About River Rats Raft & Kayak
River Rats has been running whitewater adventures on the Kaituna River since 1982, making it one of New Zealand's longest-operating rafting companies. Based at Rotorua Airport on Te Ngae Road, they've guided tens of thousands of visitors over the famous 7-metre Tutea Falls — the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall.
Their core offering is Grade 5 whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River, plus scenic kayak tours on Lake Rotoiti with access to natural hot pools only reachable by water. They also offer kayak freedom hire for experienced paddlers who want to explore the lakes independently, and guided glow worm kayak experiences after dark.
Over four decades of operation gives River Rats a depth of river knowledge that newer operators simply can't match. Their guides are seasoned professionals, safety standards are tight, and the laid-back Kiwi atmosphere at the airport base sets the tone for the whole trip. The hot pools kayak tour on Rotoiti is a standout — you paddle to geothermally heated pools on the lakeshore that most tourists never see.
