Rotorua Rafting Tours: 9 to Book

1.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,952 reviews · from $83Our pick

Raft the Kaituna River through a subtropical canyon with an experienced guide such as George, Luca, Tor, or Riley. No experience is needed, and wetsuits, helmets, booties, paddles, and safety gear are supplied. Expect about an hour on the river, three waterfalls, Grade 5 action, and a free sauna afterward.

“It is an intense but very fun experience. The pictures are true to life. We are in our 60’s and not very fit and we did fine.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,274 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a 150-minute Kaituna River rafting trip through native forest and steep canyons. Expert guides such as Aoife, Jack, Kyle, and Reiya lead first-timers through 14 rapids and three waterfalls, including 7-metre Tutea Falls. Hotel pickup, gear, and safety training are included.

“Overall amazing. Got picked up from accommodation, great safety and very fun guides. Great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a guided Kaituna River run through native forest and volcanic gorge. You’ll tackle more than 14 rapids and the 7-metre Tutea Falls with Māori and local guides such as Jack, Hudson, Ben, and Reiya. Gear, safety briefing, and central Rotorua transfers are included.

“The Rapids are awesome! The scenery is amazing! The water fall drop is outstanding! The guides are so much fun to be around! Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Rafting Experience-Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 401 reviews · 2 hours · from $74Best value

Drive 20 minutes from Rotorua to raft the Kaituna River with guides such as Jack, Lucas, Peach, and George. Expect 14 rapids, three waterfalls, swimming, jumping, and the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, followed by a free wood-fired sauna.

“Wow! That’s an experience my boys will never forget! Thank you for creating such a fun, safe and unforgettable experience. Voted best part of our trip across the world by my family! Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 388 reviews · from $84

Join River Rats for a three-hour Kaituna River rafting trip from Rotorua. After a 15 to 20-minute safety lesson, you’ll paddle through a fern-lined gorge, tackle 14 rapids, and raft over 7-meter Tutea Falls with guides such as Zack, Dave, Amy, or Neville.

“The most amazing experience! Would recommend to anyone physically able!! me and the boyf want to go again now!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 324 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Join Kaituna Cascades Rafting 20 minutes from Rotorua for a two-hour trip through 14 rapids and the 7-meter Tutea Falls. No experience is needed. Guides such as Malcolm, Bal, Josh, and Alex provide safety training, warm gear, and plenty of encouragement.

“We had an outstanding experience with our guide Cole (the OG!). He was patient and professional with my family of 4, three of which had never rafted before. Good emphasis on safety. It’s an amazing course of rapids in a short span of water. Would recommend for anyone who’s interested in an exhilarating experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Rotorua Sledging White Water Sledging | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · from $86

Take a two-hour guided sledge trip on Rotorua’s Kaituna River. You’ll kick your way through rapids, float beneath kahikatea forest, and learn river skills from guides such as Jack and Kyle. Hotel pickup, safety gear, photography, and a maximum group of six keep the outing personal and simple.

“The tour guides and all staff were very friendly. Captain Jack and Kyle were legends and made it fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone that loves an adventure”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kaituna River Rafting Grade 5

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · from $81

Join River Rats for a 2.5-hour Grade 5 Kaituna River rafting trip from Rotorua. After 15 to 20 minutes of safety training, you’ll tackle fast rapids and the 7-metre Tutea Falls, with calm pools between major drops. Transfers, equipment, and English-speaking guides are included.

“Had an amazing time, the guides made us feel very relaxed and made the experience even better!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Rotorua Sledging: Kaituna White Water River Board Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 36 reviews · 2h 30m · from $86

Spend about an hour in the Kaituna River, steering your own sled through rapids with fins on your feet. Guides such as Andy, Caruzo, and Ben provide safety coaching, river skills, and Māori context. Hotel pickup, wetsuits, and a six-person group make this a focused Rotorua adventure.

“Guides were great and we had a blast sledging on the river! Would highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review