THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take on the exhilarating Kaituna River with a unique rafting and sledging combo near Rotorua. Tackle 14 rapids, including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, while immersing yourself in Māori culture and scenic wilderness.
Take on the exhilarating Kaituna River with a unique rafting and sledging combo near Rotorua. Tackle 14 rapids, including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, while immersing yourself in Māori culture and scenic wilderness.
Book with Kaitiaki Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kaitiaki Adventures · Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
moderate.
6 hours.
Good general fitness and comfort with swimming or treading water are important for this trip, especially for sledging portions.
For rafting, being a strong swimmer is not necessary as flotation devices are provided. However, for sledging, you must be comfortable in moving water since you will be kicking and swimming in the river for extended periods.
You receive all essential river gear including wetsuits, jackets, booties, helmets, and life jackets for a safe experience.
Yes, participants must be at least 13 years old to join this combo trip.
Water temperatures range from 17–22°C (63-72°F) in summer and 11–16°C (52-61°F) during winter months.
Photos are taken by professional photographers during the trip but are available for purchase onsite after your adventure.
Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are provided within central Rotorua for convenience.
The Kaituna River holds deep significance for the local Māori iwi, who consider it a taonga (treasure) with stories tied to the land and waterways that date back generations.
Kaitiaki Adventures actively promotes sustainable tourism by educating visitors about river ecology and supporting local conservation efforts to protect this vital ecosystem.
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.
Book with Kaitiaki Adventures