Ah, the Kaituna River – famous at home and abroad for legendary, heart-pumping whitewater rafting. While you may know that it has the world’s highest commercially rafted river, our beloved Kaituna still holds a little mystique too! The Rotorua Rafting team has put together this list of six things you don’t already know about rafting the Kaituna River.
The Kaituna River is one of the warmest rivers in New Zealand
As you’d find at the bottom of the world, NZ isn’t exactly known for warm water. But, set among Rotorua’s temperate rainforest, the Kaituna River is unusually warm – at least by our country’s standards! While we’re not claiming that the Kaituna is tropical, it’s certainly one of New Zealand’s warmest.
You can raft even if you can’t swim
Yes, whitewater rafting is a water sport – and a pretty extreme one at that – but even if you’re swimming skills are nil, you can enjoy the experience of rafting down the Kaituna River. This is thanks to our top-notch safety equipment including lifejackets and helmets, as well as our legendary guides who will walk you through the entire trip, ensuring you feel safe and confident before you hop onto our rafts.
Sustainability matters on the Kaituna River
The Kaituna River is a magical slice of paradise and, as the locals, we’re dedicated to keeping it this way! Rotorua Rafting hopes to become the city’s first carbon positive company and are working towards a completely electric fleet of vehicles. We also plant thousands of native trees a year, support Predator Free Okere Falls, use eco-friendly cleaning products and pick up rubbish so it doesn’t end up in the river.
We have an (almost) all-Kiwi crew
Who better to guide you down NZ’s most epic waterfall than Kiwis themselves? At Rotorua Rafting, only the best and most experienced senior guides will lead you down the intimidating Kaituna, so you know you’re in safe hands. From Taranaki to Timaru to Okere locals, our guides come from across the country. But we don’t discriminate, which is why we have a handful of honourary Kiwis too!
Ranked as the best white water rafting in the world
Not only can you raft the highest waterfall, the Kaituna River has also been ranked as the BEST whitewater rafting experience in the World. This can be credited to the adrenaline-pumping waterfalls, as well as the stunning nature and our enthusiastic guides!
It’s famous for trout fishing
So, you loved whitewater rafting and now you’re after a completely different experience on the Kaituna? Get your waders on and the fishing rod out, because this river is also a favourite among trout fishers.
Raft this amazing river with us today
Pretty cool accolade = the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall – but there’s more to the Kaituna than just that! Book in a trip with Rotorua Rafting and see for yourself.