Top New Zealand White Water Rafting

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.

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.

Cruise ship passengers who want an active adventure while on land will love this white-water rafting expedition from Napier. The rapids are an easy class II, so even first-timers and older kids can join in. Admire the views of the native bush, listen to birdsong, and even go for a swim in the gentle river if you like. Photos of your trip will be provided after.

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.

Shoot the rapids on the Shotover River on this half-day tour from Queenstown, a great choice for thrill seekers. Under the supervision of a guide, you'll brave the wild rapids, raft through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, and drop into the Cascade Rapid. Instruction and all necessary equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet) are included.

Enjoy wet and wild adventure in Skippers Canyon on this 4.5-hour Queenstown rafting and sightseeing adventure. Take a scenic drive into Skippers Canyon as a guide sheds light on the region’s rich gold-mining heritage. On arrival at base, strap into your safety kit and paddle onto the Shotover River’s swirling Class I and II rapids. During your descent, tackle the river’s swirling twists and turns with a guide and enjoy sweeping views over New Zealand’s beautiful countryside. Then, finish your adventure with a swim or a rock-jump.

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 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.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this 4-hour Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie ‘The Desolation of Smaug.’ Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear of the ways in which the film was shot, and listen as your guide sheds light on the region’s milling and mining heritage.

Adventurous travelers will love the chance to white-water raft down a 7-mile (11 kilometer) stretch of the Rangitikei River with 10 major–and many more minor–rapids. Be prepared to paddle hard and to work as part of a team to navigate your way through grade 5 rapids, with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy incredible views from the river that can’t be accessed any other way.

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 ending in a sweet 2 meter waterfall. Experience the thrill of 'The Rollercoaster' - a long bouncing staircase of awesome whitewater that will get a giggle out of the hardest of souls! Feel the rush of 'The Waterfall' which has an awesome 3 meter drop into a churning pool of white water and then kick back and enjoy the next 4km's of fun grade 3/4 rapids and waterfalls all the way through the Wairoa Rivers boulder-strewn rock canyon - ending with a sweet 5 meter cliff jump for those that want to send it. Get amongst the action !

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this family-friendly rafting trip down Te Awa Kairangi (the Hutt River). After donning the necessary safety gear and listening to a safety briefing, raft down a mellow section of the river, with small rapids and gentle stretches. Admire the views along the way. If anyone in the family is feeling brave, you can jump from rocks and go for a swim.

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.

• The 'Kiwi' invented Riverbug enables a safe and fun way for first-timers to enjoy whitewater in their own craft. Their small size and unique paddling system make riverbugs extremely manoeuvrable and easy to use • Feedback from our guests tells us they loved the freedom and individuality of riverbugging. Some who had also tried rafting preferred their riverbug experience for these reasons • Our group size is small compared to many other water based activities, enabling us to provide friendly personal service • The Action Bug Tour is located 'off-the-beaten-track' and we are usually the only party on the river • We are riverbug pioneers and experts with an exceptional safety record. Our highly trained guides will help you have a great time and look after you on the river • Our equipment is top quality and rated to keep you warm and safe. We pride ourselves on providing the comfort and fit of Women's, Mens, and Youth wet

This tour is ideal for adventurous visitors to New Zealand. This wilderness river tour is the closest to any city in New Zealand. Take in the cascading waterfalls and ancient native scenery while rushing through exhilarating rapids and rugged wilderness. There are over fifty exciting rapids to explore.