Sledge the Kaituna River – Rotorua White Water Adventure
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Dive into Rotorua’s most unique white water thrill with the Sledge the Kaituna River – Rotorua White Water Adventure. Unlike rafting, sledging puts you face-to-face with the awa (river), riding the rapids at eye level with a purpose-built board and fins. Guided by Kaitiaki Adventures’ expert Kiwi and Māori river crew, this one-of-a-kind adventure combines adrenaline, scenery, and culture in equal measure.
The Kaituna River is world-famous for its exhilarating rapids and lush native bush surrounds. With sledging, you’ll take control of your own vessel, powering yourself through waves, drops, and playholes, while our guides keep you safe and inspired. Every rapid delivers heart-pumping action, and between runs you’ll soak up volcanic gorges and the stories of the river’s deep cultural and spiritual significance to local iwi.
No prior experience is needed, just confidence in the water. After a full safety briefing, we provide all specialist gear including wetsuits, fins, helmets, booties, and buoyancy aids. All you need to bring is swimwear, a towel, and a sense of adventure. Whether it’s your first time on the river or you’re chasing a brand-new thrill, sledging the Kaituna promises an unforgettable connection with Rotorua’s wild side.
Tours operate seven days a week at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm, lasting around three hours including transfers. Courtesy pick-ups and drop-offs are available from central Rotorua.
If you’re looking for something truly different, bold, and uniquely Kiwi, Sledge the Kaituna River with Kaitiaki Adventures. It’s white water up close and personal!
Location
What you need to know
- 3-hour Rotorua sledging adventure on the Kaituna River
- 8 rapids and playholes in stunning native bush surrounds
- Guided by professional Kiwi & Māori river crew
- All specialist river gear provided (board, fins, wetsuits, helmets, booties, buoyancy aids)
- Courtesy transfers from central Rotorua hotels and motels
- FREE PHOTO PACKAGE; Professional adventure photography available
- This experience has a duration of three hours
- Meeting point: 1135 Te Ngae Road, Tikitere Rotorua 3074
- Swimwear and towel
- You will need to be comfortable in moving water. You will be kicking/swimming in the water for approx. 45mins – 1hr. We will ask you this when you check-in and inform your guide so they can discuss precautions with you as sledging can be physically demanding.
- Kaitiaki Adventures will give all the training required and will assist you throughout the trip.
- We enter the river below the waterfall and sledge the Grade 3 section of the Kaituna River.
- We will have an adventure photographer take photos of your experience which will be available to view and purchase on completion of your trip.
- Water Temperature: in the summer months from October to March expect 17 to 22 degrees. In the winter months from April to September expect 11 to 16 degrees.
- Sledging is not suitable for:
- Children under 13yrs
- Pregnant Women
- Heart conditions
- Back problems
- Cancellation of an activity within 48hrs of the activity will incur a 20% cancellation fee.
- Cancellation within 24hrs of activity will incur 100% cancellation fee.
- “No Shows” will be charged at 100%.
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
