River Rats Rafting
4.5 28 reviews
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Save 10% with promo code RANKERS
River Rats have been running water adventures out of Rotorua for over 40 years, which is a long time to get good at something. The Kaituna River was their bread and butter for a long time and the reviews say it all: knowledgeable guides, solid safety briefings, well-maintained gear, and a genuine sense that you were in capable hands. The kayaking on Lake Rotoiti and the Ohau Channel is a mellower but still rewarding option, with a few reviewers loving the hot pools you can paddle to. Worth noting, their rafting operation has since moved across to Rotorua Rafting, and the kayaking side is rebranding to Rotorua Adventures, so check what's currently on offer before you book.
Whatever you end up booking, promo code RANKERS gets you 10% off, which is a handy saving. Helps keep us going too, so cheers for that.
One thing that comes up again and again in the reviews is how well the guides read the group. Multigenerational families, nervous first-timers, stag dos, all seem to come away happy. If you're wondering whether to brave it in winter, one reviewer put it well: "you're going to get wet anyway." They're not wrong. Wetsuits sort you out and the experience is the same regardless of the season.
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Details
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Organisation |
River Rats RaftingCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua |
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Operating Season And Hours |
Please contact us to organise a start time for the Ohau Channel & Lake Rotoiti Freedom Kayak Trip. An Evening Guided Hot Pools trip is also available. |
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Promo Code 10% Off |
Use discount code RANKERS with River Rats Rafting and 10% off. |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Rafting
Fresh Water Kayaking
Google Maps
Reviews
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Did the Kaituna with these guys.
Chance McGuire -
Well organised.
Clive -
Good experience.
Herman&Ineke -
Good trip, nice guides, good experience.
Denise Albrecht -
1st time rafting and it won't be the last.
Kate Fig
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It was good fun and a crazy team.
But too expensive. And there was only one big waterfall, rest was too easy.
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I hired a sea kayak and was really impressed by the professional, friendly, helpful and responsible attitude of the staff.
I take pleasure in recommending this company.
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1st time rafting and it won't be the last.
Scary, fun and beautiful scenery. Can't believe I did it but now I am hooked. Thank you River Rats
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Don't be put off by Winter or bad weather, you're going to get wet anyway.
With wetsuits, booties and fleece tops you stay warm, and the water was not really cold at all. The experience is fantastic, a great mix of scenery, story telling and adrenaline. Our group was 19-62 years old and everyone had a blast. Professional and entertaining guide and immaculate equipment. A must do experience!
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It was a lot of fun and people have been very friendly.
It was a good service. I always felt safe during the activity.
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River rafting tour, good was the free pickup at camping ground.
Nice guides, good equipment, the tour was graded a '5' of difficulty but a bit short for the money paid.
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Excellent safety explanation, great river excursion, grade 5 rapids, well maintained gear.
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It was good fun and a crazy team.
But too expensive. And there was only one big waterfall, rest was too easy.
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It was a lot of fun and people have been very friendly.
It was a good service. I always felt safe during the activity.
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Excellent safety explanation, great river excursion, grade 5 rapids, well maintained gear.
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Don't be put off by Winter or bad weather, you're going to get wet anyway.
With wetsuits, booties and fleece tops you stay warm, and the water was not really cold at all. The experience is fantastic, a great mix of scenery, story telling and adrenaline. Our group was 19-62 years old and everyone had a blast. Professional and entertaining guide and immaculate equipment. A must do experience!
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1st time rafting and it won't be the last.
Scary, fun and beautiful scenery. Can't believe I did it but now I am hooked. Thank you River Rats
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River rafting tour, good was the free pickup at camping ground.
Nice guides, good equipment, the tour was graded a '5' of difficulty but a bit short for the money paid.
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I hired a sea kayak and was really impressed by the professional, friendly, helpful and responsible attitude of the staff.
I take pleasure in recommending this company.
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Because the Kaituna was closed due to high volume, an adapted trip on the Rangataiki was organised by RR which worked perfectly.
Jason and Adam were brilliant guides and made the day all the more enjoyable. Stag loved it especially!
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Enjoyed Lake Rotoiti and it's hot pools, had them all to ourselves, got good advice for further natural pools!
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Did the Kaituna with these guys.
Very competent, laid back guides... the entire crew was great. Rapids were a blast... made it without flipping. I couldn't believe the size of the waterfall... it's huge. Pics came out amazing. Would recommend these guys if you're rafting in the area. Thanks a bunch!
Chance and Kristin
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Went down the Kaituna river with them and really enjoyed it the guide not only made sure we were happy and confident to continue down he also gave us a little bit of information on the area and rapids
Very good experience with River Rats
before we hit them. Was great to get the chance to swim (or be washed down) some of the rapids and thats a real thrill. They also had no problem with my wife and kids hopping on the bus with the photographer to go to the best watching places and take photos, a very friendly bunch. Thanks