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Home/New Zealand/North Island/Rotorua/Kaituna River

Kaituna River Adventures: Rafting & Scenic Tours

Embark on the ultimate adrenaline rush at the Kaituna River, home to the legendary Tutea Falls! Whether you are seeking heart-pounding white water rafting adventures or breathtaking sightseeing tours through lush New Zealand nature, our curated experiences deliver pure excitement. Discover why travelers love our guided rafting trips and scenic river excursions. From thrilling drops to serene landscapes, experience the best of Kaituna River tourism. Book your adventure today and witness the raw power and natural beauty of one of the world's most iconic river destinations!

4.8/5 avg ratingFrom $61 per person2,573+ happy travelersExpert guides included

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.82★ average

Based on 2,573 pooled reviews with ~90% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$79–$151 typical

Median price is $106, with a full range of $61–$399

Tour Length

Tour Length

2–8 hours typical

Median duration is 5 hours

Best For

Best For

Nature & Rafting

Nature themes (75%) and Rafting (50%) are the most common options

Languages

Languages

8 languages offered

Includes EN, JA, ES, FR, DE, ZH, KO, and NL

14 Products

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

2.5 hrs
4.91 (1,575 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$78
Book now
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Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience
Summary

Journey through steep, lush New Zealand canyons as you conquer 14 rapids and 3 waterfalls, including the world’s highest rafted fall. Experience thrilling rafting infused with rich Māori culture.

Rotorua: Kaituna River Rafting for Beginners & Free Sauna

Rotorua: Kaituna River Rafting for Beginners & Free Sauna

2 hrs
4.93 (479 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$75
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Rotorua: Kaituna River Rafting for Beginners & Free Sauna
Summary

Try whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River, ranked New Zealand's number 1 Travellers Choice Experience. Relax afterward in the free wood-fired sauna.

Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

3 hrsFree cancellation
4.94 (388 reviews)
95.57%
4.43%
amazingfunamazing experience
Viator
$82
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Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
Summary

Kaituna River features grade 5 rapids plus the awesome 7 meter (23 feet) Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Take the ultimate thrill ride on this Kaituna River white water rafting tour.

Inclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • All necessary equipment
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Minimum age is 13 years, Children must be accompanied by an adult, There is a recommended minimum weight of 40 kilograms (88 pounds) for this tour, Please bring swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure!, Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Kaituna Cascades: Grade 5 Rafting over 7-Meter Tutea Falls

Kaituna Cascades: Grade 5 Rafting over 7-Meter Tutea Falls

2 hrs
4.93 (359 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$68$75
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Kaituna Cascades: Grade 5 Rafting over 7-Meter Tutea Falls
Summary

Get an adrenaline rush on a half-day white water rafting activity on the Kaituna River. Brave the rapids of the 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Explore The Lakes Tour

Explore The Lakes Tour

4 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
5 (71 reviews)
100%
0%
wonderfulGreat touramazing experience
Viator
$86
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Explore The Lakes Tour
Summary

Explore The Lakes Tour – 9am to 1pm By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Explore The Lakes Tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, the largest fresh...

Inclusions
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Rotorua Central only.
Itinerary
  • Lake Rotorua
  • Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
  • Lake Rotoiti
  • Okere Falls
  • Redwoods Treewalk
  • Blue Lake Track
  • Lake Rotokakahi
  • Lake Tarawera
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, A maximum of 8 people per tour, Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Supportive footwear such as trainers or hiking boots is recommended, This tour includes walks of up to 2 kilometers, a good level of fitness and balance is required for all participants, Risk Disclosure: We operate a strict safety management system that is audited to New Zealand standards. It is important for you to be aware of the risk and hazards of this tour which are: uneven grounds, tree roots, rocks and slippery surfaces that could result in slips, trips and falls causing injury / strains / sprains / or broken bones
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Rotorua Sledging: Kaituna White Water River Board Experience

Rotorua Sledging: Kaituna White Water River Board Experience

2.5 hrs
4.86 (40 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$80
Book now
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Rotorua Sledging: Kaituna White Water River Board Experience
Summary

Dive into a thrilling sledging adventure on the Kaituna River. Take control of your own vessel, power through the rapids with flippers, and learn the basics with Kiwi instructors.

