Ages 13+ • 8.5 hrs • Grade 5 White Water Rafting • Rotorua & Tauranga
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.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Good physical condition required due to strenuous paddling and river hazards.
Wildlife
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.
Kaituna Cascades Rafting
Ages 13+ • 8.5 hrs • Grade 5 White Water Rafting • Rotorua & Tauranga
Kaituna Cascades Rafting operates in Okere Falls in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, offering guided white water rafting and multi-activity trips on the region’s iconic rivers.
The company runs multiple experiences: Kaituna River Rafting, Wairoa River Rafting, a Kaituna & Wairoa Combo, and a Mud Baths & Rafting Combo. The Kaituna River Rafting trip features 14 exhilarating drops, including the spectacular 7‑metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall, with expert guides leading a 50‑minute descent through a jungle canyon suitable for adrenaline seekers and first‑time rafters. The Wairoa River Rafting experience tackles Grade 5 white water, challenging rafters with intense rapids and named features such as 'Mothers Nightmare' and the dramatic 'Waterfall' drop through narrow rock canyons. The Kaituna & Wairoa Combo pairs a morning on the Wairoa with a relaxing lunch and a descent of the Kaituna, combining high‑adrenaline rapids with the iconic waterfall run. The Mud Baths & Rafting Combo adds a local hot spring element to a rafting day. Guides on each trip provide safety briefings, steer rafts, and manage equipment to industry standards. Operations are centered at Okere Falls, giving direct river access in the Bay of Plenty. Trip durations, difficulty levels, and route highlights are clearly described for each offering to help guests choose the right experience. Kaituna Cascades Rafting emphasizes experienced guide support, proven river routes, and distinctive local attractions to deliver memorable and well-managed rafting adventures. Booking information, safety gear details, and meeting points are provided at time of reservation. online support
Location
Okere Falls
Base in Bay of Plenty
Highest Drop
7 m Tutea Falls
Highest commercially rafted waterfall
Wairoa Grade
Grade 5
Intense white water rapids
Tours Offered
4 trip options
Rafting and combo experiences
Secure a spot on Kaituna River, Wairoa River, or a full-day combo — guided trips with clear safety briefings and local expertise.
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.
Wetsuit booties
Keep feet warm and protected on cold river rocks and in the water.
summer
Splash jacket
Protect yourself from spray and increasing wind chill during river sections.
summer
Helmet
Safety gear mandatory for navigating rocky rapids and waterfall drops.
Quick-dry towel
Useful for drying off during breaks between river runs.
summer