2025 Paengaroa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

On a recent trip to New Zealand I managed to conquer some fears and tick white water rafting off my bucket list - and I’ve never been so satisfied in my life! It’s always something I’ve wanted to do but I’ve never had the confidence, however the amazing team at Kaituna River Rafting were incredibly experienced and fully reassured me. The adventure takes you down the Kaituna river through a serious of rapids and small waterfalls in a manned inflatable. You’re given a small training session before hand and then work with the team and instructor to guide yourself down the falls. The highlight is a 7M high waterfall which is the highest commercially raft able waterfall in the world! The guides are incredibly experienced and their knowledge Of the water, the land and also the Māori heritage is really incredible. They also have a very talented photographer that shadows you along the journey and captures amazing photos of your adventure down the rapids - they’re an extra $40 to buy in high definition but totally worth it! It’s genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever done and the team is one of the nicest, genuine and engaging I’ve ever come across. They made sure everyone had the best time, while remaining totally safe and comfortable while also educating us along the way. I couldn’t recommend it enough and I’d love to get back! It’s a 10/15 minute drive from Rotorua and has all the equipment you need along with changing rooms - they will fill prepare and protect you from the rapids. We paid around $60 as they had seasonal offers but it’s really a good deal regardless of price! #adventuremoments #rafting #whitewaterthrills #newzealand #northisland #rotorua #watersports #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #myitinerary #nature

What better place to experience white-water rafting for the first time than Tutea Falls, the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world? Tutea Falls is part of the "Three Friends," a trio of waterfalls that includes Kaituna Falls and Okere Falls, all located on the Kaituna River, just a 30-minute drive from Rotorua, New Zealand. The Kaituna River also has some of the warmest water in the region, making it an ideal choice for rafters. #watersports #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

I had my first white-water rafting experience with Kaituna Cascades in Rotorua. Rafting with Kaituna Cascades is an exhilarating adventure that takes place on the Kaituna River, located in New Zealand’s North Island. Kaituna Cascades is renowned for offering some of the most exciting white-water rafting experiences, including the famous 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. The Kaituna River offers a mix of thrilling rapids, ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 5, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters looking for an adrenaline rush. Kaituna Cascades, which has been organizing white-water rafting tours for over 30 years, is known for its experienced guides who ensure that safety protocols are followed while making the adventure as fun and memorable as possible. #watersports #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

During our visit to Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island, my dad and I had an amazing time rafting with Kaituna Cascades on the Kaituna River, a world-renowned Grade 5 rafting destination. The Grade 5 classification represents the highest level of commercially rafted rapids, characterized by large, powerful waves, complex routes, and steep drops. Despite the intensity of Grade 5 rafting, Kaituna Cascades has experienced guides who ensure safety with detailed instructions and close supervision, making the experience suitable even for first-time rafters like me who are up for the challenge. Our rafting guide was highly skilled. Despite his warning that rafts often flip going down Tutea Falls—the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall with a thrilling 7-meter drop—ours didn’t, thanks to his expert guidance. Everyone in our group stayed safe and sound. It was my first rafting adventure, and I’d love to do it again in the future—though I’m not sure I’ll find another place as fun and thrilling as this! #localtourguides #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

During our visit to Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island, my dad and I had an amazing time rafting with Kaituna Cascades at Kaituna River, which is often regarded as one of the best places for white-water rafting, especially for thrill-seekers. What makes the Kaituna River so unique is the presence of the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall—Tutea Falls—which boasts a 7-meter drop. Beyond the excitement of the falls, the Kaituna River offers beautiful scenery, lush rainforests, and a series of rapids that range from beginner-friendly to advanced. The combination of heart-pounding adventure and breathtaking nature makes it a top destination for both experienced rafters and novices. #watersports #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #thrillseeker #rotorua #whitewaterrafting #tripblazers #kaituna #river #tutea #tuteafalls #okere #okerefalls #rafting

#rafting White water rafting on Kaituna River was exhilarating! Eleven wild rapids and three breathtaking waterfalls, including the world's highest rafted waterfall (grade 5), made for an unforgettable adventure. Our expert guide navigated the turbulent waters with precision and passion. We paddled, screamed and laughed as we tackled the intense rapids and plummeted down waterfalls. The rush of adrenaline was addictive. Scenic surroundings and crystal-clear waters added to the thrill. Kaituna River's white water rafting is a must-do for thrill-seekers. Get ready for an epic battle against nature's fury!

#rafting New Zealand is a dream destination for adventure seekers, and rafting on the Kaituna River near Rotorua is one of its most thrilling experiences. This river offers an adrenaline-pumping ride through lush rainforests and over several waterfalls, including the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, the 7-meter Tutea Falls. The combination of fast-flowing rapids and dramatic drops makes it an exhilarating journey, while the surrounding scenery of ferns and native bush adds to the beauty of the adventure. My Kaituna rafting trip was unforgettable—the rush of going over the waterfall was intense yet safe, with expert guides leading the way. If you’re in New Zealand, don’t miss this wild rafting ride! #100WaysofTravel #rafting #KaitunaRiver #NewZealandAdventures #WaterfallRafting