Jordan McCraeEver get the urge for a whitewater rafting adventure, only to realize Auckland’s river scene is a bit on the quiet side? No problem, thrill-seekers! We’ve got your back.
As adrenaline junkies ourselves, we’ve gone on a wild hunt to uncover the best-kept secrets of white-water fun nearby. Don’t worry – we made sure to pick spots that are great for beginners and pros or both!
Vector Wero Whitewater Park
Website: http://www.wero.org.nz/
Address: 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 913 5251
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Packages Rates: Tamariki river rafting: $180 (family package for 4)
River rush rafting: $109 per adult
When it comes to white water rafting in Auckland, you’ll never go wrong with Vector Wero Whitewater Park. Even though Auckland doesn’t have a major river, this man-made park has made a big splash, drawing in tourists for the adventure.
There are two awesome courses to choose from. First up is the Tamariki River, perfect for beginners or families with kids. These rapids are gentle (Grade 1-2), so you can feel the excitement without breaking a sweat.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, try out River Rush. It’s rated Grade 3-4 and will definitely get your heart pumping.
Want to take it to the next level? Add the Pump Waterfall to your River Rush ride for a drop down the world’s largest artificial waterfall (at 4.5m!). It’s a blast and the perfect ending to your day at Vector Wero Whitewater Park.
Just heads up – white water rafting isn’t always on at the water park, even though it’s open every day. Check their website for the activity calendar to see when it’s happening, then you can book your spot and get all the information you need about packages.
Kaituna Rafting
Website: https://www.kaitunarafting.co.nz/white-water-rafting-auckland/
Address: 763 State Highway 33, Okere Falls 3074, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 210 260 7441
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Packages Rates: $115 per person
If you’re cool with a bit of a drive from Auckland (around 3 hours) and you’re after some real adventure, Kaituna Rafting in Rotorua is where it’s at.
Whether you’re a total newbie or a whitewater pro, they’ll lead you to one of the most stunning rivers in New Zealand – the Kaituna River.
It’s hands down one of the most popular whitewater rafting trips in the country, and it’s seriously extreme, all thanks to Tutea Falls. Yes, you’ll actually raft over a waterfall!
This waterfall is 7 meters (23 ft) high, so this whitewater rafting experience isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Don’t know how to swim? No sweat – their team will walk you through it all, so you will feel totally ready to take the plunge.
Now, while they do take walk-ins and last-minute bookings, they really suggest you book ahead to make sure you snag a spot. You can grab your friends and go for it since their rafts fit up to 7 people.
And if you’re flying solo, they’ll team you up with other thrill-seekers.
Kaituna Cascades
Website: http://kaitunacascades.co.nz/
Address: 18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls 3074, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 27 276 5457
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Packages Rates: $125 per person
Kaituna Cascades offers another cool option if you’re up for a whitewater rafting adventure on the Kaituna River.
While they offer various options, the real gem is their Grade 5 adventure, which takes you down the mighty Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted falls in the country at 7 meters.
It’s truly a thrill-seeker’s dream, with 14 rapid-fire rapids to conquer in just 50 minutes!
Don’t worry if you’ve never been rafting before. Their experienced guides will provide comprehensive training on the day, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Just remember to bring your swimwear, along with a healthy dose of excitement and a decent level of fitness. The cost for this exhilarating experience is $125 per person, and to make things even easier, they offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from Rotorua.
Tongariro River Rafting
Website: https://trr.co.nz/
Address: 95 Atirau Road, Tūrangi 3334, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 7 386 6409
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Packages Rates: Adults: $179
Children (16 years and under): $154
Up for another thrilling whitewater rafting adventure? Located about 3.5 hours south by car from Auckland near Taupo and Turangi, Tongariro River Rafting might just be for you.
The adventure lasts half a day, covering 14 km and 60 free-flowing rapids. But what really makes it special is the stunning scenery surrounding you.
We’re talking about picture-perfect native New Zealand landscapes and a volcanic gorge that’ll blow your mind.
If the weather’s good, you might even get the chance to do a waterfall jump – if you’re feeling brave, that is! But the good stuff doesn’t just stop here.
They take care of everything, from on-river apparel and hot chocolates to snacks, solar-powered showers, changing rooms, and even food options like River Dog (hot dog) – plus beer or soda!
Seriously, all you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel – everything else is sorted.
Mohaka Rafting
Website: http://www.mohakarafting.co.nz/
Address: 3408 State Highway 5, Napier 4182, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 6 839 1808
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Packages Rates: Whitewater rafting Grade 2: $120 per adult
Whitewater rafting Grade 4/5: $265 per adult
Mohaka Rafting is a great pick for white-water fun near Taupo, just about 2.5 hours south of Auckland by car.
They’re known for their trips along the Mohaka River, offering a range of experiences from Grade 2 to Grade 5, including day trips and week-long expeditions.
One of the standout experiences here is ‘The Big One’, a Grade 4/5 ride that takes you through stunning canyons and gorges, making you feel tiny in comparison!
For this adventure, you’ll need to have at least some experience with rafting, as well as a moderate level of fitness.
But if you’re new to rafting or want a family-friendly outing, their Grade 2 Scenic Raft Trip is perfect. You’ll spend 5 hours floating down easy rapids, surrounded by lush forests and native wildlife.
Fun fact: ‘Mohaka’ roughly translates to ‘place of dancing’ in Maori, which totally fits the vibe of the river. And yes, it also perfectly describes the river and the joy it brings to visitors.
