Top North Island White Water Rafting

Experience the elation of Rangitaiki River whitewater rafting over Grade III and IV rapids on this half-day adventure for physically active participants. You’ll bounce over whirling white water on a thrilling run through the stunning river valley, including a section of flat water where you can relax before lunch and a hot shower. Includes gear, paddling instruction, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Rotorua.

Take on the mighty Wairoa River in an adrenaline pumping rafting expedition you'll never forget! The Grade 5 Wairoa River near Tauranga is renowned for having some of the best white water action in New Zealand. Kaituna Cascades run the whole section of the river including the bottom three rapids and the lower waterfall! Hold on for dear life as you tackle 'Mothers Nightmare' which has a technical grade 4 rock garden, closely followed by a tight 2 metre drop. Experience the thrill of 'The Rollercoaster' - consisting of the aptly named 'Devils Cauldron' and the breathtaking 'Bottom Drop'. Feel the rush of 'The Waterfall' which has an awesome 3 metre drop into a churning pool of white water through the Wairoa Rivers boulder-strewn rock canyon. Topped off with a lite lunch and refreshments at the end of river!

Our grade 5, white water rafting trip is often recognised as one of the best half day trips in the world! It was recently voted in the top 8 white water trips in the world by Red Bull. With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about. This is a very active trip and you will need to work as part of a team to navigate your way through steep drops, chutes and major rapids in the grade 5 gorge. The trip starts off with some mellow grade 1-3 rapids, which are great practice for what lies ahead. Throughout the trip you will see some amazing New Zealand scenery along the way. And the trip finishes back at River Valley Lodge, for hot showers! You can also choose to add on meals or accommodation at the lodge after your trip.

Enjoy a scenic rafting tour on the Rangitaiki River during a laid-back half-day tour from Rotorua. Travel over Grade 2 white-water rapids on a gentle ride past tumbling waterfalls, sheer rock cliffs and forest-clad river gorges as you relax and take in the scenery. The rolling rapids make this an ideal trip for families and those looking for a more relaxed experience. Includes lunch, gear, paddling instruction and a hot shower with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Riverbugging is a new and exciting way to experience whitewater. Their small size and unique paddling system make riverbugs safe, manoeuvrable and easy to use. Great fun for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike. Only available in the Bay of Plenty with riverbug.nz

Get an adrenaline rush in the air and on the water during a full-day combination tour that features sky diving and white water rafting. Experience two of the most beautiful places on the North Island as you skydive from 12,000 feet within view of Lake Taupo. Then transfer to Turangi for a rafting trip that takes on class III rapids along the Tongariro River.

Go white-water rafting on the Tongariro River on a 2-hour rafting trip that’s ideal for families and first-time rafters. Paddle through a series of small, easy-going rapids with an experienced river guide to show you the ropes, then warm up with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

We are unique in that we offer this beautiful trip into our back yard with history from guides with over 30 years experience on the river and stories from maori elders going back 33 generations (or so). All trips get clients back onto the cruiseships well before departure.

Go white water rafting on the Kaituna River for a thrilling outing from Rotorua. Your guide leads you on an action-packed 1-hour ride down 14 rapids at Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 23 feet (7 meters). This warm water rafting trip takes place in a gorgeous jungle canyon and is suitable for active people, no prior rafting experience required.

Go Waitomo black-water rafting (cave tubing) for a memorable adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Choose a 3-hour Labyrinth experience that takes you floating underground on an inner tube, including a small waterfall jump. Or upgrade to the 5-hour Black Abyss for an exhilarating abseil (rappel) down limestone walls; instruction and equipment included. The resident glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you! Finish with a hot shower, soup and bagel.

This Kaituna River rafting adventure in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve promises plenty of thrills! With an expert guide at the helm, you’ll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Accessible to adventurous beginners, this 3-hour tour includes a safety briefing with paddling instruction, all necessary equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

Enjoy a thrilling combo of 2 of Taupo's best water activities. You’ll have the time of your life with each adrenaline-charged experience: Spin out to Huka Falls on a Waikato River jet-boat ride and go whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River. With professional guides and all equipment provided, you’ll see all angles of Taupo’s great outdoors.

Go on an adrenaline-filled rafting excursion down the Kaituna River during this 3-hour adventure tour from Rotorua. Here, white-water rapids flow past a subtropical rainforest lining a deep canyon. See stunning waterfalls, including rafting over Tutea Falls, and jump at the opportunity for exhilarating cliff diving. Tour operates winter and summer. Wetsuit, booties and helmet are provided. No experience necessary!

Take a scenic excursion through the New Zealand wilderness on this 3-hour white-water sledging adventure from Rotorua. Listen as a guide explains the challenges ahead, then — with your helmet and life vest clipped on — take to the Okere River on your floating sledge. Twist and turn through swirling river rapids, float gracefully along relaxing flats, and admire views over the mighty Kahikatea Forest. This family-friendly tour is suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages and skill levels.

Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure in New Zealand on this 3.5-hour Kaituna white-water rafting adventure from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. During your tour, navigate steep canyons through native forest, and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and make the most of this North Island outdoor adventure. A full briefing and all safety equipment are included.

Experience adrenaline-pumping thrills and spills in New Zealand’s North Island on this 4-hour Tongariro River white-water rafting adventure from Taupo and Turangi. Travel to the rafting base near the banks of the mighty Tongariro River. Pull on your wetsuit, grab your paddle and hit the choppy waters with your guide. Paddle hard through a series of over 50 grade III rapids and enjoy spectacular views over the volcanic gorge. Jump off high rock faces into the swirling waters then relax as you float gently downstream.