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.
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.
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.