The 15 Best Whitewater Rafting Trips in New Zealand

Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna - Starting at Okere Falls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,952 reviews · from $83Our pick

Raft Rotorua’s Kaituna River through rainforest, tackle a 7-meter waterfall, and warm up in the free sauna afterward.

“I was nervous about doing this adventure since I hadn’t rafted in a very long time and never class 5. They add a few extra fun things, like swimming down one of the rapids, and sitting on tge raft in the front over another The water is so beautiful, our guide, Elise, was amazing! I had a blast, so glad I didn’t back out!”

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Tour Reviews, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

2.Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,673 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Review of Waitomo’s Labyrinth Black Water Rafting, with glowworms, waterfalls, cave scrambling, practical tips, price, and who should go.

“Fantastic experience! I highly recommend the black water rafting experience! Especially in the summer when the water is not as cold as in winter. It is such a unique and fun way to experience the caves and admire the glowworms.”

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Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

3.Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,274 reviews · 2h 30m · from $83

Raft 14 rapids and three waterfalls on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, including 7-metre Tutea Falls, with Māori culture and hotel transfers.

“It was awesome. My family came from Australia. Kids were very excited and it made them happy and proud.”

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Tauranga Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

4.White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,274 reviews · from $83

Raft 11 rapids and the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall on this thrilling Kaituna River adventure near Rotorua.

“The most amazing bucket list experience of my life with breathtaking scenery and heart stopping action I would recommend it as something to not miss out on”

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Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

5.Rafting Rotorua Kaituna White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $83

Review of Kaitiaki Adventures’ Kaituna rafting trip near Rotorua, with 14 rapids, the 7-metre Tutea Falls, guides, pricing, and tips.

“Omg this was an excellent experiences, I had never done anything like this before and was very apprehensive about doing this but the guys were very friendly and helpful. They took us through the safety and what to do if we found ourselves in the water. Once we were in the Grafton the water going down the river your addrellerling kicks in and you love every minute of it. The crew look after you and make sure that you have a great time, I would definitely recommend this to everyone as a must do.”

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Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Rafting Experience-Free Sauna

6.Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Rafting Experience-Free Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 401 reviews · 2 hours · from $74Best value

Raft three waterfalls and 14 rapids on Rotorua’s Kaituna River, then warm up in a free sauna. A thrilling beginner-friendly adventure.

“Our family of four had a great time guide Lucas was exceptional. My son’s 16 and 10 had a blast.”

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Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

7.Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 362 reviews · from $119

Review of Waitomo’s Black Water Rafting tour, with glowworms, cave jumps, abseiling options, costs, fitness tips, and practical advice.

“We loved this experience, I am scared of heights/small spaces & the lovely ladies managed to make it as easy as possible for us. My partner always wanted to see the Glowworms, so I booked this tour as it had the maximum amount of time with the worms & it did not disappoint. The girls are born tour leaders & made everyone feel welcome, safe & catered to. Thank you so much girls (27/12/25) you are legends!!”

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Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

8.Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · from $185

Review of Queenstown’s family rafting trip, with gentle Shotover River rapids, Skippers Canyon scenery, gold-mining stories, and practical tips.

“A great adventurous dirt road trip to our spot where we launched from. The river was lower then expected but offered many opportunities to swim and jump and to sometimes just float slowly downstream with the raft. Amazing and great fun especially for the kids. My 11 year old son gave this trip 6 out of 5😁”

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Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

9.Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 324 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Tackle 14 Kaituna River rapids and 7-meter Tutea Falls near Rotorua with friendly guides, warm gear, and strong safety training.

“This was the most amazing experience!! I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to have an epic time on the water. Malcolm was an awesome guide.”

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Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

10.Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · from $154

Raft grade 3 to 5 rapids on Queenstown’s Shotover River, ride Skippers Canyon Road, and warm up with hot showers afterward.

“The bus ride from Queenstown through skippers canyon is a bit sketchy and somewhat dangerous, but our host driver kept us laughing the whole way to keep us calm. Although somewhat of a production line to get everyone kitted up, it wRead more”

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Napier & Hawkes Bay Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in Napier, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

11.Shore Excursion: Scenic Rafting from Napier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 179 reviews · from $139

Review of Napier’s scenic Mohaka River rafting tour, with gentle rapids, local stories, lunch, cruise pickup, and practical tips.

“Deon was a fantastic guide and highly knowledgeable. He managed pickup for us on top of the float. We had a wonderful time.”

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Marlborough & Picton Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

12.The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · from $133

Review the Hobbit Barrel Run rafting tour on New Zealand’s Pelorus River, with movie sites, guided paddling, transport, price, and practical tips.

“We had a great time kayaking! Jade was a wonderful guide. There is a shower and hair dryer available if you decide to swim. I would definitely recommend!”

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Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Rafting in Queenstown

Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

13.Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · from $197

Combine 360-degree jet boat spins with Kawarau River rafting, cliff jumping, and New Zealand’s longest commercial rapid in a 4.5-hour adventure.

“What an absolutely awesome experience! We did the Kawarau River rafting and jet boat with our family, ranging in age from 15 through to adult children, and it was a hit with everyone. The experience was thrilling without being intimidating, Read more”

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Queenstown: Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

14.Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 4h 30m · from $190

Review of Queenstown’s Kawarau River rafting and jet boat combo, with rapids, cliff jumping, safety tips, pricing, and practical advice.

“Great day on the River!! Jess is so full of energy - made our boat trip supper fun. Our river raft guide, Guy, was knowledgeable, safety first, great Personality, remembered all our names, gave us won’t of opportunity to enjoy the River by jumping in A fab day!”

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