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Kaituna White Water Raft

Raft over Tutea Falls, seven metres, the world's highest commercial drop.

Fourteen rapids, three waterfalls and the 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, on NZ's warmest river, with Māori history woven through the canyon. First-timers welcome.

⭑ 5.0 1,456 TripAdvisor reviews 📍 New Zealand ⏱ 3 Hours 👥 Up to 60 🔥 Active

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Overview

There's a moment on the Kaituna where the raft noses over a lip and the river simply isn't there anymore. That's Tutea Falls, seven metres, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and you go over it in a raft with your paddle in and your head down.

The three-hour trip snakes through steep, native bush-clad canyon over 14 rapids and three waterfalls, on what happens to be the warmest river in New Zealand, a genuine mercy. Your Kiwi guides handle the lines and weave in the cultural history of the Ōkere Awa as you go, because this river had stories long before it had rafts. Top-quality gear is all provided: wetsuits, fleeces, splash jackets, booties, PFDs. Transport too, if you need it.

Built for both first-timers and white water tragics. Photos of your waterfall face are available afterwards, buy them, you'll want proof.

Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Drop the 7m Tutea Falls

  2. 2

    Fourteen rapids, three waterfalls

  3. 3

    New Zealand's warmest river

  4. 4

    Māori history of the Ōkere Awa

  5. 5

    All gear and wetsuits provided

  6. 6

    First-timers absolutely welcome

What's included

✓ What's included

  • Highest Quality River Gear (Including PFD, Booties, Wetsuits, Fleeces, Splash Jackets)
  • Friendly knowledgable Kiwi guide
  • Transport if required

✕ Not included

  • ✕Photos of your journey (these can be purchased after)

Common questions about this trip

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    No refunds are given within 24 hours of departure, unless the operator cancels the activity because of waterway, road or weather conditions. The operator may also cancel for weather or a lack of numbers. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf.

Got a question that's not here? Ask us or hit the chat, instant AI reply with a follow-up from the Wanderlust crew.

What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.

The operator's track record

5.0 on TripAdvisor · 1,456 reviews

Review excerpts below are from Tripadvisor.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"So much fun and the team looking after us were fantastic. Scenery was beautiful and the water wasn't too cold, even in winter!"
a

apnfrmsyd

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"We had an amazing time. We were a little nervous at first because we are not experienced rafters, but the team was very calm and friendly and helped us have a great time."
K

Kyle

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"Absolutely incredible rafting experience with Kaitiaki Adventures! The whole trip was so much fun, exciting, and beautifully set in the middle of nature. The guides were friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe while still keeping the adventure thrilling."
U

Usaid A

Tripadvisor review

Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.

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