Rotorua Rafting — Attraction in North Island

If you're in Rotorua and not whitewater rafting with Rotorua Rafting, what are you even doing with your life?!

Our guide Beetle—part river whisperer, part stand-up comedian, part questionable decision-maker—was an absolute legend. Sketchy in the best way, full of local knowledge, cheeky jokes, and the kind of chaotic-good energy you want when you're about to launch yourself off a waterfall.

This isn’t just rafting. This is Grade 5 whitewater through the pristine rainforest of Aotearoa’s North Island—an experience that slaps you awake with beauty, adrenaline, and a deep soul shake. Everyone raves about the South Island (and fair play), but the North—mate—she’s glorious. Lush, wild, and pulsing with mana.

Go for two reasons:

To experience one of the best adventures of your life.

To keep Beetle off the streets. Honestly, the man’s too lucky getting paid for this—might as well be a national treasure.

We came as a family. Our 12-year-old couldn't do the full Grade 5 but walked the trail with the beautiful photographer(shout out!) and leapt off a rock like a young warrior to join us. Epic doesn't cover it.

I was giddy. Maybe it was the pre-rafting espresso martini (don’t judge). Maybe it was the adrenaline. Maybe it was the fact I was possibly about to meet my ancestors. Either way—I was alive. And speaking of ancestors, we gave thanks to the ancestors of the waterfall before plunging in. They didn’t just keep us safe—they wrapped us in joy, wonder, and spirit. It was magic.

Honestly, don't waste time googling other companies. This crew is it. Heart, humour, heritage—all wrapped up in one unforgettable ride.

To the team—ka pai! And Beetle—if you ever find yourself in Australia, hit us up. We'll show you some kangaroos... and maybe even guide you through a Bunnings sausage sizzle 😂

10/10. Would nearly...

Omg, where do I even begin? These guys and gals have taken something absolutely terrifying and turned it into one of the best experiences of my life.

I’m scared of everything—literally. And yet, I was the one who got thrown off the raft during the 7m drop, rode the front like a mechanical bull, and swam through rapids. My mom and I were laughing the entire time, just soaking up the good vibes.

Huge shoutout to our guide, Jack. What a legend! He instantly made us feel like friends, cracking jokes and being silly while still making sure we understood everything and felt completely safe.

The river is no joke (but surprisingly warm!). It’s nature, after all. But somehow, these guides had everyone enthusiastically yelling “Yay!” when asked if we were okay with whatever the outcome of the 7m waterfall was—life or death. LOL. And this was with a wildly diverse group of people from over six different countries across three rafts.

My mom and I will be talking about this for years to come. The adventure itself was incredible, but Jack (and the other guides; especially those in the safety kayaks! - specifically, our American friend, whose name I am forgetting) made it a million times better. Someone give these gems a raise!

Love...

This was one of the most exciting and amazing adventure that I have done. To start with, we visited as a big group of 12 with friends and family including kids ( aged 10-12). The Rotorua Rafting Team did an amazing job organizing the experience. All the big boys completed the grade 5 and kids joined half way for the grade 3 part. Everything was well arranged and safe.

About the actual grade 5 experience, it was amazing. Our guide Jasper also asked to go for a short swim during the rafting. Yes, you can actually jump out of raft and swim with the raft. This was different experience and I will recommend all to do it. The big 7 meter drop was obviously the highlight. Our raft flipped upside down and it made if more interesting. A story to tell proudly now.

All the experience from check in to check out was smooth. The photos turned out great. All the Rotorua Rafting team is professional, funny and very helpful.

I hope you can also see the macho man Sam carrying the big Raft up the hill all...