5 Waterfall Tours in New Zealand Worth Booking

1.White Water Rafting – Kaituna Cascades, The Originals

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

Join guides such as Flynn, Malcolm, Hamish, or Cole for a two-hour Kaituna River rafting trip from Okere Falls. Paddle through 11 rapids and three waterfalls, including the 7-meter Tutea Falls. Gear is supplied, but you need moderate fitness, confidence in water, and a weight under 120 kilograms.

“Amazing experience! One of the most exciting and terrifying things I have ever done. Loved it all. Well done to the wonderful team, especially Balthazar who made of feel safe and have the time of our lives!”

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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 to Huka Falls. Your English-speaking driver takes you along the Waikato River at up to 80km/h, adds sharp 360-degree spins, and brings you close to the falls for a water-level view. Expect spray, warm handrails, and plenty of excitement.

“Highly recommend!!! It’s even more exciting than I expected, huka falls is definitely worth watching it from that close.”

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3.Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

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

Take a four-hour guided via ferrata up Wanaka’s Twin Falls on a private deer farm. Level 2 adds steeper sections, steel ladders, narrow bridges, and sweeping mountain views. Guides such as Liv, Jasper, Tanguy, and Naomi are known for calm support, while lunch and safety gear are included.

“One of the best activities I have done in New Zealand. It was the first time I had done any sort if climbing and our guide Tanguy made sure I was safe and having fun throughout, checking in with me if I looked a little nervous at times. Very haRead more”

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4.Rotorua Ziplines – Okere Falls Experience

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

At Okere Falls near Rotorua, two local guides lead you across ziplines, swing bridges, and forest boardwalks above the Kaituna River. Expect three waterfalls, Māori stories, ancient teas, and a conservation project with Ngāti Hinerangi. The 2.5-hour trip suits first-timers and experienced zipliners.

“This ziplining experience is located in a very beautiful spot near Rotorua. The guides were fantastic! We couldn't have asked for a better experience! Thank you Ben and Ethan! We highly recommend this for an extraordinary family experience of all ages!”

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5.Kaituna Cascades – Grade 5 Wairoa River near Tauranga

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

This five-hour rafting trip tackles the Grade 5 Wairoa River near Tauranga, including Mothers Nightmare, The Rollercoaster, and a 3-meter waterfall. Guides such as Jasper, Bal, Pablo, and Josh lead the 1.5 to 2-hour river run. You must swim, be fit, aged 13 to 65, and under 120 kg.

“White water rafting on the Wairoa River was such a cool experience and very different from the Kaituna. This river felt more technical, with lots of holes and features that kept things exciting the entire way down. It was challenging in the beRead more”

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