Conquer New Zealand’s Fiercest Rapids with the Kaituna & Wairoa Rafting Combo
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Good physical condition required due to strenuous paddling and river hazards.
Overview
Experience New Zealand's ultimate rafting challenge with the Kaituna & Wairoa Combo. Tackle grade 5 rapids by morning, then raft the world’s tallest commercial waterfall in the afternoon amid stunning volcanic landscapes.
Kaituna & Wairoa Combo
Ages 13+ • 8.5 hrs • Grade 5 White Water Rafting • Rotorua & Tauranga
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About This Adventure
Experience an unforgettable day of rafting as you tackle the thrilling grade 5 Wairoa River's boulder gardens and waterfalls, followed by a relaxing lunch. Then, plunge into the warm waters of the Kaituna and conquer the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall. Adventure awaits in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes!
TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT RIVERS IN ONE EPIC DAY OF RAFTING – NOT TO BE MISSED!
About
Combining two of the most exciting rivers in New Zealand together for the most epic day of Rafting ever. You’ll raft the challenging and intense boulder gardens and waterfalls of the grade 5 Wairoa in the morning, followed by a quick lunch. Then sink deep into the magical warm waters of the Kaituna, and experience the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall face first!
Check-in Time and Schedule Departing Rotorua 8.30 am & returning around 5 pm.
The Wairoa river only flows on certain Sundays and there are only 26 days over the summer period they will open the dam for us to go rafting.
Conditions 13+ years only. Basic swimming skills are required. NOT SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. Maximum weight is 120kgs - must be fit and healthy.
What to bring SWIMWEAR, SHORTS & TOWEL. We are GoPro friendly, feel free to bring yours along. Please bring a chest harness for your GoPro.
We provide The best guides on the river, custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets.
Price Includes Transport with morning trip.
Minimum Numbers This tour requires a total of 6 people to go ahead.
Adventure Tips
Bring swimwear and quick-dry shorts
Wear swimwear under your wetsuit for comfort and quick drying between rafting segments.
Basic swimming skills required
Participants must be able to swim to ensure safety on grade 5 rapids.
Wairoa River flows only on select summer Sundays
Check dates carefully as river access depends on dam releases, limited to 26 days each summer.
Use a chest harness for GoPro cameras
Secure your action camera with a chest harness to capture hands-free rafting footage safely.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka)
- Brown trout found in the rivers
History
The Wairoa River’s early Maori name references its winding form and was historically vital for local iwi travel and food gathering.
Conservation
Rafting operators adhere to strict environmental protocols to protect native wildlife and prevent riverbank erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit booties
Keep feet warm and protected on cold river rocks and in the water.
summer specific
Splash jacket
Protect yourself from spray and increasing wind chill during river sections.
summer specific
Helmet
Safety gear mandatory for navigating rocky rapids and waterfall drops.
Quick-dry towel
Useful for drying off during breaks between river runs.
summer specific