Kaitiaki Adventures - Raft the Kaituna River

3 hours

Kaitiaki Adventures - Raft the Kaituna River

Overview

Experience one of Aotearoa’s most iconic white-water journeys with Kaitiaki Adventures on the Kaituna River, home to 14 rapids and the world-famous 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall on Earth.

Kaitiaki’s story on the river runs deep. With the blessing of the hapū of Ngāti Pikiao in 1999, they became the first operators permitted to guide manuhiri through this cherished Ōkere Awa. Guided by whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and a genuine respect for the people of the river, every trip honours those who have cared for these waters past and present.

Your adventure begins with a full safety briefing before dropping into steep rapids, narrow canyons and the legendary plunge over Tutea Falls. Along the way, expert guides share kōrero of the river’s Māori heritage, weaving culture, nature and adrenaline into one unforgettable experience.

All gear is provided, just bring confidence in the water and a sense of adventure. Close to Rotorua yet completely immersive, this is white-water rafting at its absolute best: powerful, cultural and undeniably world-class.

Highlights

  • Tackle the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, the 7m Tutea Falls
  • 14 thrilling rapids and three epic waterfalls in total
  • Suitable for whitewater rafting enthusiasts and first-timers alike
  • Immerse yourself in the rich Māori cultural significance of the river
  • Stunning native bush scenery along the steep canyon walls
  • Professional guides and top-tier river equipment provided for safety and fun
  • Ideal for adventurers seeking the perfect mix of culture, nature, and excitement
  • Courtesy Transport

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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.

Location

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 24 hours or more before departure 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.

FAQ