Kaituna River - Grade 5 white water rafting

Rotorua Rafting are the specialists in tackling the Kaituna River (Okere River), offering unmatched white-water experiences right here in Okere Falls, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand.

Home of Tutea Falls: We’re proud to take you to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall—a heart-thumping 7-meter drop! Located just 10 meters from the start of the Kaituna River, we can tailor trips to fit your group, from intimate sessions for 2 to large groups of up to 300 people.

What Makes Our Trips Special:

• Year-Round Adventure: We raft the Kaituna River every day of the year!
• Trip Times:
  • Summer (Sept-Apr): 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. (Drive to base for 10:30am and 1:30pm trips; no shuttles available for these.)
  • Winter (May-Aug): 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.
• Duration: Plan for a total of 2 hours, including an hour on the river.
• What to Bring: Just your swimwear, towel, big smiles, and excitement. We provide wetsuits, booties, helmets, buoyancy aids—and a fantastic time.

Additional Details:

• Grade 5 Rapids: Expect serious adventure and adrenaline-pumping rapids!
• Shuttle Services: Available from Central Rotorua for 9am, 12pm, and 3pm departures ($15 per person).
• Age and Fitness Requirements: Full river trip for ages 13+; a Grade 3 half-river option for ages 10-12. Minimum age is 10. All participants must have a reasonable fitness level. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions—please contact us if you’re unsure.

Safety Information: Rafting on the Kaituna River is an exhilarating adventure with inherent risks, including natural river hazards, potential raft flips, and rapidly changing weather. Rotorua Rafting operates in compliance with Work Safe Adventure Activity Regulations 2024 and prioritizes your safety. Our expert guides are here to ensure an unforgettable, safe experience, but please note that this is a real river with real risks. Rafts may flip, and, on rare occasions, participants may sustain injuries, often from paddles or not following instructions to tuck chins at waterfalls. All participants will be required to sign a risk disclosure form upon check-in, which you can review in advance here. We appreciate your cooperation in following all guide instructions for a safe, thrilling journey.