The 12 White Water Rafting Tours in New Zealand That Fill Up First

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

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

Review of Rotorua Rafting on the Kaituna River, with Grade 5 rapids, a 7-meter waterfall, gear, sauna, pricing, and practical tips.

“What an awesome experience this was! From the shuttle bus to the drop off, the energy and fun created by our guide, Lucas, was fantastic! Such a beautiful setting too, loved spending time on this beautiful river. So much fun, has definitely been a highlight of our NZ experience! Thanks everyone, you're doing an amazing job!!”

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2.Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,673 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Explore Ruakuri Cave by tube, waterfall, and glowworm grotto on Waitomo’s thrilling three-hour black water rafting adventure.

“This was a fantastic adventurous experience. Highly recommend it to everyone visiting this area.”

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3.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

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

Raft 14 rapids and three waterfalls on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, including 7-meter Tutea Falls, with Māori culture and hotel transport.

“It was a terrific experience and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Our guide Ben was very kowledgeable and explained everything. I would highly recommend this rafting experience.”

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4.White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,274 reviews · from $83

Review of Kaituna Cascades rafting near Rotorua, including the 7-meter waterfall, safety, price, gear, itinerary, and who should book.

“Amazing experience! One of the most exciting and terrifying things I have ever done. Loved it all. Well done to the wonderful team, especially Balthazar who made of feel safe and have the time of our lives!”

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5.Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $83

Review of Kaitiaki Adventures’ Kaituna rafting trip in Rotorua, with rapids, 7-metre Tutea Falls, Māori culture, transport, price, and tips.

“Such an amazing experience and I do not regret doing this! Ben was an awesome guide and made sure everyone felt safe. Wish the rafting experience was longer. Would definitely do again!”

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

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

Raft three waterfalls and 14 rapids on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, then warm up in a free wood-fired sauna.

“Was an incredible experience and my family loved it. The guides very truly fantastic”

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7.Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 362 reviews · from $119

Review the Waitomo Black Water Rafting tours, with glowworms, waterfalls, caves, cold water, safety tips, prices, and help choosing your tour.

“Our family of 4 did the 3 hour cave tour and enjoyed every moment of the adventure. It is a physical expedience, wading through rushing water, crawling through tight spaces and jumping backwards off ledges into the inner tube with s deep plunge. The boots, wet suits and helmets provided and the guides have you always feel safe. The gentle floating through the glow worm tunnel was magical and something we will never forget.”

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8.Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · from $185

Review of Queenstown’s family rafting trip through Skippers Canyon, with gentle rapids, gold-mining history, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Amazing activity to do with family members. Great experience. Experienced and friendly guides. Thoroughly enjoyed the activity.”

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9.Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

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

Raft 14 Kaituna River rapids and plunge over 7-meter Tutea Falls near Rotorua, with expert guides, warm gear, and no experience required.

“Had an absolute blast! Our guide Malcolm was awesome! We sent it and survived all the waterfall drops staying in the raft! 🤙 Was such a great experience! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ recommended!”

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10.Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

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

Review of Queenstown Shotover River rafting: Skippers Canyon scenery, grade 3 to 5 rapids, safety, gear, price, and practical tips.

“Great tour, we really had so much fun. Team was professional and efficient at getting people where they needed to be. Harry was a great guide.”

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11.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 179 reviews · from $139

Review of Napier’s scenic Mohaka River rafting tour, with easy rapids, native bush, local stories, lunch, cruise pickup, and practical tips.

“This is a wonderful tour. Deon and his wife Jo are great. It was so relaxing and a lot of fun.. It’s a mild river, so it’s great if older family members want to attend. I highly recommend this tour.”

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12.The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · from $133

Paddle the Pelorus River past Hobbit film sites, learn local history, and enjoy a guided barrel-run adventure from Havelock.

“We had a great time kayaking! Jade was a wonderful guide. There is a shower and hair dryer available if you decide to swim. I would definitely recommend!”

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