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You will see
- That adventurous beginners are welcome!
- The beauty of New Zealand native bush whizzing past you!
- The highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world
- The thrill of Whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River
River Rats is 68km from the Port of Tauranga. Please allow 60 minutes driving time.
Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.
You will need to bring a swimsuit and towel - everything else is provided.
Although this trip provides full-on action the river is pool drop meaning that every rapid is followed by calm water making it very forgiving for a grade 5 river, adventurous beginners are welcome.
Around 15 - 20 minutes of training is provided prior to the trip teaching all the required paddle commands and safety information.
The Kaituna Grade 5 is a trip that's not for the faint hearted, so gather your partner, a few adrenalin-seeking friends or workmates or just yourself if everyone else is too scared!
You can hire a Shore Trips Self-Drive Rental vehicle or take the Shore Trips Rotorua Explorer Hop-on/Hop-off Shuttle bus [Tour code TRG-3] from right outside the Port if you are on a cruise ship.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Professional photographs are taken of each rafting trip and the Kaituna Grade 5 is suitable for all active people aged 13 years and over.
We will take all precautionary safety measures to give you a safe (and amazing) trip down our iconic Kaituna River. However River Rafting is an adventure activity with a degree of risk which increases with the grade of rapids. Rafts can capsize, and people may fall out of the raft in fast flowing & violent water, people may be injured. The Kaituna River is a class 5 river and has waterfalls and hard rapids.
Grade 5 = Very difficult rapids, High-powerful-irregular waves, difficult to negotiate, the extreme for commercial operations. This said The Kaituna river is an amazing river & is normally good for most fit and healthy people PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT Shore Trips and Tours or the rafting company CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY.
- Around 15 - 20 minutes of training is provided prior to the trip teaching all the required paddle commands and safety information.
- Lifejackets and safety helmets
- Polar Fleece and Spray Jacket if needed
- Wetsuits and booties
Not Included
- Swim suits and towels
- Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.
Instructions
- We will take all precautionary safety measures to give you a safe (and amazing) trip down our iconic Kaituna River. However River Rafting is an adventure activity with a degree of risk which increases with the grade of rapids. Rafts can capsize, and people may fall out of the raft in fast flowing & violent water, people may be injured. The Kaituna River is a class 5 river and has waterfalls and hard rapids.Grade 5 = Very difficult rapids, High-powerful-irregular waves, difficult to negotiate, the extreme for commercial operations. This said The Kaituna river is an amazing river & is normally good for most fit and healthy people PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT Shore Trips and Tours or the rafting company CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY.
Restrictions
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Recommended minimum weight limit 40kg, Maximum 125kg.
- Suitable for all active people 13 years and over.
Experience Schedule Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| start time | end time | |
| 9am trip | 09:00 | 11:30 |
| 12.30 trip | 12:30 | 15:00 |
| 3.30 trip | 15:30 | 18:00 |
Experience Prices (current) | |
|---|---|
| Adult price | NZ $129.00 |
| Child price (13 to 18 yrs) | NZ $129.00 |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
What if I have never rafted before?
We provide training before all our trips, teaching you how to paddle, hold on and telling you all the necessary safety information. We can take beginners on all the trips we offer. If you were looking to do the grade 5 trips you need to be reasonably comfortable in water and able to paddle in time as part of a team.
What if I can’t swim?
We provide you with a high-float lifejacket so being able to swim is not essential. However it is important that you let your raft guide know if you cannot swim. The Wairoa River trip is not recommended for non swimmers.
What if it’s raining?
Rafting is a great wet weather activity; after all you are dressed to get wet. Very occasionally we will cancel trips due to high water; however all of the rivers we operate on are dam controlled so we do not need to worry about sudden changes in water level. Therefore we are able to operate in all weather.
What do I wear?
We provide all your equipment including wetsuits, booties etc. You just need a swimsuit to wear under our wetsuit and a towel for afterwards.
Is it cold?
Water temperature varies from river to river and depending on season. We will supply you with equipment to suit the conditions. We want you to have fun and go away and tell other people about us. We know you will not do that if you are cold so it is in our best interest to make sure you stay comfortable.
What do I do with my valuables while I am on the river?
We can lock everything away for you.
What if I have a medical condition?
Please check with our staff when you book and they will be able to let you know if you will be able to raft.
Are the activities safe?
The sports of White Water Rafting, White Water Sledging and Kayaking carry with them some degree of risk, increasing with the grade of rapids, to both the person and property. Occasionally rafts or kayaks do turnover and people occasionally swim. At any time prior to commencing the rafting, sledging or kayaking trip on the water you may elect not to undertake the activity, however, in some situations once the raft, sledge or kayak trip has begun, you may be committed to remain with it until completion. Because of these factors, Rotorua Adventures cannot guarantee your safety and you must expressly agree to assume the risk of injury or damage while participating in the activity. • You must be the appropriate age for the river or lake being rafted, Sledged or Kayaked (if unsure please ask staff). • You must be physically fit and have no condition or injury that could be affected by the activity or preclude you from undertaking in the activity safely. • You must not have any physical or mental impediment that would or could impose an unnecessary risk in the event of an emergency. If you are unsure with regards to any of the above points, please contact us to discuss the matters further.
What are your GPS Co-ordinates?
Latitude -38.046063 Longitude 176.32994
How long will the trip take?
You should allow 2.5 to 3 hours overall, this starts when you arrive at our base and are given your equipment and training etc once on the water.
Which is the best time to book the trip if on a cruise ship?
We suggest you book onto the 12 .00 mid day or 12.30 trip as this allows you time to get to the Rafting Centre if using the Rotorua Explorer Tour TRG-3. If you are in a self drive rental then you may be able to do an earlier trip.
If I use the the Rotorua Explorer option to get there how do I get back?
The Rotorua Explorer [TRG-3] driver will arrange with the rafting manager for you to be dropped at the Rotorua I-Site [information centre] after your trip where you can get back on the TRG-3 coach for the transfer back to the ship in good time.
