Tackle 14 thrilling rapids and the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall on New Zealand’s Kaituna River. Kaitiaki Adventures offers an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and Māori culture.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 hours (round trip)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with physical activity and able to follow safety instructions on moving water.
Wildlife
History
The Kaituna River has deep significance in Māori culture, with local iwi viewing it as a taonga (treasure) with spiritual importance.
Conservation
Kaitiaki Adventures emphasizes sustainable practices, minimizing river impact and educating guests on protecting this pristine ecosystem.
Kaitiaki Adventures
Tackle 14 thrilling rapids and the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall on New Zealand’s Kaituna River. Kaitiaki Adventures offers an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and Māori culture.
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.
Base Location
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Central hub for all tours
Volcanic Tours
Mt Tarawera experiences
Half and full day guided hikes
Whitewater
Kaituna rafting & sledging
14 rapids, includes Tutea Falls
Cultural Experiences
Māori performance & hāngi
Te Puia and iwi storytelling
Secure a spot on Mt Tarawera hikes, Kaituna River rafting or cultural combos — availability varies seasonally.
Arrive with swimwear and a towel
Bring your swimwear to wear under your provided wetsuit and a towel for changing afterward.
Be ready for swift currents
The river moves fast; listen closely to guides during safety training to stay secure on rapids.
Book courtesy transport from Rotorua
Take advantage of free pick-up and drop-off services from central Rotorua accommodations for a hassle-free start.
Consider waterproof storage
Bring a small waterproof bag for essentials like phones or glasses, as you’ll get wet on the river.
Wetsuit (provided)
Wetsuits keep you warm and protected in the river’s cool waters.
fall|winter|spring|summer
Water shoes or booties (provided)
Protect your feet from rocky riverbeds and provide grip inside the raft.
all
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Minimize UV exposure during open sections with sun-safe gear.
summer|spring|fall
Change of clothes and towel
Dry off and change after the rafting trip for comfort and warmth.
all