Kaitiaki Adventures offers superior and unforgettable Rotorua white water rafting and sledging experiences.
We give our clients an initiation into Aspects Maori through myth and legends, kupu hou (new Maori words) and Karakia (Maori prayer) all whilst experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush. Kiwi guides offering a real kiwi experience.
Kaituna River Rafting
Raft the Kaituna River with our world class guides. Snake through steep bush clad canyons and over 14 awesome drops including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world -7m Tutea Falls. Blended with a touch of Maori culture, this trip offers it all, for both white water rafting enthusiasts and first timers. Grade 5
Kaituna River Sledging
Kaitiaki Adventures are New Zealand’s original white water sledging specialists – since 1989. There is something for everyone on this beautiful scenic excursion. Play holes and awesome rapids to negotiate your way through as you are in charge of your own vessel. Take the river on at eye level and propel yourself through the water by the flippers on your feet. Our qualified guides are there to encourage, motivate and help you where necessary. This is a white water adrenaline junkies dream. Grade 3
Wairoa River Rafting & Sledging
The Wairoa River is a challenging Grade 5 stretch of water which only operates on selected Sunday’s over the summer months between Sep-April. This river offers unsurpassed rafting and sledging (1:1 sledging guide ratio) adventures with people travelling far and wide to experience this dam controlled river. The Wairoa offers a backdrop of the beautiful MacLaren’s Falls followed by 1 hour and 45 mins of adrenaline overload. At the end of your world class rafting/sledging journey we will provide a kiwi style BBQ lunch for you to enjoy.
Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience: 4 hours return
Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater. This activity includes transportation to and from accommodation.
No previous experience is required on any of the excursions we provide. Kaitiaki Adventures will give you all the training and safety equipment of the highest standard to make your journey a safe yet unforgettable time. Our guides are all NZQA Qualified and our business is a Qualmark Endorsed and Maritime Safety approved operation.
Kaitiaki’s purpose built base is equipped with changing rooms, lockers, eco friendly facilities and full credit cards facilities. The base also offers a place for you to relax in the peaceful atmosphere set amongst the ancient volcanic landscape of Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve.
Courtesy Transport provided from Rotorua central accommodation locations including Tourism Rotorua (Information Centre).
Safety is Paramount, Entertainment Guaranteed.
River Grading Table
- Grade 1 –Â Calm, rippling water, rafted for social value only
- Grade 2 –Â Rippling cascading whitewater
- Grade 3 – Adventurous white water, 1-2 metre waves, manoeuvring to negotiate the rapids is required –Kaituna River Sledging
- Grade 4 – Exciting, challenging, difficult rapids with precise and sequential manoeuvring required – most parts of the Kaituna River Rafting
- Grade 5 – Adrenaline rush, thrilling and very powerful rapids. Complex precise and powerful sequential manoeuvring is required – Kaituna Rafting (7m waterfall only), Wairoa Rafting/Sledging and Lower Kaituna
- Grade 6 – Commercially unraftable
