Mount Tarawera & Kaituna Whitewater Raft Combo

North Island

Kaitiaki Adventures

from

AU$290

per person

Book Now

Two people beside the Mount Tarawera summit sign with sweeping views over Lake Tarawera.

Experiences

Rafting & Sledging Tours

Hiking & Walking

Adventure Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: 5

Minimum Age: 13

Details

Hike Mount Tarawera’s Crater with Cultural Insight

The Mount Tarawera & Kaituna Whitewater Raft Combo kicks off with an unforgettable 4WD journey and hike up one of Rotorua’s most iconic volcanic peaks. Walk the crater’s edge, take in panoramic views, and hear powerful stories of the 1886 eruption that reshaped the landscape. Guided by locals, the experience blends striking geology with rich Māori heritage.

The hike is scenic, spiritual and engaging, offering a rare chance to stand on the rim of a living piece of New Zealand’s natural history. From lava flows to legends, this guided trek sets the tone for an unforgettable day of exploration. With its unique mix of nature and narrative, Mount Tarawera leaves a lasting impression.

Group hiking along the crater ridge on Mount Tarawera during a guided walk near Rotorua.

Guide explaining volcanic features to a small group on Mount Tarawera.

Group at a lookout point over the Mount Tarawera crater, with 4WD vehicle parked nearby.

Hikers making their way along a striking red crater trail on Mount Tarawera.

Two hikers pose in front of the expansive Mount Tarawera crater with scenic mountain views behind.

Guided hikers walking uphill on the slopes of Mount Tarawera’s crater rim.

Tour group sprinting down the ash slopes of Mount Tarawera’s inner crater.

Two rafters sharing a hongi, symbolising Māori cultural connection on a Kaitiaki Adventures trip in Rotorua.

Excited rafters navigating the Kaituna Gorge with Kaitiaki Adventures in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Group raising hands in excitement during rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures on the Kaituna River.

Rafters descending Tutea Falls in the Ōkere Gorge on a Kaituna River adventure with Kaitiaki.

Whitewater rafting through the native forest in the Ōkere section of the Kaituna River near Rotorua.

Rafters and guide celebrating after navigating a rapid on the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures.

Raft plunging over Tutea Falls in the Ōkere section of the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures in Rotorua.

Whitewater Action on the Kaituna River

After your mountain adventure, the Kaituna River serves up the next thrill—14 exhilarating rapids and three waterfalls, including the 7-metre Tutea Falls. With expert guides from Kaitiaki Adventures leading the way, you’ll navigate the foaming waters of the Ōkere section in safety and style. This is rafting at its most scenic and adrenaline-charged.

Perfect for anyone wanting to pack Rotorua’s best into a single day, this tour balances high-energy action with cultural depth. All transport and gear are provided—just bring your spirit of adventure and get ready to dive into nature from ridge to river. It’s Rotorua’s ultimate one-day combo experience.

What’s Included:

All river gear provided (wetsuits, jackets, booties, safety equipment, etc.)
3-hour Kaituna rafting experience
Professional Kiwi guides for both activities
Free hotel/motel transfers (Rotorua Central)
Professional adventure photographer capturing the best moments

What’s Not Included:

Photos of the journey ($40 NZD)

Itinerary:

Mt. Tarawera Hike

Meeting point: Rotorua Central
Check-in & safety briefing
Travel to Mt. Tarawera
Guided volcanic hike with panoramic views
Return to Rotorua

Kaituna River Rafting

Meeting point: Kaitiaki Adventures
Check-in & safety training
Gear up & travel to Ōkere Falls
Whitewater rafting adventure!
Return to Kaitiaki Adventures
View & purchase photos

Highlights:

Full-day adventure with two epic experiences
Explore Mt. Tarawera’s volcanic crater on a guided hike
Tackle 14 rapids, including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall
Expert guides & top-tier safety gear for a worry-free adventure
All transport provided—just show up and enjoy!
Perfect mix of culture, nature, and adrenaline

Additional Info:

Check-in Details

Complete pre-arrival waiver before arrival
Self-drive guests: Arrive 15 minutes before start time
Pickup guests: Be ready 30 minutes before start time

What to Bring:

For the Mt. Tarawera Hike:

Sturdy walking shoes
Water bottle & snacks
Comfortable walking clothes
Sunscreen (summer) / Wool hat & gloves (winter)

For Whitewater Rafting:

Swimwear & towel
A sense of adventure!

Important Info & Restrictions:

Not suitable for:

Children under 13
Pregnant women
Those with heart conditions or back problems

Cancellation Policy:

48+ hours notice: 20% cancellation fee**
24–48 hours notice: 100% cancellation fee
No-shows: Charged in full

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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