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North Island

Start: Rotorua or Tauranga
Locations: Tauranga, Rotorua
Travel Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: 5
Minimum Age: 13 Maximum Weight: 120 kg

Wairoa River Rafting is a guided Grade 5 white-water adventure near Tauranga in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. Available on scheduled dam-release days, the trip takes you through powerful rapids, steep drops and technical white water. You'll paddle as a team under your guide’s instructions, making this a more challenging alternative to introductory rafting experiences.

Grade 5 Rafting on the Wairoa River

Wairoa River rafting near Tauranga is a guided Grade 5 white-water experience featuring powerful rapids, steep drops and technical sections. You'll navigate the river's challenging white water as a team, following your guide's instructions as you paddle through the gorge.

Expect an action-packed trip where teamwork matters and the rapids keep coming. The combination of steep drops, fast-moving water and rugged surroundings makes the Wairoa a distinctive rafting experience for those looking for a bigger white-water challenge.

Tour Highlights

  • Grade 5 white-water rafting
  • Powerful rapids and steep drops
  • Raft through the Wairoa River gorge
  • Technical white-water sections
  • Team paddling with an experienced guide
  • Wetsuit
  • Helmets
  • Lifejacket
  • Splash Jackets
  • Fleece Top
  • Booties
  • Pick up / Drop off Shuttle (Central Rotorua Only)

Not included: Lunch

What to Bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Warm Clothes for afterwards
  • Any Medication needed
  • Location: Wairoa River, near Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.
  • Difficulty: Grade 5 white-water rafting, featuring powerful rapids, steep drops and challenging sections.
  • Swimming ability: Strong swimming skills are essential.
  • Fitness: Participants must be fit and healthy.
  • Health requirements: Participants with heart problems or other health concerns should contact the operator before booking. This activity is not suitable for pregnant women.
  • 24 hours or more before departure: 80% refund**
  • Within 24 hours/No show: 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

The Wairoa River rafting trip meets at the river near Tauranga at 9:30 am. Return transport is also available from Rotorua, departing at 8:30 am. Your meeting arrangements depend on whether you book the transfer or travel independently, so check your booking confirmation for the correct meeting location.

The minimum age for Wairoa River rafting is 13 years. Participants must also be strong swimmers, fit and healthy, and weigh no more than 120 kg. The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems.

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.

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