Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & 7m Waterfall Drop

Summary

Rafting wild rapids and waterfalls in Rotorua’s lush canyon

You’ll paddle through Rotorua’s Kaituna River canyon with local guides who know every rapid by heart, face a 7-meter waterfall drop (yes, really), and share laughs with your crew as you dry off back at base. All gear is provided—just bring your nerves and maybe an extra towel.

What’s the experience like?

I forgot my towel. That’s how the day started — standing outside the Kaituna Cascades base near Okere Falls, already damp from the misty air, realizing I’d left it in the car. Pete, one of the owners (and our guide), just grinned and handed me a fleece top instead. “You’ll be wetter than that soon anyway,” he said. The place smelled like river stones and sunscreen, with a kind of nervous energy bouncing between everyone as we squeezed into wetsuits and boots that were still a bit warm from the last group.

The Kaituna River looked almost too green to be real — thick trees leaning over both sides, cicadas buzzing so loud I had to lean in to hear Pete’s safety talk. He cracked jokes about “embracing the chaos” but also made sure we knew exactly what to do if we flipped (which… yeah, I was hoping wouldn’t happen). There were six of us plus Pete in our raft. The first rapid hit harder than I expected; cold spray slapped my face and someone behind me whooped so loud it echoed off the canyon walls. My paddle felt slippery but solid at the same time — weird sensation — and after a few minutes I stopped worrying about falling out.

Then came Tutea Falls — that 7-meter drop you see in all the photos. It’s taller when you’re right above it, trust me. Pete shouted something I didn’t catch over the roar, then suddenly we were tipping forward and everything went white for half a second. My stomach dropped out; water everywhere; then laughter as we popped up at the bottom, still somehow all in the boat. One guy lost his shoe but didn’t seem to care at all. The river calmed down after that, just birds overhead and sunlight flickering through ferns while we floated past smaller rapids — I remember thinking how warm the water felt on my hands for winter.

We finished back at their sunny base with wet hair plastered to our faces and adrenaline still buzzing under my skin. Pete high-fived everyone (his hands are like sandpaper) and told us where to find coffee around the corner — apparently there’s a café locals love but I never caught its name because I was too busy laughing about my missing towel again. Anyway, if you’re even slightly tempted by white water rafting in Rotorua, this is the trip. I still think about that waterfall drop sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting on Kaituna River

• Arrive at Rafting Base in Okere Falls
• Receive safety briefing from guides
• Begin 50-minute rafting trip
• Navigate 11 rapids and 3 waterfalls
• Experience highest rafted waterfall (7m)
• Enjoy scenic jungle canyon views
• Return to base and relax

Top questions

Is white water rafting on Kaituna River suitable for beginners?

This tour is a Grade 5 rafting experience; it’s best for people comfortable in water with moderate fitness—not recommended for non-swimmers or those new to adventure sports.

What is included in the Kaituna Cascades rafting trip?

The trip includes professional local guides, custom rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets.

How long does the white water rafting trip last?

The action-packed ride down Kaituna River lasts about 50 minutes on the water.

What is special about Tutea Falls on this tour?

Tutea Falls is famous for being the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 meters tall.

Where does this rafting tour start?

The tour begins at Kaituna Cascades’ base near Okere Falls in Rotorua.

Is there an age or weight limit for participants?

The minimum age is 13 years old (up to 65), with a maximum weight limit of 120 kg per person.

Can non-swimmers join this rafting experience?

No—this tour is not recommended for non-swimmers or anyone uncomfortable in deep water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is listed; guests meet at Okere Falls base which is easily accessible from Rotorua.

What’s included

Your day includes all specialist rafting gear—wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket—and guidance from highly trained locals who know every twist of Kaituna River. After suiting up at their riverside base near Okere Falls, you’ll tackle epic rapids and waterfalls before finishing with stories (and maybe coffee) back on shore.