Rotorua Water Activities

Rotorua's rivers and lakes cover everything from grade 5 white water to a calm evening paddle among glowworms, all within a short drive of the city. Our Rotorua water activities cover white water rafting on the Kaituna and Wairoa rivers, kayaking and canoeing, rafting combos and white water sledging.

White Water Rafting on the Kaituna and Wairoa Rivers

Our Rotorua rafting tours cover grade 5 rapids on both the Kaituna River, home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and the Wairoa River nearby, with the White Water Sledging option putting you in the same rapids on a body board instead of a raft.

Kayaking and Canoeing by Day or after Dark

Our Rotorua kayaking and canoeing tours range from the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour and Evening Gourmet Kayak Tour & Hot Pools Entry after dark to the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour by daylight.

Rafting Combos for a Bigger Day Out

The Grade 5 Rafting Combo on the Kaituna & Wairoa Rivers covers both rivers in one outing, the Grade 5 River Rafting & Hell's Gate Mud Bath Combo pairs the Kaituna with a geothermal mud bath, and the Ziplining & Grade 5 Rafting Combo adds a canopy zipline beforehand.

Why Book Your Rotorua Water Activity with Everything New Zealand

We are your local travel partner across the Bay of Plenty, not the operator, so we only list water activities we would genuinely recommend to family and friends. Compare rafting, kayaking and combos side by side, book online in a few minutes and get instant confirmation. Less scrolling, more strolling, straight onto the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous water activity in Rotorua? Grade 5 white water rafting on the Kaituna River is the region's best known water activity, home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Is there a gentler water activity than white water rafting in Rotorua? Yes, the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour runs during the day at an easier pace than the region's rafting and evening kayak tours.

Can I combine rafting with another activity in one day? Yes, combos pair rafting with a second river, a geothermal mud bath, or a canopy zipline beforehand.

Is there a water activity that includes glowworms? Yes, the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour and Guided Canoeing Tour on Lake McLaren both paddle out to see glowworms after dark.

What is white water sledging? White water sledging runs the same Kaituna River rapids as the rafting trips, but on a body board rather than in a raft.