15 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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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”

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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.

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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”

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7.Okere Falls: Zipline over Waterfalls Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 187 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Fly over Okere Falls, cross swing bridges, and move through native forest with an English-speaking local guide. Rotorua Ziplines includes safety gear, weather clothing, Māori tea, cultural and ecological stories, and a tree planted in your name. Small groups are limited to 10 people.

“Epic zip lining with great guides! Lexi and Ro were amazing and made everyone feel safe while also making it super exciting! Would definitely go back!”

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8.Milford Sound: Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Rainforest Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 65 reviews · 1h 45m · from $83

Board the Maiden of Milford for a 105-minute cruise through Milford Sound. Your English-speaking skipper and crew point out waterfalls, rainforest, seals, dolphins, and possible Fiordland crested penguins. Three viewing decks, a cafe, and close approaches to Stirling Falls make this a flexible choice for families, photographers, and first-time visitors.

“Nice length of cruise and I really enjoyed the commentary from the captain. Well worth it.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · from $465

Leave Auckland at 6:00 a.m. for a private, air-conditioned trip to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, and Rotorua. Your guide handles the long drive, photos, timing, and route. Kenneth, Han, Katherine, and Dong have led this tour, though guide assignment can vary. Waiotapu entry, WiFi, water, and snacks are included.

“Kenneth was very friendly and knowledgeable. The trip packed a lot into one day and we got to see a lot.”

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10.Rotorua & Taupo DayTour Waiotapu & Huka Falls from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 12 hours · from $448

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua and Taupo in a small group of up to six. You’ll see Wai-O-Tapu, Lady Knox Geyser, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Redwoods Forest, and possibly Blue Springs, with an English-speaking guide, snacks, water, WiFi, and hotel pickup.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say this has been the best tour I’ve ever done in my life. And I’ve done lots of them, in many different countries. The landscapes look unreal. The Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu looks like Venus, the Huka Falls have a blue color that looks Photoshopped, and the Blue Springs were a beautiful surprise from our guide. They honestly look like something out of a fairytale. The itinerary and the number of scenic spots we visited were incredible and highly recommended. But the best part of the tour was, without a doubt, our guide Han. He has such a wonderful energy; he made us feel great,…”

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11.Redwood Forest , Blue Springs & Huka Falls Day Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $372

Leave Auckland at 7 a.m. for Blue Spring, Huka Falls, Taupo, and Rotorua’s Redwood Forest. Guide Sharma provides private air-conditioned transport, local commentary, photo help, and some schedule flexibility. The day lasts 11 to 13 hours, with about 7 to 8 hours on the road, so it suits visitors who value seeing a lot in one outing.

“Un guide aux petits soins qui vous propose une journée en voyage privé. Nous étions 2 adultes et 1 bébé. Il y a bien évidemment les visites prévues au programme. Cependant Sharma peut faire des détours pour quelques visites supplémentaires. Il immortalise votre journée en photo et vidéo qu'il vous transmet en fin de parcours. Une bien belle journée avec des explications concises et précises. Je vous recommande sans hésiter. Vous serez le temps d'une journée de vrai VIP! Merci Sharma.”

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12.Private Auckland West Coast Tour Piha Beach and Karekare Falls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $155

Travel from central Auckland to the Waitākere Ranges with a private guide, stopping at Arataki Visitor Centre, Karekare Falls, Mercer Bay Loop, and black-sand Piha Beach. The pace is flexible, with pickup, snacks, water, WiFi, and return transport included. Guides such as Kenneth, Jun, and Owen have added local history and photo stops.

“Beautiful scenery. Waterfall was our favorite. Our guide Jun was fantastic. He took photos of us, provided history and made our day our favorite yet.”

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13.Explore BLACK SAND PIHA BEACH, and Water Falls in West Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $117

Leave Auckland CBD at 8:30 am for a four-hour west coast outing by air-conditioned vehicle. Walk Piha’s black sands beneath Lion Rock, then follow a forest track to Kitekite Falls. The group is limited to 11, pickup is offered, and guides such as Dinesh and Sid have earned praise, though the level of commentary can vary.

“The black sand beach and waterfall were gorgeous. There are a ton of steps up to the waterfall f that’s a worry for you. The driver does nothing but drive. We had a 5 minute taped commentary at first and then literally nothing after that. I expRead more”

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14.Rotorua & Taupo DayTour with Waiotapu & Huka Falls from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $465

Leave Auckland at 6:00 a.m. for a small-group day trip to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, and Whakarewarewa Redwoods. Guides such as Han, Kenneth, Owen, and Katherine provide transport, local tips, snacks, WiFi, and flexible stops. The day is scenic and packed, but includes many hours on the road.

“Our tour guide Katherine was so sweet and genuine! She was so caring and shared with us so many tips and tricks for New Zealand! She took time out of her day to send me a list of products she recommends, as well as an amazing green mussel restaurant! She was also very accomodating and patient each time we had to go use the restroom! The tour itself was great and covered the beauty of New Zealand’s northern island :) highly recommend booking with this company! Very kind people 😊”

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15.Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls | 45 mins from Glenorchy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 45 min · from $337

From Glenorchy, your pilot flies you toward Mt Earnslaw and its blue hanging glacier before landing in the lower Earnslaw Burn basin. You get 20 minutes on the ground for photos, waterfalls, and quiet alpine views. The shared helicopter carries 6 to 9 passengers, with seating assigned for weight and balance.

“This is an amazing experience landing not only at the burn but on the snow and getting up close to a glacier”

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