Kaituna Whitewater Sledging

📍 Rotorua, New Zealand

4.9 ( 1,744 reviews)

From

Duration3 hours

FitnessHigh

CancellationFree cancellation 48h before start time

🔒Secure payment

⏰<2h response

🏅QualMark 100% Pure new Zealand Experience Award Winner

Overview

Dive into a one-of-a-kind adventure on the Kaituna River that combines thrilling rapids with the rich cultural significance of the area. This sledging experience lets you take on the river at eye level, navigating through breathtaking native scenery, playholes, and exciting rapids. Unlike traditional rafting, you’re in control of your vessel, using flippers to power your way through the water, with guidance and support from our expert team. As you conquer the river, you'll also learn about the Kaituna’s deep connection to local Māori culture. The river is steeped in history, and our guides will share the stories of its significance, blending adventure with cultural appreciation. This experience offers awesome family fun, with a perfect mix of adrenaline and meaningful engagement with the land. Confidence in treading water is necessary, but no prior experience is required. All river equipment is provided for a safe and unforgettable journey.

What you will be doing

Check-in, go through safety training and gear up

Drive to Ōkere Falls for Sledging;;

Arrive back, gear down and view photos (NZD 40 for photography)

Things to know

AccessibilityYou must be over 13 years old.

Fitness levelHigh

Tour languageEnglish

Licence requiredNone

Minimum age is 13 years old.
Bring swimwear and a towel
Changing rooms with lock boxes are available on-site
Each journey is approximately 3 hours from pick-up to drop-off
You can self-drive the rafting base, located 12 minutes from the Rotorua city centre
Go-Pros may be worn on a chest mount subject to the guide's discretion
There is plenty of free parking available on-site
Courtesy transport is available from all central Rotorua accommodations, including the Rotorua Information Centre
Being a competent swimmer is not necessary for rafting. We will ask you this when you check in and inform your guide so they can discuss precautions with you.
For Sledging, you MUST be comfortable in moving water. You will be kicking/swimming in the water against currents for approx. 45mins – 1hr. We will ask you this when you check in and inform your guide so they can discuss precautions with you, as sledging can be physically demanding.
In the summer months (from October to March), the water temperature is 17 to 22°C. In the winter months (from April to September) expect 11 to 16°C.
We welcome guests who need to cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons. For safety reasons during whitewater activities, we provide full, long John-style wetsuits with long-sleeved wetsuit jackets, booties and helmets. You are welcome to wear a swimming burka or other clothing that covers the neck area underneath the helmet. However, for safety reasons, we cannot allow any coverings over the nose or mouth while participating in these activities. If you require additional privacy, we can also provide a separate changing area. Please feel free to contact us with any specific concerns, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Over 125kgs? No stress! Contact us before you book so we can ensure all safety gear fits you and works as per manufacturer's design.

Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Included

Instructor
Pick up and drop off transport
Wetsuit

❌ Not included

Gratuities
Photography

Where we'll meet

Meet up/Pick up location: 1135A Te Ngae Road, Tikitere, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand

Instruction: Self Drive please arrive 15mins before start time. Pickups should be 30mins before start time.

ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.

Your host

This tour is operated by Kaitiaki Adventures.

Pay securely online. Your tour is operated by our vetted local partner, and Kodama Travel acts as booking agent. We recommend all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies.

You can select your preferred payment currency and enter any promo or gift card code at checkout. Our typical response time to is within 2 hours. You will be fully refunded if there is no availability.