Shore excursion to Rotorua including Gondola and luge rides

Shore excursion to Rotorua including Gondola and luge rides

7 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.58 (12 reviews)
89.83%
10.17%
So much funDefinitely recommendAwesome place
Viator
$215
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Shore excursion to Rotorua including Gondola and luge rides
Summary

There is something for everyone on this small-group tour to the geothermal heartland of New Zealand - Rotorua. Relax with a foot soak in the soothing mineral waters at Kuirua Park. Take a Gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha enjoy the breath taking view over Rotorua City,(3 luge rides down the m...

Inclusions
  • Snacks and bottled water
  • Gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongataha and return to the bottom
  • Port pick-up and drop-off
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Luge ride x 3 from top of skyline gondola
Exclusions
  • Lunch
Itinerary
  • Government Gardens
  • Te Puke
  • Skyline Rotorua
  • Okere Falls
  • Kuirau Park
  • Tikitapu Nature Walk
  • Mt Maunganui Main Beach
  • Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Specialized infant seats are available, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Rotorua: Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Guided Hike Combo

Rotorua: Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Guided Hike Combo

9 hrs
4.28 (13 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$187
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Rotorua: Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Guided Hike Combo
Summary

Experience an unforgettable adventure with this all-day combo tour in Rotorua. Hike the volcanic crater of Mt Tarawera, conquer the Kaituna River, and admire the roaring waterfall Tūtea.

Kaituna White Water Sledging | Rotorua

Kaituna White Water Sledging | Rotorua

3 hrs
0
KKday
$85
Book now
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Kaituna White Water Sledging | Rotorua
Summary

Kaitiaki Adventures are New Zealand’s original white water sledging specialists - since 1999 Dive into a one-of-a-kind adventure on the Kaituna River that combines thrilling rapids with the rich cultural significance of the area. This sledging experience lets you take on the river at eye level, navi...

Raft the Kaituna River tour

Raft the Kaituna River tour

3 hrs
0
Musement
$79
Book now
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Raft the Kaituna River tour
Summary

Join the most popular 3-hour water rafting adventure tour over 14 awesome rapids & 3 waterfalls including world-renowned 7 metre Tutea Falls, the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall in the World!

Inclusions
  • Hotel pick up
Good to know
  • Hotel pick up

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Kaituna River.

Lake Rotoiti
Learn more

Lake Rotoiti

20 km away • from $56

Hell's Gate Geothermal Park
Learn more

Hell's Gate Geothermal Park

23 km away • from $27

Lake Rotorua
Learn more

Lake Rotorua

25 km away • from $29

Agrodome
Learn more

Agrodome

30 km away • from $38

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Yes, there is a high level of variety available. The options we compare are offered in 8 different languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Chinese, Korean, and Dutch.

The duration of these activities varies depending on the specific itinerary, but they generally last between 2 and 7 hours, with a median duration of about 2.8 hours.

While the majority of listings are for group activities, one of the options we compare (8%) is a private tour.

It is worth booking ahead to secure your preferred time. To make planning easier, half of the options we compare (50%) offer instant confirmation, and roughly a third (33%) include free cancellation.

Of the various activities listed, one option (8%) is specifically tagged as eco-friendly.

Most operators require guests to be at least 10 years old. A minimum weight of 35kg is usually mandatory for safety.

No need to bring gear. Operators provide wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and helmets as part of your booking.

The river offers Grade 3 to 5 rapids. Beginners can enjoy guided tours, but high water levels may require more experience.

Lake Rotoiti20.1kmHell's Gate Geothermal Park23.2kmLake Rotorua25.1kmPort of Tauranga29.1kmWaimarino Adventure Park29.5kmAgrodome29.9kmVelocity Valley30.1kmMitai Maori Village30.8kmOhinemutu31.9kmGovernment Gardens Rotorua32.4kmRotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa)32.4kmSulphur Point32.5km
Rotorua Highlights Tour - RotoruaKaituna River RaftingLake Rotoiti Kayak TourWai-O-Tapu Thermal WonderlandLake Rotorua Jet Boat ExperienceHobbiton Movie Set Tour - RotoruaTe Puia Day TourHell's Gate Geothermal WalkRotorua ZiplinesTarawera Lakes Eco TourVelocity ValleyWaimangu Volcanic Valley Tour