OKERE FALLS RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Two Rivers, Twice the Adrenaline: Raft the Wairoa’s Grade 5 Chaos and Drop the World’s Tallest Commercial Waterfall on the Kaituna
A full-day combo from Okere Falls that pairs the Wairoa River’s boulder-strewn grade 5 rapids with the Kaituna’s 7‑metre commercial waterfall—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Two Rivers, Twice the Adrenaline: Raft the Wairoa’s Grade 5 Chaos and Drop the World’s Tallest Commercial Waterfall on the Kaituna.
Adventure brief
Two Rivers, Twice the Adrenaline: Raft the Wairoa’s Grade 5 Chaos and Drop the World’s Tallest Commercial Waterfall on the Kaituna
Set in the Bay of Plenty around Okere Falls, the Kaituna & Wairoa Combo stitches together two of New Zealand’s most extreme whitewater runs into a single, relentless day: first the intense, boulder-gardened grade 5 Wairoa, then after lunch the Kaituna with its world‑famous 7‑metre commercial waterfall. The itinerary moves from departure at the rafting base through guided river sessions and returns to base by late afternoon.
Located in the rugged heart of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, the Kaituna & Wairoa Combo rafting adventure offers thrill-seekers an unmatched day paddling two of the country's most adrenaline-pumping rivers. Situated near Okere Falls, this expedition tests your skills and stamina on the grade 5 Wairoa River before leading you to the warm, exhilarating waters of the Kaituna River — home to the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall.
Your day unfolds in two distinct chapters: it begins with the Wairoa River’s demanding boulder gardens and cascading waterfalls. Considered among the wildest rapids in New Zealand, the Wairoa’s steep drops, churning hydraulics, and unpredictable currents challenge even experienced rafters. Navigating this Grade 5 river requires focus and teamwork, amplifying the electric excitement as you paddle fiercely through nature’s course carved by volcanic rocks.
After this intense morning session, enjoy a well-earned lunch break to recharge. Then dive into the glowing waters of the Kaituna River, known for its serene ambiance and geothermal warmth. Here, the highlight awaits — the stunning Tutea Falls, which at 7 meters is the tallest waterfall commercially rafted worldwide. Rafting face-first over this waterfall delivers a pulse-quickening plunge amidst lush native forest and dramatic basalt cliffs.
This full-day journey is expertly led by seasoned guides who provide top-quality gear, including custom rafts, wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, and splash jackets for safety and comfort. The trip departs daily from Rotorua, with convenient transport included, making access seamless. Note that this incredible experience is seasonal, with the Wairoa River opening flow on select summer Sundays only.
Beyond the rush, the Kaituna & Wairoa rivers are integral to the local ecosystem and Maori heritage, threading together cultural respect and environmental stewardship. The surrounding region boasts abundant native birdlife and unique flora thriving in the volcanic valley's dynamic conditions.
For adventurers staying in Rotorua or Tauranga, this rafting combo ranks as a must-do. It combines raw white-water power and scenic beauty with the cultural richness of New Zealand’s North Island.
Whether you’re after an extreme paddling challenge or an unforgettable plunge beneath cascading waterfalls, this rafting saga delivers pulse-pounding action paired with breathtaking landscape immersion. Prepare to test your limits where wild rivers meet ancient volcanic terrain.
Route Schematic
Itinerary & Route Schematic
Key stops and timing for the day’s double-river itinerary.
Rafting Base — 18 Okere Falls Road
Meet at the operator’s base in Okere Falls for departure; arrive early to check in and prepare.
Wairoa River Start
Arrival at the Wairoa starting point for training, gearing up and the launch onto the grade 5 rapids.
On the Wairoa
Approximately 1.5 hours of on‑river running with a brief stop for snacks and restroom breaks during the return leg to base.
Return to Base / Lunch
Arrive back at the base to eat and recharge before the afternoon session—time allocated to refuel and prepare.
Kaituna River Session
Afternoon briefing and an approximately one‑hour Kaituna run that includes the 7‑metre commercial waterfall; return to base around 4:30 PM.
This full‑day combo requires participants to meet operator restrictions (minimum age 13, strong swimming skills for the Wairoa, not suitable for pregnant women, and a maximum weight limit of 120 kg); operators may change timing or route based on conditions and safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wairoa: New Zealand’s Premier Grade 5 Run
The Wairoa delivers sustained, technical whitewater—boulder gardens and intense rapids that demand strong swimming ability and full commitment. This is the day’s hardest stretch and the core reason many choose the combo.
Kaituna: The World’s Tallest Commercial Rafted Waterfall
After lunch you’ll tackle the Kaituna River and its signature 7‑metre waterfall—the highest commercially rafted drop in the world—wrapped into a guided raft run and training session before launch.
A Full Day of Back-to-Back Whitewater
This is an action-packed full‑day itinerary: morning on the Wairoa, a base return and lunch break, then an afternoon run on the Kaituna—designed for participants seeking maximum whitewater in a single outing.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
You begin at the rafting base in Okere Falls, depart early and arrive at the Wairoa start for gearing up, safety briefing and a demanding 1.5‑hour run through technical rapids; after returning to base for lunch and a short rest you refit for the Kaituna, undergo another safety briefing, then spend about an hour on the Kaituna—returning to base by mid‑late afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is built for—and who should choose a different option.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full‑day activity of approximately 8.5 hours from early morning departure to late‑afternoon return.
Meet at the rafting base in Okere Falls (the operator departs from 18 Okere Falls Road); arrive early to check in before the scheduled departure.
Bring swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure; a packed lunch is recommended as it is a long day.
Minimum age 13; strong swimming skills required for the Wairoa run; not suitable for pregnant participants; maximum weight 120 kg.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to know how to swim?
Strong swimming skills are required for the Wairoa River; if you cannot swim strongly, choose the Kaituna-only option instead.
Are there changing facilities?
There is a small changing tent at the base, but the operator recommends arriving in your swimwear already.
Are toilets available at the base?
Because rafting is run only part of the year, base facilities are limited; sometimes a portaloo is provided, so it’s recommended to use the restroom before arrival.
What is the age minimum for the combo?
Participants must be at least 13 years old to take part in this full‑day rafting combo.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes—there is a maximum weight limit of 120 kg for participants.
How long is the trip on the rivers during the day?
You will spend roughly 1.5 hours on the Wairoa in the morning and about one hour on the Kaituna in the afternoon, with travel and breaks between sessions totaling about 8.5 hours for the day.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-16T08:05:56.441Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.