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Kaituna White Water Rafting with ExperienceKart Limited - Auckland

Kaituna White Water Rafting with ExperienceKart Limited

Aucklandchallenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

11 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness, able to hike and handle physically demanding activities for several hours.

Overview

Take on the Kaituna River’s 14 rapids and raft the world’s highest commercial waterfall. This private tour from Auckland blends white water thrills with Māori culture for an epic day.

Auckland, Auckland

Private Tour: Kaituna White Water Rafting Experience

Ages 13+ • 11 hours • No Rafting Experience Required

Rafting
Walking Tour

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About This Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating 11-hour adventure from Auckland, navigating the thrilling Kaituna River and conquering the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, Tutea Falls. This unique experience combines adrenaline-pumping rapids with rich Māori culture, ensuring an unforgettable day filled with excitement, scenic beauty, and expert guidance for all skill levels.

Experience the thrill of rafting over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world or take the river on at eye level as you are in charge of your own sledging vessel.

Tour Duration

11 hours

Tour Summary

Experience the ultimate white-water adventure on a private day trip from Auckland, guided by Rotorua’s White Water Rafting Specialists. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey down the Kaituna River, where you’ll navigate through lush bush-clad canyons, conquer exciting rapids, and take on the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall—a breathtaking 7-meter drop into the churning waters below. This action-packed experience seamlessly blends adrenaline and Māori culture, offering an unforgettable taste of true Kiwi adventure. After an unforgettable morning on the river, unwind and refuel with a relaxing café-style lunch before heading back to Auckland.

Tour Highlights

  • Conquer the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall—Tutea Falls (7 metres).
  • Navigate 14 thrilling rapids on the iconic Kaituna River in Rotorua.
  • Experience an adrenaline-pumping white water adventure with Māori cultural essence.
  • Enjoy swim spots and optional cliff jumps along the scenic river route.
  • Perfect for beginners—no experience needed, just a sense of adventure.
  • Guided by expert instructors ensuring safety, fun, and high energy throughout.
  • Private transfer from Auckland with scenic stops and photo opportunities en route.

Journey Inclusions

  • Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland.
  • Pick up and drop off from Auckland.
  • Refreshments and water onboard.
  • Complimentary high-speed internet onboard.
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey.
  • Luxurious temperature-controlled private transportation.
  • Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
  • Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.

Tour Inclusions

  • 3 hours white water rafting guided group tour.
  • Café style lunch after the experience.
  • Complimentary epic pictures captured during your journey!
  • All the necessary safety equipment and river clothing provided.

Tour Requirements

  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, and any essential personal items.
  • You must wear comfortable shoes that can be secured, such as trainers/sneakers.
  • No previous experience is required on any of our White-water adventures as a full and comprehensive safety briefing will be conducted prior to each excursion.
  • All equipment and river clothing is supplied including: wet suit, fleece top, spray jacket, booties, PFD (life jacket) and helmet.
  • Guides will give all the training required and will assist you throughout the trip.
  • Each participant must complete land-based safety training before starting the activities.
  • Each participant requested to complete a disclosure document and provide information relation to health, physicality, impairments, and water preparedness.
  • Participants must be 13 years old or over (proof of age may be required).
  • Good and moderate fitness level required - must have the ability to hike and walk for at least 1-hour.
  • Tour is not recommended for pregnant women, participants with back problems, heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  • Guides at Kaitiaki holds the right to refuse rafting at any time before or during each activity if they consider to be unsuited for the tour (e.g. physically incapable or too small).

Adventure Tips

Wear Secure Footwear

Use trainers or sneakers that stay firmly on your feet during rafting and hiking sections.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated before and after the rafting excursion.

Follow Guide Instructions

Pay close attention to safety briefings and guide commands for a secure and fun experience.

Pack a Change of Clothes

Bring dry clothes and a towel to change into after the wet rafting adventure.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • New Zealand fantail (Pīwakawaka)
  • Whio (Blue Duck) native to fast-flowing rivers

History

The Kaituna River holds cultural significance for local Māori iwi, who have long valued its waters for sustenance and spiritual connection.

Conservation

ExperienceKart Limited emphasizes low-impact tours, educating guests on river ecology and supporting river health initiatives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Secure Sneakers or Trail Shoes

Essential

Necessary for safe footing on wet rocks and during hikes.

Wetsuit and Spray Jacket

Essential

Provided by the tour to protect against cold water and weather conditions.

all specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects exposed skin from strong UV rays during daylight hours on the river.

summer specific

Quick-Dry Clothing

Essential

Comfortable clothing that dries fast after getting wet on the river.