White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals
Overview
Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft guides - so you know you'll be in great hands!!
No where in the world can you raft down such a beautiful river that drops into a vertical walled canyon filled with raftable waterfalls and countless playful rapids. The water is deep and warm (most of the year) and is usually a highlight of peoples visit to NZ. All of our guides are handpicked, highly skilled professionals that come from an extreme whitewater background in Kayaking and Rafting. We will give you the safest and most entertaining trip on the river!
This is also most definitely the best value for money rafting in NZ too.
Our aim is have FUN, So come join us for this EPIC once in a lifetime experience.
Cheers & see you on the river - Pete & Blue
What's Included
- Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets
- Local, professional & highly trained guides
- Digital photos of the trip
- Glasses Strap
- Rent a Towel
- Go Pro Harness Hire
- Souvenir Rafting T-shirt
Meeting Location
18 Okere Falls Road
Okere Falls 3074, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Join us for the most unique and beautiful whitewater rafting experience in New Zealand!
The famous Kaituna River is a rafters dream – a 50 minute action packed ride down 11 epic rapids, 3 wild waterfalls – One of which is the highest rafted waterfall in the world at 7 meters. All of this in a deep, usually warm water jungle canyon!
All this with our legendary guides & you’ve got yourself the perfect day out!
This is an exciting GRADE 5 RAFTING EXPERIENCE. We have a weight limit of 120 kgs and minimum age of 13yrs old - up to 65 years of age
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.
The native scenic reserve has a beautiful walking trail which you can view many rapids of the Kaituna River & there is even an amazing café around the corner.
This makes for a great half day trip out to this stunning region of Rotorua.
Also 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 kgs.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- MUST be under 120 kgs
- Not recommended for non swimmers
- NO expectant mothers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Availability is all year round - Warm water in the summer and cooler in the winter (more gear provided)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-53209P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 1,363 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets.
- Local, professional & highly trained guides.
- Digital photos of the trip.
- Glasses Strap.
- Rent a Towel.
- Go Pro Harness Hire.
- Souvenir Rafting T-shirt.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 13. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the White Water Rafting - Kaituna Cascades, The Originals is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- MUST be under 120 kgs
- Not recommended for non swimmers
- NO expectant mothers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Custom built rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, fleece tops, wetsuit booties, and splash jackets
- Local, professional & highly trained guides
- Digital photos of the trip
- Glasses Strap
- Rent a Towel
- Go Pro Harness Hire
- Souvenir Rafting T-shirt
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- MUST be under 120 kgs
- Not recommended for non swimmers
- NO expectant mothers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Availability is all year round - Warm water in the summer and cooler in the winter (more gear provided)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
