Kaituna River Grade 5 White Water Rafting | Rotorua Rafting | Shaara Deals

Rotorua Rafting is the operator behind one of the most talked-about white water experiences in New Zealand: a Grade 5 descent of the Kaituna River, home to Tutea Falls — the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, a 7-metre drop that rafters plunge straight over. Shaara Deals has this trip listed from just $135, and if you've been searching for a Rotorua adventure that's more adrenaline than sightseeing, this is the one.

Why the Kaituna River earns its reputation

The Kaituna (also known locally as the Okere River) is a short, punchy river that packs an unusual amount of whitewater into a compact run. Rotorua Rafting runs it every single day, year-round, tailoring trips from small, intimate groups of two through to large bookings of up to 300 people — so whether you're a couple looking for a shared thrill or organising a big stag do, the trip scales to fit. The centrepiece is Tutea Falls, and going over it is as much a part of the Rotorua bucket list as the geothermal parks and glow worm caves nearby.

Trip Details

• Price: from $135 per person

• Duration: approximately 2 hours total, including around 1 hour on the river

• Location: Kaituna River (Okere River), Rotorua

• Operator: Rotorua Rafting

• Product code: Kaituna

• Departure times: summer 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm; winter 10am, 12pm and 2pm

What's included and what to bring

• Wetsuits, booties, helmets and buoyancy aids are all provided — you only need to bring swimwear and a towel

• A free sauna is included after your rafting trip, a welcome way to warm up once you're off the water

• An optional shuttle from Central Rotorua is available for $15 per person, departing at 9am, 12pm and 3pm

• The full Grade 5 river trip is for ages 13 and up; a Grade 3 half-river option is available for ages 10–12, with a minimum age of 10 overall

• Not suitable for pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions; trips operate under the WorkSafe Adventure Activity Regulations 2024, and all participants sign a risk disclosure form at check-in

Good to know before you book

This is a genuine Grade 5 rapid, not a gentle float — Tutea Falls is a real 7-metre waterfall drop, and Rotorua Rafting builds the whole two-hour experience around getting you there safely, geared up properly, and warmed up afterwards with that included sauna. If you'd rather combine your Kaituna River time with ziplining, Shaara Deals also lists Rotorua Ziplines' Ōkere Zip + Raft Combo, which pairs a zipline circuit with a raft trip on this same river — worth comparing if you want to add another adventure to your day.

FAQ

• Is this suitable for beginners? Yes — no prior rafting experience is needed, and all safety gear plus guiding is included, though it is a genuine Grade 5 river so a reasonable level of fitness and comfort in water is expected.

• What's the difference between this and the Ōkere Zip + Raft Combo? This deal is the standalone Kaituna River rafting trip with Rotorua Rafting; the Ōkere Zip combos (also on Shaara Deals) pair a zipline course with a raft component through Rotorua Ziplines, run as a separate combined activity.

• What should I wear? Just swimwear under your clothes and a towel for afterwards — wetsuits, helmets, booties and buoyancy aids are all supplied.

• Is there an age limit? The full river trip is for ages 13+; a shorter Grade 3 option suits ages 10–12, with 10 the minimum age accepted.

Ready to take on Tutea Falls? Book the Kaituna River Grade 5 White Water Rafting experience with Rotorua Rafting through Shaara Deals now: https://shaaradeals.co.nz/deal/6a8001f9cf8d2762cae771dd