience white-water rafting in Rotorua. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, mainly because I did little to no research on Kaituna River. We were loaded on-board the raft and thoroughly explained how to sit, row, and how to huddle when we take the dive down the 7m high waterfall. Our journey rafting down the river started off relatively gentle with a few shallow rapids and slow speed collisions with various rock faces.

At a couple of sections along the river we jumped in and floated down the rapids feet first. Just watch out for any rocks lying just below the surface, the bruises on my shin and ass weren’t the souvenir I was planning on taking away from this.

When you’re not floating down the rapids or getting a lesson on the local history. Expect a fair bit of banter to keep you entertained during the ride.

RELATED: Explore Rotoruas’ Redwood Forest

Viewing Platforms Along the River

If you are adamant that water sports are not your cup of tea, there are several viewing platforms further down the Kaituna River. These can be accessed by taking Trout Pool Rd to the carpark at the end and walking Okere Falls Track. This is where you can watch your loved ones submerge themselves after dropping town a waterfall and pop back up to the surface quicker than you can say ‘yellow submarine’.

Other Activities in Rotorua

Squeezing into a wet suit and splashing amongst jaggered rocks may not be suited for everyone visiting Rotorua, which is why I have put together a mini list below of other fun and exciting activities you can sink your teeth into while in Roto-Vegas. So whether you love going on bush walks or soaking in a relaxing spa Rotorua has it all.

Redwood Forest Rotorua

If you can never really get enough nature in your day, head along to the Whakarewarewa forest and explore the Californian Redwoods which dominate this part of New Zealands north island. You can either wander through the forest floor for free, or walk amongst the tree tops on the Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk. Take a mountain bike, your family and don’t forget your camera for a fun adventure in this north island forest!
If you don’t mind heights, head along to the Redwoods Treewalk in the forest; pay $35 per adult and $20 per child to climb up high into the forest to get up close and personal with the forest canopy. Day or night, summer or winter the Whakarewarewa forest is a breathtaking adventure all year round.
Check out my experience exploring the amazing Redwoods forest in Rotorua here.

Luge

Rotorua is jam packed full of activities for children and adults. The most popular and long-standing attraction is the luge; a small kart like ride where you ride the winding track down Mt Ngongotaha. Even if the Luge isn’t your style of excitement, the view from ontop of the mountain has one of the best views of Rotorua overlooking the lake. The Luge has been around longer than I have been alive and is popular among locals and international visitors. One Luge ticket includes the gondola ride up and back down the mountain.

Rotorua Luge Prices

Adults start at $52 for one ride, and to $68 for 5 rides.
Children start at $35 for one ride, and $57 for 5 rides. Children can accompany an adult for the added cost of $5.
Family prices start at $127 and can reach $256.

Zorb

One of Rotoruas original thrill seeking rides is the Zorb; a large clear orb resembling a blow-up ball big enough to fit three adults inside. The objective of riding inside the Zorb is simple – Don’t vomit. You climb inside the zorb and you have the choice to either be strapped in place or thrown in with a small amount of water and liquid soap and then pushed down a hill for a very bumpy and fast ride.

Rotorua Thermal Hot Springs – Waikite Valley

If you’re wanting a more relaxing end to your afternoon then the private hot pools at Waikite Hot Springs is the place to be. Take advantage of the geothermal activity that bubbles away just under Rotorua’s surface and indulge in a private spa experience or enjoy the company of others in the larger, shared pools.

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Our experience with Rotorua Rafting on the Kaituna River had far exceeded any expectations I had for white water rafting in New Zealand. Easily leaving my rafting trips in both Austria and Slovenia behind in a cloud of smoke. The history lesson paired with a wild ride and fantastic hosts made this experience well worth the sinus flush received from cannonballing into Tutea Falls. I think the smile on my face in majority of our pictures speaks a thousand words!
I would highly recommend everyone to check out their website if you want to add a bit of thrill to your next visit to Rotorua!