Kaituna Cascades was the very 1st and Original Rotorua Rafting Company to open up the Kaituna River.
Raft the amazing deep warm water canyons, including the now famous 7 metre ” Tutea Falls” – the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!
Kaituna Cascades was established in 1991 and is still today locally owned and operated out of Rotorua, NZ.
Our sweet Rafting Base in Okere Falls is in an awesome sunny location, surrounded by a scenic reserve and backs onto the shores of the Kaituna.
We are the closest and most accessible company to the river.
All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We are a company of paddling champions, with super friendly guides that strive to give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river!
Our aim is have FUN, Come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience….
Rotorua River Rafting
Kaituna River Grade 5 Rafting
Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand’s most exciting and beautiful rivers!
Experience the thrills and spills of the Mighty Kaituna River as we take on the world famous 7 metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall.
Together with your expert guide, your team will enjoy a 50 minute action packed ride down 14 epic rapids in a tight and twisting warm water jungle canyon.
This is a white water enthusiasts dream and is a must do for adrenaline junkies and 1st time rafters alike!
No prior experience is necessary as you will be given full and comprehensive training. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of fun and adventure, swimwear and a towel.
Price: NZ$125.00 per person – Includes free shuttle to and from Rotorua – Bookings essential.
Availability: All year! – Warm water in the summer and cooler in the winter (more gear provided).
What we provide: The best guides on the river, custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties and splash jackets.
Departs Daily: – 9.00am, 11:45am 2.30pm and (4.30pm summer only).
Duration: Allow 2 hours with us, which includes 50 mins of fun on the water.
Location: 18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls, Rotorua. Our base is located at the Kaituna River and there are no long bus rides or waiting around in wet suits!
Conditions: You must be 13+ years to join this experience (or 10 – 12 years for a half tour starting below the falls). Maximum weight 120kg’s.
Please note – This is an exciting grade 5 rafting experience and is not suited for older or bigger people, or people that aren’t comfortable in the water. We have a weight limit of 120 kg’s.
Kaituna/Wairoa River Rafting Combo
Combining two of the most exciting rivers in New Zealand together for the most epic day of Rafting ever. You’ll raft the challenging and intense boulder gardens and waterfalls of the grade 5 Wairoa in the morning. Then sink deep into the magical warm waters of the Kaituna, and experience the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall face first!
Two completely different rivers in one EPIC day of rafting – not to be missed!
PLEASE NOTE: The power company only release water on certain Sundays, 26 days a year over the Spring/Summer/Autumn period for us to go rafting. Click here to check river flow dates for 2024/25.
Price: NZ$270.00 per person.
Duration: Departing Rotorua 8.30am and returning around 4.30pm.
Availability: Due to Wairoa being Dam release, this is combo tour only runs 26 days per year, every Sunday during summer months, with some Spring and Autumn releases too.
What to bring: Sense of adventure, bathing suit / shorts and towel.
What we provide: The best guides on the river, custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties and splash jackets.
Location: Wairoa River – State Highway 29 – Tauranga, and Kaituna River – Okere Falls, Rotorua
Conditions: 13+ only. Maximum weight 120kg’s.
Please note – This is an exciting grade 5 rafting experience and is not suited for older or bigger people, or people that aren’t comfortable in the water. We have a weight limit of 120 kg’s.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ROTORUA RAFTING OPTIONS
Groups and Schools
Looking for a thrilling experience to bring your team together? Whether you’re planning a birthday party, stag or hen do, end-of-year work function, Christmas event, team-building session, corporate gathering, school group outing, or sports team adventure—Kaituna Cascades has everything you need for an unforgettable time!
As the original Kaituna rafting company, we secured the best spot! Our Rafting Base in Okere Falls is perfect for groups, offering a relaxed atmosphere before and after your rafting experience. With ample free parking (camper-van and bus friendly), spacious grassy areas, picnic tables, and cosy bean bags, you’ll have plenty of space to unwind.
Our sunny location backs onto the beautiful Kaituna River and is surrounded by a scenic reserve with the famous Okere Falls walking trails. In the warmer months, we even set up a volleyball court, a marquee for shade, and BBQ facilities to add to the fun.
Plus, we’re the closest rafting company to the river, meaning no long shuttle rides—more time for rafting and less hassle for your group. We’re your ultimate choice for group adventures!
