Face 62 rapids on a thrilling 10.5 km river run with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures, followed by craft beer and camaraderie at Wild Kiwi Distilleries. Get ready for a day that balances high-energy rafting with relaxed local flavor in Upper Hutt.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness, capable of sustained paddling and maneuvering in fast water.
Wildlife
History
Kaitoke Regional Park was a filming location for the Rivendell scenes in The Lord of the Rings, adding a layer of cinematic history to the natural reserve.
Conservation
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures works closely with local land managers to minimize ecological impact and promote river health.
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures
Face 62 rapids on a thrilling 10.5 km river run with Wellington WhiteWater Adventures, followed by craft beer and camaraderie at Wild Kiwi Distilleries. Get ready for a day that balances high-energy rafting with relaxed local flavor in Upper Hutt.
Wellington WhiteWater Adventures is an Upper Hutt–based adventure operator offering guided river and canyon experiences close to Wellington city. The company runs a range of activities including whitewater rafting on Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River and Waiohine Gorge, duckie tours, canyoning in the Little Akatarawa, electric mountain biking combined with river trips, and helicopter-access wilderness rafting.
Tours include entry-level canyoning trips with waterfall abseils and zip lines, family-friendly scenic floats and grade 2 rafting, plus longer wilderness-grade duckie and grade 3 rafting options. Several full-day packages combine activities—examples include the Ropes and Rivers Tour (canyoning and kayaking with a catered lunch) and Bikes, Boats and Brews (e-bike riding, rafting and a riverside meal). A helicopter-access option provides remote entry to Waiohine Gorge for an extended day on the river.
Guides are positioned as experienced river and canyon professionals who lead trips across a range of difficulty levels and terrain. Trips explicitly offer catered lunches on multiple tours and high-quality photos on select full-day adventures. Wellington WhiteWater Adventures operates from Upper Hutt, Wellington, and runs activities in nearby locations such as the Little Akatarawa Canyon, Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River and Waiohine Gorge. The operator provides options suited to families, groups, team-building and adrenaline-seeking visitors, with trip lengths that range from two-hour scenic floats to multi-hour wilderness outings.
Location
Upper Hutt, Wellington
Base close to Wellington city
Tours Offered
13 tours
Rafting, canyoning, bike and helicopter trips
Durations
2–5 hours & full-day
Half-day and full-day options available
Family Options
Family-friendly tours
Gentle rapids and scenic floats available
Secure a spot on rafting, canyoning, duckie or e-bike tours — limited availability for helicopter-access and wilderness trips.
Wear quick-dry clothing
Choose synthetic or wool layers that stay comfortable when wet and dry rapidly after rafting.
Bring a waterproof camera case
Safeguard your phone or camera to capture action shots without risking water damage.
Listen carefully to your guide
Following guide instructions is crucial for safety on the swift and varied rapids.
Prepare for moderate fitness
A reasonable level of strength and stamina is needed to paddle actively through the rapids for up to 3 hours.
PFD (personal flotation device)
Crucial for safety navigating swift rapids.
Waterproof camera or case
Allows for capturing memories without damage.
Quick-drying base layers
Keeps you comfortable on and off the water.
spring|summer|fall
Closed-toe water shoes
Provides grip and foot protection on slippery rocks.