7 New Zealand Waterfall Tours to Book This Year

1.White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,274 reviews · from $83Our pick

Meet at Okere Falls for a two-hour Grade 5 rafting trip on the Kaituna River. Your guide leads you through 11 rapids, three waterfalls, and the 7-meter Tutea Falls. Guides such as Flynn, Malcolm, Hamish, and Cole are known for clear safety briefings and good humor. You need moderate fitness, must be under 120 kilograms, and should be comfortable in water.

“Awesome rafting experience in an amazing setting. Our guides were organised and professional but obviously really enjoy what they do which translates into a memorable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Taupō: Huka Falls 30-Minute Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 759 reviews · 30 min · from $89

Take a 30-minute jet boat ride from Wairakei Tourist Park along the Waikato River to Huka Falls. Your English-speaking driver reaches up to 80 km/h, performs 360 degree spins, and brings you close to the base of the falls. Bring warm clothes, glasses, and a jacket. You may get very wet.

“Just loved the whole experience from start to finish. I was really nervous to begin with but it was so much fun and felt completely safe.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $232

Wildwire Wānaka Level 2 is a four-hour intermediate via ferrata above Twin Falls, about 20 minutes from Wānaka. You’ll climb steel ladders, cross narrow bridges, and follow a secured route beside the falls with a guide such as Liv, Jasper, or Tanguy. Lunch, safety gear, and instruction are included.

“Awesome day ! Would definitely do again ! Great views. Lovely staff. Easy to follow, safe and accommodating.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Rotorua Ziplines – Okere Falls Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 442 reviews · from $104

Spend about 2.5 hours ziplining above the Kaituna River, Okere Falls, and three waterfalls with two local guides. You’ll cross swing bridges, follow forest boardwalks, hear Māori stories, try ancient teas, and plant a native tree through a conservation partnership with Ngāti Hinerangi. Groups are limited to 10, with a 130 kg weight limit.

“Loved this experience! We have been on many tours while visiting NZ. Johnny, Ruby and Elle were the best guides.. all legends! Matt & Georgia”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Kaituna Cascades – Grade 5 Wairoa River near Tauranga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 437 reviews · from $117

You’ll tackle the Grade 5 Wairoa River near Tauranga with guides such as Jasper, Josh, Pablo, and Bal. Expect Mothers Nightmare, The Rollercoaster, a 3-meter waterfall, Class 3 and 4 rapids, and an optional 5-meter cliff jump. Wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, paddles, and transport from Rotorua are available.

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kaituna River and Tutea Falls Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 324 reviews · 2 hours · from $80Best value

Meet Kaituna Cascades Rafting 20 minutes from Rotorua for a 2-hour trip on warm-water canyons, 14 rapids, and the 7-meter Tutea Falls. No rafting experience is needed. Guides such as Malcolm, Josh, Alex, and Bal keep the pace fun and safety-focused. Wetsuits, helmets, fleeces, boots, and splash jackets are supplied.

“Awesome experience. Great guide, great rapids, great waterfalls. 40NZD for fotos a bit expensive in my opinion, but didn’t lower the overall experience. Thanks guys”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Auckland: Rotorua, Taupo, Waiotapu & Huka Falls Private Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 12 hours · from $508

Spend 12 hours with a private English-speaking guide exploring Waiotapu, Lady Knox Geyser, Huka Falls, Taupo, Rotorua, and Redwood Forest. Groups are limited to six, with Auckland pickup, snacks, WiFi, and entry to Wai-O-Tapu included. Guides such as Han, Hans, Dan, Dong, and Owen are praised for thoughtful service and flexible sightseeing.

“Had a fantastic day with Dong our guide. He was courteous, polite, funny, very knowledgeable and helpful. We got to see and learn about NZ history and traditions. The areas visited were beautiful with spectacular views. The only improvement we can think of was slightly better weather, otherwise it was an excellent day out.”

Check availability →Read our full review