Rangitaiki River

Splash, bounce, laugh, clench and swim your way down the Rangitaiki River between Rotorua and Taupo. The whitewater rafting on the North Island of New Zeaalnd is some of the best in the world, and this wild river to the south of Rotorua has 8.5 miles of raging rapids that are constant for most of the year.
At just over 95 miles long, the Rangitaiki River is the longest river in the North Island’s Bay of Plenty. Trips begin in Murupara (about 45 minutes from Rotorua), and since all of the rapids are Grade 3 (with the exception of one that is Grade 4), the river can challenge experienced rafters but no prior experience is required. In the middle section is a flatwater area where you can rest, relax, cool off, or picnic along the shores, and while the river water is definitely cold, all outfitters provide wetsuits and helmets so it’s safe as well as warm.

Practical Info

The 96-mile (155-kilometer) Rangitaiki is part of the Bay of Plenty region and is great for rafting.