Top 6 River Rafting in New Zealand

1.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,952 reviews · from $83Our pick

Raft the Kaituna River near Rotorua with guides such as George, Luca, Elise, and Tor. Expect a full safety briefing, native forest, three waterfalls, Grade 5 action, and the famous Tutea Falls drop. Gear and a post-rafting sauna are included. Hotel transfers cost extra.

“Incredible rafting experience that you won’t get elsewhere! Great rapids and excellent rafting guides. 100% recommend if you want to white-water raft on the North Island.”

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2.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,274 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Join Kaitiaki Adventures for a 150-minute Kaituna River rafting trip with guides such as Aoife, Jack, Ben, and Kyle. Expect 14 rapids, three waterfalls, a 7-metre drop at Tutea Falls, Māori cultural insight, river gear, and optional hotel transport from Rotorua.

“This was the most fun rafting I’ve ever had!! My guides were so awesome (Nixie and Ben) and it was such a good time and very thrilling. Felt very safe during the entire ride. Highly recommend this experience if near Rotorua!”

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3.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Rafting Experience-Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 401 reviews · 2 hours · from $74Best value

Head 20 minutes from Rotorua to the Kaituna River for a beginner-friendly rafting trip through 14 rapids and three waterfalls, including a 7-meter drop. Guides such as Lucas, Jack, Peach, and Justin provide clear instruction, with swimming, jumping, optional photos, and a free sauna afterward.

“Our family of four had a great time guide Lucas was exceptional. My son’s 16 and 10 had a blast.”

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4.Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 388 reviews · from $84

Join River Rats for a three-hour Kaituna River rafting trip from Rotorua. After a 15 to 20-minute safety session, you paddle through a fern-lined gorge and over Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Guides such as Dave, Amy, Zack, and Neville have earned warm praise for calm instruction and strong safety.

“This was an amazing experience. The rafting is a very well set up and run tour with excellent safety briefings by well drilled staff who ran the trip very professionally and provided all the necessary kit. Being on the river and experiencing the natural environment close up was awe inspiring.”

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5.Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 324 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Meet Kaituna Cascades Rafting 20 minutes from Rotorua for a guided Grade 5 run through warm canyon water, 14 rapids, and Tutea Falls. You get full safety training and winter gear, with guides such as Malcolm, Josh, Alex, and Bal known for calm, playful instruction. No rafting experience is needed.

“My wife and I went white water rafting for the first time and had so much fun. We felt very safe and really appreciated the thorough safety briefing beforehand. Jarrod was fantastic and made it an amazing experience for us. Such a beautiful spot as well — a must-do when you’re in Rotorua!”

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6.Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · from $154

Travel from Queenstown to Deep Creek by shuttle and 4WD, then paddle the Shotover River through grade 3 to 5 rapids, including Jaws, Toilet, Sequel, and the 170-metre Oxenbridge Tunnel. Guides such as Morgan, Jess, Benji, and Erin lead the private rafting activity. Hot showers and digital photos are included.

“We had a great time! Guide was experienced and knowledgeable. It was fun and well organized. Would recommend!”

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