Four Whitewater Rafting Trips in New Zealand

Whitewater Adventures: Extreme Water Sports in the Central Plateau

May 5, 2009

North Island rivers present exhilarating opportunities for extreme water sports. Don a wetsuit, lifejacket and helmet and experience the thrill of whitewater action.

Whitewater rafting in the Central Plateau rivers of New Zealand’s North Island is geared to all levels of experience. Options are available from specific individual adventures, to group and team excursions. Whitewater rafting not only provides a once-in-a-lifetime water adventure but is also a wonderful opportunity to experience spectacular New Zealand scenery that is generally inaccessible by road.

Halfway between Rotorua and Taupo, the Grade 4 Rangiteiki River Run is an all-day experience offering 14 kilometres of rapids and loads of variety on the water. Transport is available from Rotorua or rafters can meet the company at the Kaituna River base or Murupara camping ground where parking is safe and free of charge. Lunch is provided.

Experience the rafting adventure of a lifetime on the Wairoa River. This is a full-on Grade 5 rafting experience, open only 26 days of the year. The water released from the Ruahihi Power Station results in an exhilarating two-hour rafting trip through waterfalls and rapids surging between the walls of a rock and tree-lined gorge. The Wairoa River is between Tauranga and Matamata at the base of the Kaimai Ranges. Transport is available from Rotorua on request and lunch is provided.

At seven metres, the Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Two smaller waterfalls allow rafters to practise before the big drop. The Kaituna River runs from Okere, only 20 minutes from Rotorua and about 45 minutes from Tauranga. The area holds special significance for local Maori. Behind the falls and along the river are caves where women and children were hidden during times of tribal wars. The Kaituna River is a Grade 5 rafting experience, needing about two hours.

The lower end of the Kaituna offers a Grade 3/4 rafting experience, and has only recently been opened for commercial rafting. Raftabout has exclusive access to this section of the Kaituna River, which presents rafters with the choice of extending their rafting trip, or enjoying the trip without taking in the Kaituna Falls.

Raftabout is the only company to have a private river base on the Kaituna with full amenities and private access. Rafters can meet the company at the Kaituna base or travel from Rotorua is available on request.

Rafting Guides are Trained and Qualified Professionals

Raftabout prides itself on rigorous safety standards and ensure that no corners are cut at any time. All Raftabout guides are trained and qualified professionals who have attained a NZ Guide Award. They are Swift Water Rescue (SWR) Technicians with the majority qualified in advanced SWR. Guides are first-aid trained to relevant NZQA and OSH standards. Raftabout is currently involved in the writing of White Water Sledging and Qualmark Standards and is a member of the New Zealand Rafting Association. Age restrictions apply to rafting participants and rafters must fit safety equipment.

Raftabout, State Highway 33, Okere, New Zealand: Ph: 64 7 343 9500; Fax: 64 7 343 9503; info@raftabout.co.nz

The copyright of the article Four Whitewater Rafting Trips in New Zealand in New Zealand Travel is owned by Lyn Rasmussen. Permission to republish Four Whitewater Rafting Trips in New Zealand in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.