Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Rafting Experience-Free Sauna

If you’re visiting Rotorua on the North Island of New Zealand and crave an adrenaline rush mixed with some of the most beautiful scenery around, the Kaituna River rafting experience might just be your perfect day out. With a stellar 4.9-star rating based on 370 reviews, this tour is touted as the number one traveller’s choice experience in New Zealand—and for good reason.

What makes this adventure stand out? We love the way it combines thrilling rapids, incredible waterfalls, and friendly guides to create a memorable day. Plus, the inclusion of a free wood-fired sauna provides a relaxing end to an action-packed outing. On the flip side, it’s important to know that children under 10 are not suited for this tour, and the activity involves a fair bit of physicality and water confidence, so it’s not for everyone.

This experience is ideal for beginners and those wanting a fun, safe introduction to whitewater rafting. Whether traveling solo, as a family, or with friends, you’ll find plenty of value in this well-organized adventure that balances thrill, safety, and authentic New Zealand scenery.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Rafting through the Kaituna River offers spectacular views, especially during the summer when the water is around 25°C.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, fun, and safety-conscious instructors like Lucas, Peach, Jack, and George are frequently praised.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for beginners and non-swimmers, with options for children aged 10 and up.
• Action and Relaxation: Experience 14 rapids, 3 waterfalls, swimming, and jumping, ending with a free sauna to unwind.
• Great Value: Combining safety, adventure, and amenities, the tour provides impressive value for the price.
• Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Easy Access and Friendly Check-In

Starting just 20 minutes from central Rotorua, the tour kicks off at the Rotorua Rafting base. The drive is straightforward, and the welcoming staff set the tone for an enjoyable day. Once there, you’ll quickly change into a wetsuit—essential for staying warm during the water-based fun—and meet your guide, who will walk you through the safety briefing and explain what’s ahead.

No Experience Needed

One of the best parts? This tour is designed for everyone, regardless of skill level. In fact, many reviewers noted how reassuring and professional guides like Lucas, Jack, and Peach are, making sure even first-timers or non-swimmers feel confident. With clear instructions, your guide will teach you paddling techniques and safety measures, so you can focus on having fun.

The Exciting Rafting Route

Once suited up, you’ll take a short drive across the road to the river. The Kaituna River is famous for its smooth mix of gentle sections and exhilarating rapids, including 14 in total and 3 waterfalls. The highlight is the highest commercially rafted waterfall—a whopping 7 meters of adrenaline-pumping action—and numerous opportunities to leap, swim, or surf your way through the river.

Highlights You’ll Love

Many guests rave about their favorite moments, like jumping into the water, swimming through rapids, or paddling over the waterfalls. “Justin, our guide, was a great leader, with a good sense of humor, and we felt very safe,” said one reviewer, emphasizing how well-organized and professional the team is. Others enjoyed the chance to get off the raft for a swim at strategic points, mixing adventure with a splash of relaxation.

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Scenic Surroundings and Wildlife

Beyond the rapids, the scenery is breathtaking. The lush forest-lined riverbanks, combined with the roar of the water and the sight of waterfalls, make this a visually stunning adventure. Many reviewers mention how the guides highlight the natural beauty along the route, making the trip as much about the landscape as the thrill.

Photos and Memories

After about an hour on the water, you’ll head back to the base to dry off, change, and review the photos captured during the trip. Many guests find these photos are worth the extra cost—they often capture their funniest, most daring moments—and provide a lasting memory of the day’s excitement.

The Relaxation Finale: The Free Sauna

Once the adrenaline subsides, guests can unwind in the wood-fired sauna, included in the tour. Reviewers consistently mention how this relaxing finish is a perfect way to soothe sore muscles after the physically demanding activity. The sauna’s rustic charm and warm ambiance add a local touch, making the whole experience feel authentic and well-rounded.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Flexibility

The entire tour lasts about 2 hours, making it an easy half-day activity. Check available starting times when booking, and remember that you can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility if travel plans change. Full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip.

What to Bring

Just pack swimwear and a towel—they provide the wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket. If you want to capture the moment, bringing a waterproof camera or phone in a secure case is a good idea, but leave valuables at home or in your hotel.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

Children aged 10 to 12 can join, rafting for the lower-grade part of the river, and they’ll be supported by guides and photographers along the way. However, children under 10 are not suitable, and the activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women or anyone over 287 lbs (130 kg).

Multilingual Guides

Guides speak English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean, ensuring clear communication for international travelers.

Cost and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, reviews indicate it offers good value considering the comprehensive experience, safety, expert guidance, and added amenities like the sauna and photos.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

The reviews reveal consistent praise for the knowledgeable guides—notably George, Lucas, Peach, Jack, and Justin—who are described as professional, fun, and attentive. Their clear instructions and supportive attitudes help even nervous first-timers feel confident. Many mention that the water temperature in summer is around 25°C, making swimming and jumping extra enjoyable.

Guests also love the scenery, with comments like, “The river and forest are just beautiful,” and the thrill of plummeting over waterfalls. Several mention that the entire organization is well run, with safety checks and friendly staff, making the experience both fun and secure.

The photos are frequently highlighted as a highlight—some rave about how well they turned out and how they capture the fun moments, with many guests opting to purchase them as souvenirs.

The Sum Up

This Kaituna River rafting tour is a fantastic way to combine adventure with sightseeing, all wrapped up in a well-organized package. It offers adrenaline, natural beauty, safety, and relaxation with the sauna, making it suitable for families, groups, and solo travelers alike.

If you’re after a thrilling yet approachable activity that showcases Rotorua’s stunning landscapes, this experience is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you value professional guides, great value, and memorable photos. While it’s not for very young children or those with specific health restrictions, most other adventurers will find plenty of reasons to love it.

Whether you’re seeking a fun beginner-level adventure or a memorable highlight of your trip to New Zealand, this tour delivers excitement and authenticity in equal measure.

Is prior rafting experience necessary?
No, this tour is designed for beginners and first-timers, with guides providing thorough instructions and support.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Yes, non-swimmers can tackle the river safely as they are supported by life jackets and guides, and the tour is designed to be accessible.

What should I wear?
Bring your swimwear and a towel. The wetsuits are provided, keeping you warm even if you get wet.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is around 2 hours, including safety briefing, rafting, and relaxation time in the sauna.

Are children allowed?
Children aged 10 to 12 can raft on the lower part of the river. Kids under 10 are not suitable for this activity.

What’s included in the price?
While not specified here, reviews suggest good value for the guided rafting, wetsuit, safety gear, photos, and the sauna. Additional photo packages are available for purchase.

This kayaking adventure on the Kaituna River delivers a perfect mix of thrill, scenery, and relaxation—making it a must-do in Rotorua for anyone craving an authentic, fun-filled day.

You can check availability for your dates here: