The 13 Best Rotorua Rafting Tours

1.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,952 reviews · from $83 a head Our pick

Raft the Kaituna River through native forest and three waterfalls, including the 7-meter Tutea Falls. Guides such as George, Elise, Luca, and Tor lead the Grade 5 run with clear safety instructions. No experience is needed. Gear and a free sauna are included, with a half-river option for children aged 10 to 12.

“I was nervous about doing this adventure since I hadn’t rafted in a very long time and never class 5. They add a few extra fun things, like swimming down one of the rapids, and sitting on tge raft in the front over another The water is so beautiful, our guide, Elise, was amazing! I had a blast, so glad I didn’t back out!”

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2.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,274 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83 a head

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a guided Kaituna River rafting trip through native forest, with 14 rapids, three waterfalls, and the 7-meter Tutea Falls. Guides such as Aoife, Jack, Kyle, and Ben are known for clear instruction and calm support. Pickup, wetsuits, booties, helmets, and safety gear are included.

“I was terrified to do this- I had only been rafting on the James River and encountered not a single waterfall. Our guide was Draco and my boyfriend and I couldn’t have been happier with him. He got both of us excited and personally I think our group had the most fun. Thank you Drax for putting me at ease and giving us a wonderful experience 10/10 would recommend!”

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3.Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $83 a head

Raft the Kaituna River near Rotorua with a professional Kiwi and Māori guide, passing more than 14 rapids and dropping over 7-metre Tutea Falls. Kaitiaki Adventures provides wetsuits, helmets, booties, life vests, hotel transfers, safety training, and optional action photos. Allow about 3.5 hours in total.

“We had such a phenomenal experience. Jack, our guide, made the trip that much better. Would recommend!”

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4.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Rafting Experience-Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 401 reviews · 2 hours · from $74 a head Cheapest seat

From Rotorua, you’ll suit up, learn the basics, and raft 14 rapids and three waterfalls on the Kaituna River, including a 7-metre commercial waterfall. Guides such as Jack, Lucas, Peach, and George are known for clear instruction and calm support. You can also swim, jump, surf smaller rapids, and finish with a free sauna.

“Fully professional guides Better than expected exciting activity Bucket list type activity”

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5.Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 388 reviews · from $84 a head

You’ll raft the Kaituna River with River Rats Raft & Kayak, passing through a fern-lined gorge and over 14 rapids, including Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Guides such as Zack, Amy, Dave, and Neville have led recent trips. Expect a 15 to 20-minute safety session, full equipment, and about an hour on the water.

“We went rafting a couple days ago with the river rat crew it was my and my girlfriends first time rafting white water. The team there were absolutely great, really fun positive people who made it an experience we won’t forget and left us hungry to do more rafting in the future. Would highly recommend going to anybody. And the photos that they took and showed in a slide show at the end made it all the funnier!”

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6.Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 324 reviews · 2 hours · from $80 a head

Meet Kaituna Cascades Rafting 20 minutes from Rotorua for a two-hour outing on the Kaituna River. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you raft 14 rapids in about 50 minutes, including the 7-meter Tutea Falls. Guides such as Malcolm, Alex, Bal, and Josh are known for calm instruction, humor, and strong safety skills.

“Easily the best thing we did in new zealand. Would recommend!!!”

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7.Rotorua Sledging White Water Sledging | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · from $86 a head

Take a two-hour white-water sledging trip on Rotorua’s Kaituna River with a small group of up to six. Guides such as Captain Jack and Kyle coach you through rapids, play holes, and calm stretches while you steer with foot flippers. Hotel pickup, safety gear, and an adventure photographer are included.

“For the adventurous heart! We had such a great time from arrival to the end. My husband is healthy and in good shape so he really enjoyed himself. I’m a plus size woman and honestly I was nervous about being able to do this. To be honest, Read more”

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8.Kaituna River Rafting Grade 5

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · from $81 a head

Join River Rats Raft & Kayak for a 2.5-hour Grade 5 rafting trip on the Kaituna River. After 15 to 20 minutes of training, you tackle about 50 minutes of rapids and the 7-metre Tutea Falls. Central Rotorua pickup, specialist gear, and English-speaking guides are included. Minimum age is 13.

“The activity was so fun! Zac, David and Amy were great! They made the experience fun and challenging. They were informative and also were very clear with their instructions. I would recommend wearing the wet suits as a protection if you happen to bump a rock during the activity. The river water was beautiful, the forest was gorgeous and the pictures turned out fantastic!”

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9.Rotorua Sledging: Kaituna White Water River Board Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 36 reviews · 2h 30m · from $86 a head

Take control of a river sled on the Kaituna with experienced Kiwi guides such as Andy, Caruzo, and Ben. You will use fins to steer through fast water and rapids, with about an hour on the river and full safety gear provided. Hotel pickup, Māori culture, canyon scenery, and optional photos round out this active Rotorua adventure.

“It was so much fun to do the sledge/sledding! Sure rafting is also great but sledding is an even lore active version, where you actively steer (the sledge) by yourself. We had two great guides Andy and Caruzo who steer us safely and with tons of adrenaline (and own muscle work) thru the river. Great experience! So difference: get ON the boat - rafting Get IN the river - sledge!”

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10.Rangitaiki Rafting Grade 3-4

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · from $117 a head

Join River Rats Raft & Kayak for 14 kilometers of mostly grade 3 rapids on the Rangitaiki River, with one grade 4 section called Geoff’s Joy. Guides Jason and Brony lead a safety briefing and flat-water practice before the action begins. Expect 1 hour 45 minutes on the water, forest views, a swim break, lunch, and pickup from central Rotorua.

“Great team, which builds confidence from the start. The rafting descent is really great and accessible for everyone, A must in the region Thanks again to the team”

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11.Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Guided Hike Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 9 hours · from $200 a head

Spend nine hours with Kaitiaki Adventures hiking Mt Tarawera and rafting 14 Kaituna River rapids, including 7-meter Tūtea Falls. Local guides such as Jesse, Caruzo, and Ben lead the day, sharing Māori stories and volcanic history. A 4x4 ride reaches the crater, and all rafting gear is supplied. Moderate fitness and a minimum age of 13 apply.

“10/10 - fun, action and adrenaline packed adventure! The guides were awesome, made everyone feel safe and comfortable. They definitely went above and beyond to make the experience unforgettable. Both hiking and rafting experiences are all worth it! The highlight of my trip. Thanks to my guides Jesse and Caruzo. Ps. You’ll be fine even if you can’t swim.”

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12.Rangitaiki Rafting Grade 2

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · from $117 a head

Start at Aniwhenua Falls, then raft 1.5 hours through forest, rock gorges and small rapids. You can jump into the river, drink from rock springs, try guiding the raft, and shower beneath a waterfall. Pete and Justin are among the guides named in recent feedback. Lunch and Rotorua transfers are included.

“We had lots of fun and Pete was a great guide!”

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13.Tarawera River Raft and Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $80 a head

Spend two hours on the Tarawera River with an English-speaking local guide, handling Grade 2 to 3 rapids in a raft and kayak setting. You’ll receive a wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket, hear Māori stories and local legends, and pass native forest, waterfalls, and possible tūī and kererū sightings. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and quick-dry clothes.

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