At seven metres, the Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Two smaller waterfalls allow rafters to practise before the big drop. The Kaituna River runs from Okere, only 20 minutes from Rotorua and about 45 minutes from Tauranga. The area holds special significance for local Maori. Behind the falls and along the river are caves where women and children were hidden during times of tribal wars. The Kaituna River is a Grade 5 rafting experience, needing about two hours.
The lower end of the Kaituna offers a Grade 3/4 rafting experience, and has only recently been opened for commercial rafting. Raftabout has exclusive access to this section of the Kaituna River, which presents rafters with the choice of extending their rafting trip, or enjoying the trip without taking in the Kaituna Falls.
Raftabout is the only company to have a private river base on the Kaituna with full amenities and private access. Rafters can meet the company at the Kaituna base or travel from Rotorua is available on request.
Raftabout prides itself on rigorous safety standards and ensure that no corners are cut at any time. All Raftabout guides are trained and qualified professionals who have attained a NZ Guide Award. They are Swift Water Rescue (SWR) Technicians with the majority qualified in advanced SWR. Guides are first-aid trained to relevant NZQA and OSH standards. Raftabout is currently involved in the writing of White Water Sledging and Qualmark Standards and is a member of the New Zealand Rafting Association. Age restrictions apply to rafting participants and rafters must fit safety equipment.
