Kaitiaki Adventures - Raft the Kaituna & Mt Tarawera Combo

1 day

Kaitiaki Adventures - Raft the Kaituna & Mt Tarawera Combo

Overview

From crater to river, experience Rotorua’s ultimate full-day adventure with Kaitiaki Adventures, a powerful journey connecting you to both the sacred volcanic landscapes of Mt Tarawera and the world-class white water of the Kaituna River.

Your morning begins on Mt Tarawera, the maunga whose 1886 eruption reshaped the region. Guided by Kaitiaki, you’ll explore vast craters, rugged ridgelines and stand atop Ruawāhia with sweeping views across the volcanic plateau. Along the way, your guide shares kōrero of the eruption and the cultural and spiritual significance of Tarawera to Ngāti Rangitihi.

In the afternoon, you trade the summit for the awa. Raft the lush, canyon-carved Kaituna River, home to 14 rapids and the iconic 7-metre Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Expert Māori river guides lead you through steep drops, technical lines and stories that bring the river’s whakapapa to life.

All transport and specialist gear are included. Simply bring confidence in the water and a sense of adventure.

For travellers seeking two truly different perspectives of Rotorua, dramatic volcanic landscapes and legendary white water, this combo delivers an unforgettable cultural and adrenaline-charged day.

Highlights

  • Full-day adventure combining two iconic experiences
  • Guided cultural hike through the volcanic Mt. Tarawera crater
  • 14 rapids, including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall
  • Professional guides and top-notch safety gear
  • All transportation included, from your accommodation to the activities
  • Perfect mix of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and adrenaline-pumping fun

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    About

    About The Host

    Kaitiaki Adventures

    Kaitiaki Adventures

    Kaitiaki Adventures is a multi award-winning, 120% Climate Positive kaupapa Māori adventure company based in Rotorua. Guided by kaitiakitanga (guardianship), we connect people to our region’s unique landscapes through adventure, storytelling and culture.

    Kaitiaki Adventures specialise in world-class white-water rafting and sledging on the Ōkere section of the Kaituna River, journeys infused with Māori heritage and the stories of the awa.

    As the sole concessionaire for Mt Tarawera, we also guide culturally rich hiking expeditions to its summit, sharing the history of the 1886 eruption, its dramatic volcanic landscapes, and its deep significance to Ngāti Rangitihi.

    Things to keep in mind

    Each experience on TrvlAtlas is hosted by one of our trusted local operators. Because every operator’s conditions differ slightly, this tour follows the cancellation policy set by Kaitiaki Adventures .

    Kaitiaki Adventures – Cancellation Policy
    • Cancellations made within 48 hours before departure will incur a 20% cancellation fee & prior to 48 hours will receive a full refund.
    • Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.
    No-shows or late arrivals are charged in full.
    • If the operator cancels due to weather, safety or operational reasons, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.

    To request a change or cancellation, please contact TrvlAtlas Support at support@trvlatlas.com. We’ll coordinate directly with the operator on your behalf in line with their policy.

    By booking, you agree to both TrvlAtlas’ platform terms and the operator’s safety & risk disclaimer as outlined in the Special Terms & Conditions tab on the tour page and in your booking confirmation email.

    This experience is listed on TrvlAtlas, a curated travel platform that connects travellers with trusted local operators. TrvlAtlas acts as the booking agent for this experience, while the operator delivers the tour and manages its own safety, cancellation, and participation terms.

    This experience is operated by Kaitiaki Adventures, a licensed and safety-accredited provider. Please review the key participation and safety requirements before booking:

    Both the Operator and any Agent (including their respective employees, agents, officers and directors) exclude, to the fullest extent possible under law, all and any liability for any loss, damage or injury (whether direct or indirect or consequential, however arising) suffered by the Guest or any person associated with the Guest in relation to the booked activity. All activities have elements of risk and all guests undertaking any Activity do so voluntarily and at their own risk. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, all warranties, representations and implied terms are also excluded. The Operator reserves all rights to cancel any Activity at its discretion for (but not limited to) any of the following reasons: a) waterway, road or weather conditions; b) lack of numbers participating in the Activity; c) unsuitability of Guest(s) due to reasons such as age, ill health, poor fitness, intoxication or any other reasons rendering a Guest unsuitable or unfit to participate in the Activity; d) any other circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of the Operator. All Guests agree to adhere to any instructions in relation to the Activity from the Operator at all time.

    These terms are subject to rights and remedies you have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 2003.

    Kaitiaki Adventures provides guides and equipment of the highest order to ensure safe and enjoyable world class experiences.

    The awards are not just about excellence in business leadership, they’re about recognising QualmarkGOLD members who are enriching their operating environment through initiatives that support the sustainability of the business and their communities.

    Industry Certification

    Kaitiaki Adventures is AdventureMark™ certified and registered as an approved Adventure Activity Operator. AdventureMark™ is a JAS-ANZ accredited and WorkSafe NZ approved Certification Body. This means our safety systems and procedures are independently audited to ensure we operate to the highest safety standards.

    We pride ourselves on our safety culture which is driven by committed leaders and highly experienced, well trained team of outdoor adventure professionals.

    Safety Equipment

    Kaitiaki Adventures demonstrates an unparalleled safety culture.

    Our rafts are purpose built Kaitiaki Adventures designed, high quality, New Zealand made rafts constructed by INCEPT MARINE

    Kaitiaki Adventures carries a complete range of customer equipment in all sizes. All whitewater participants are provided with compulsory equipment including: NRS Type V PFD, Neoprene Boots & Pro-tech full cut hemet and optional weather dependant equipment such as: Wetsuits, Fleeces & Spray Jackets.

    Safety Training

    Every participant must complete land-based safety training before starting the activities. This involves a Guide lead demonstration introducing participants to their personal safety equipment, command training and emergency procedures. Once your Guide is confident that you understand how to remain safe at all times, the activity will commence.

    Risk Disclosure

    The sport, nature and activity of Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Sledging & Mt Tarawera Hiking activities involves a reasonably high level of inherent risk. The river & mountainous environments are continually changing. All Kaitiaki Adventures Guides are properly licensed and trained. All equipment is industry standard and well maintained. Participants are well informed and properly equipped before each activity. All participants assume the risks or damage while undertaking these activities. Kaitiaki Adventures endeavours to make all journeys as safe as possible. In order to do this we will ask each participant to complete a disclosure document and provide information relation to health, physicality, impairments and water/walking preparedness.



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