Frequently asked questions
FAQ’S
What about lunch?
No need to worry, we’re lucky to have the Okere Falls Store right next door! Explore their menu options at okerefallsstore.co.nz. After your adventure, their beer garden is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink!
How do I get there?
We offer a shuttle from Central Rotorua, but most rafters find it more convenient to drive directly to our base. Located right across the road from the ‘put-in’ spot, our base provides plenty of safe parking—making it hassle-free for both you and us!
Do we raft rain or shine?
Rafting is the best rainy-day activity ever; you’re going to get wet anyway! The flow of the Kaituna is man-regulated at the source with a dam, which makes the river level consistent.
Is there a max weight limit?
While we do have a maximum weight limit of 130kg for safety reasons, it's not just about the number on the scale. It's also about the rafter's shape and whether they can safely fit into our safety gear. Luckily our wetsuits range from XXS - XXXXL.
Do I need to be physically fit?
An average level of fitness is preferred for your comfort, however, you don’t need to be an athlete! As long as you're in good health and comfortable with light-moderate activity, you’ll be ready to enjoy the experience. If you have any specific concerns, feel free to reach out!
Is rafting safe?
The Kaituna River is not only thrilling and unbelievably fun, but it’s also one of the safest rivers in New Zealand for rafting. However, like all adventure sports, rafting does come with some inherent risks. Our team is highly trained to minimise and manage these risks, prioritising safety at every step to ensure you have an amazing and secure experience on the water. Please be sure to read through our risk disclosure before coming rafting.
Can I buy photos?
Absolutely! Our team of professional photographers are out there capturing your best moments in a wetsuit from all the prime vantage points. After your rafting trip, we’ll show you a slideshow of the photos from your trip, which are available for purchase at $40. You’ll receive roughly 60-80 photos via email!
What is the maximum number you can take rafting?
We can accommodate up to 300 rafters each day, with trips running every hour and a half. This schedule allows us to cater to large groups, including stag and hen parties, private bookings, school groups, and corporate events. Whatever the occasion, we can usually make it work!
Should I book in advance?
To save disappointment, we do recommend pre-booking, especially over our peak rafting season (Dec- March). However, we do our best to cater for walk-ins and last-minute reservations!
Is there a maximum age?
There’s no set maximum age for rafting with us—in fact, our oldest rafter was 86! However, we do require that rafters meet the expected level of physical fitness and be free from any serious medical conditions. If you’re uncertain about rafting with a specific medical condition, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Nope! We take many non-swimmers rafting who thoroughly enjoy their experience on the river. Every rafter is equipped with a personal flotation device (PFD), a crucial piece of gear specifically designed to keep you afloat if you end up in the water. During check-in and after the safety briefing, we make sure non-swimmers fully understand the risks and feel comfortable with the possibility of getting wet. Rest assured, though, help is always close by with our guides and safety on the river.
Is the river cold?
We are lucky to have the Kaituna River as one of the warmest rivers in the country. In the summer, the river is around 24°C (75°F), and in the winter it is around 12°C (54°F). With our thick wetsuits, you are sure to stay nice and toasty on the river!
What is the minimum age?
To get the full Kaituna experience, waterfalls and all, you need to be 13 or older. This meets the standard minimum age for New Zealand's exciting Grade 4/5 rivers. But don't worry if you're under 13 and over 10! We’ll walk you to a special spot below the waterfall, where you can hop into the action. The second half of the trip is on a fun Grade 3 section, offering plenty of splashes and a great taste of the adventure!
How many people fit in a raft?
Each raft holds 6-7 people, depending on the river conditions.
What do I need to bring?
All you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel – we’ll take care of the rest! No swimsuit? No problem! Your underwear will do just fine under the wetsuit. We’ll provide you with a wetsuit, a neoprene jacket for those chilly winter days, boots for your feet, and all the essential safety gear to prepare you for an epic journey down the awa!
I'm travelling solo, can I still book?
Absolutely! Rafting is an incredibly social activity and you will probably end up with some new friends to have a beer with after.
When is the best time to go rafting?
ANYTIME! We raft year round and will dress you accordingly, so don’t worry about getting cold.
Do you have lockers?
Yes, we have communal lockers that are locked for the duration of your rafting trip.
Do I need experience?
No! You don’t need any experience, 80% of our rafters have never rafted before and our guides will teach you everything that you need to know.
“A great way to bring the whole crew together, we had an absolute blast! “
Ian Willis – Tauranga, NZ
