Guided rafting on the Wairoa and Kaituna riversWetsuit and bootiesHelmet and lifejacketSplash jacket and fleece topPickup and drop-off shuttle within central RotoruaWhat to BringSwimwearTowelPacked lunchSnacks for the dayComfortable clothes to change into

Important Information

Rafting base: Kaituna Cascades, 18 Okere Falls Road, RotoruaTour duration: Approximately 8:00 am–4:30 pm, based on the supplied itineraryTime on the water: Wairoa River: approximately 1.5 hours / Kaituna River: approximately 1 hourAge and Fitness RequirementsGrade 5 rafting: strict participation requirementsEvery participant must meet all of the following requirements:Be at least 13 years oldHave strong swimming skillsWeigh no more than 120 kgBe able to clearly understand and follow instructionsNot be pregnantThe Wairoa River is not suitable for guests who are uncomfortable in the water. If you do not have strong swimming skills, the operator recommends choosing a Kaituna River trip instead.

Overview Itinerary FAQs Departure Dates Book now

Kaituna & Wairoa River Rafting Combo - Grade 5 White Water

Sep-Apr

North Island

Kaituna Cascades Rafting

from

US$171

per adult

Book Now

Rafters preparing to descend Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River, surrounded by lush native forest in Rotorua.

Experiences

Rafting & Sledging Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 8.5 hours

Difficulty: 5

Minimum Age: 13 Maximum Weight: 120 kg

The Kaituna & Wairoa River Rafting Combo is a full-day adventure combining two Grade 5 rivers in the Bay of Plenty. Start with approximately 1.5 hours of rafting on the Wairoa River near Tauranga, then tackle the Kaituna River’s rapids and famous 7-metre waterfall near Rotorua. The trip is for ages 13 and over, and every participant must be a strong swimmer, weigh no more than 120 kg and clearly understand instructions.

Raft the Wairoa & Kaituna Rivers in One Day

Take on two very different white-water challenges with Kaituna Cascades. The day begins on the Wairoa River near Tauranga, where Grade 5 rapids and boulder gardens demand teamwork, confident swimming ability and close attention to your guide’s instructions. After a break for lunch, you’ll return to the rafting base for the second river.

The afternoon brings a change of scenery and another burst of white water on the Kaituna River near Rotorua. Navigate its rapids and tackle the famous 7-metre waterfall before returning to base at approximately 4:30 pm. With around 2.5 hours on the water across both rivers, this combo is designed for confident swimmers seeking a full day of rafting.

Raft capsizing mid-drop on a wild rapid of the Wairoa River in Rotorua.

Rafting crew powering through intense white-water rapids on the Kaituna River in Rotorua.

Close-up of excited rafters powering through white water on Kaituna River with Kaituna Cascades.

Rafting team dropping into a rapid on the Kaituna River surrounded by native bush.

Rafting group plunging down Tutea Falls on the Grade 5 Kaituna River in Rotorua.

Rafting crew dropping into a powerful rapid on the Wairoa River

Raft plunging over a steep Grade 5 drop on the Wairoa River with Kaituna Cascades.

A raft navigating narrow, boulder-strewn rapids on the Wairoa River

Group rafting through boulder gardens on the Wairoa River with Kaituna Cascades.

Raft mid-air on a steep Grade 5 waterfall on the Wairoa River near Rotorua.

Aerial view of three rafts navigating Kaituna River through dense Rotorua forest.

Rafters lifting paddles in celebration as they ride over a rapid on Kaituna River.

Raft plunging down a waterfall with spray flying on Kaituna River, Rotorua.

Rafters dropping over a powerful waterfall on the Kaituna River with Kaituna Cascades.

Tour Highlights

Two Grade 5 rivers in one day
Wairoa River rapids and boulder gardens
Kaituna River’s 7-metre waterfall
Around 2.5 hours on the water
Guided rafting on both rivers
Rafting equipment included
Central Rotorua shuttle included

Guided rafting on the Wairoa and Kaituna rivers
Wetsuit and booties
Helmet and lifejacket
Splash jacket and fleece top
Pickup and drop-off shuttle within central Rotorua

What to Bring

Swimwear
Towel
Packed lunch
Snacks for the day
Comfortable clothes to change into

Rafting base: Kaituna Cascades, 18 Okere Falls Road, Rotorua
Tour duration: Approximately 8:00 am–4:30 pm, based on the supplied itinerary
Time on the water: Wairoa River: approximately 1.5 hours / Kaituna River: approximately 1 hour

Age and Fitness Requirements

Grade 5 rafting: strict participation requirements

Every participant must meet all of the following requirements:

Be at least 13 years old
Have strong swimming skills
Weigh no more than 120 kg
Be able to clearly understand and follow instructions
Not be pregnant

The Wairoa River is not suitable for guests who are uncomfortable in the water. If you do not have strong swimming skills, the operator recommends choosing a Kaituna River trip instead.

24 hours or more before departure: 80% refund**
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Frequently asked questions

The Kaituna River rafting experience is graded Grade 5 and includes 14 rapids and a 7-metre waterfall. You’ll paddle with an experienced guide and receive safety equipment and instructions before entering the river. Participants must meet the operator’s health and weight requirements, including a maximum weight of 120 kg.

You'll spend approximately two hours on the Wairoa River, tackling Grade 5 rapids with your rafting guide. The experience begins with getting into your rafting equipment and completing the required training. Allow additional time for preparation and travel, particularly if you are using the return transport service from Rotorua.

Previous rafting experience is not a requirement for the Wairoa River trip, but strong swimming skills and good fitness are essential. This is a Grade 5 rafting experience with powerful, unpredictable rapids. You must be comfortable in turbulent water, follow your guide’s instructions and understand the risks involved.