What is the minimum age for this combo tour?

Participants must be at least 13 years old to join the Mount Tarawera hike and Kaituna rafting combo.

Do I need rafting experience to participate?

No prior rafting experience is required; professional guides will provide all necessary training and support.

Is the hike to Mt. Tarawera summit difficult?

The summit route is moderately difficult with volcanic scree and steep slopes; optional easier trails are available for less experienced hikers.

Are meals included during the tour?

Meals are not included; participants should bring snacks and water to stay energized.

What kind of gear is provided for rafting?

All rafting gear such as wetsuits, jackets, booties, helmets, and safety equipment are provided on-site.

Is transportation included from Rotorua?

Yes, free hotel or motel transfers from central Rotorua accommodations are included for your convenience.

Conquer Mount Tarawera and Ride the Kaituna Rapids: Ultimate Rotorua Adventure Combo

Located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, the Mount Tarawera & Raft the Kaituna Combo is a full-day outdoor adventure blending volcanic trekking with exhilarating whitewater rafting. Starting in Rotorua, a city renowned for geothermal wonders and Māori culture, this tour offers two distinct yet equally thrilling experiences that showcase the region’s rugged natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Your adventure begins with a guided hike around the volcanic crater of Mount Tarawera, an active volcano that dramatically reshaped the landscape during its 1886 eruption. The hike covers volcanic scoria and rugged terrain across a roughly 8.2 km off-road 4WD track before reaching the trailhead. Along the walk, your expert guide shares compelling stories from the local Māori iwi, explaining the mountain’s spiritual significance and the powerful connection between land and legend. The volcanic geology is striking: vast craters, steep slopes, and ash-covered grounds unfold beneath you, culminating in breathtaking 360-degree views from the summit at 1,111 meters.

After descending, the adventure shifts gears to the Kaituna River, where your rafting journey awaits. The Ōkere section of the river is famous worldwide for its dramatic whitewater, featuring 14 rapids including the planet’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Guided by seasoned Kiwi rafters using top-tier equipment—including wetsuits, jackets, booties, and helmets—you’ll navigate everything from powerful waves to narrow chutes with expert safety and instruction. Even newcomers to rafting will appreciate the comprehensive training and support. Plus, courtesy transfers from Rotorua central accommodations make logistics seamless.

This combo experience is unique in the Rotorua region, combining a culturally rich hike with pulse-racing river runs. The volcanic landscape of Tarawera offers a vivid window into New Zealand’s turbulent geological past, while the Kaituna River thrills with every rapid, underpinned by conservation efforts that keep this natural playground pristine. Whether you’re drawn to the story and panorama of a volcano or crave the rush of rafting intense rapids, this tour delivers an unforgettable exploration of nature, culture, and adventure.

Pack sturdy walking shoes, water, and layered clothing for the hike, along with swimwear and a towel for rafting. Best suited for ages 13 and up, it demands moderate fitness and a spirit eager for both discovery and adrenaline. Embrace the challenges of volcanic ridges and roaring river currents under the care of professional guides who make safety and fun their top priority. Discover Rotorua’s raw heart from summit to stream with this ultimate adventure combo.

About Kaitiaki Adventures

Kaitiaki Adventures operates from Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty, offering guided outdoor and cultural experiences focused on the region’s volcanic landscapes and rivers. The company runs a range of Mt Tarawera hikes — half‑day and full‑day crater experiences — with options to descend into the crater and panoramic 360° viewpoints. On water, Kaitiaki Adventures leads Kaituna River whitewater rafting and sledging trips featuring 14 rapids and the 7‑metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall. Combination itineraries pair Mount Tarawera hikes with Kaituna raft or sledge sessions, or with geothermal and cultural visits to Te Puia including Māori performance and a traditional hāngi feast. An adults‑only Polynesian Spa option is available as a post‑hike relaxation add‑on.

Guided Omanawa Falls and Great Sights tours include walks to waterfalls, Māori carvings, historical sites and the local hydroelectric power station, sharing the history of Ngāti Hangarau. All experiences emphasize safety, local knowledge and cultural context delivered by guides familiar with Rotorua’s natural and cultural landscape. Kaitiaki Adventures serves families, thrill‑seekers and nature lovers seeking authentic New Zealand outdoor activities. Booking options cover single experiences and curated combos to suit different energy levels and time frames. Located in Rotorua, the operator leverages proximity to Lake Rotorua, Mt Tarawera and the Kaituna River to minimize transfers and maximize time outdoors. This mix of volcanic exploration, whitewater action and cultural immersion defines Kaitiaki Adventures’ offering in the Bay of Plenty.

Reservations are available year-round subject to seasonal conditions, group sizes, and guide availability for all experience levels.

Conquer Mount Tarawera and Ride the Kaituna Rapids: Ultimate Rotorua Adventure Combo

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