Adventure Magazine Issue 220

Recommended:
Rafting New Zealand are based in Turangi and have been
operating for over 25 years and is New Zealand’s most awarded
rafting Company. A part-Iwi owned business along with Luke and
Pianika Boddington, Rafting New Zealand was established in
1991.RNZ love to raft and love to share their passion for rafting
rivers with all their clients, this enthusiasm for their excellent
product is infectious and helps to create the unique experience
that is white water rafting with Rafting New Zealand.
Rafting New Zealand first began as Rock ‘n’ River Adventures in
1991. It’s founders Rod Brown (Pianika’s dad), and Tui Brabyn,
had a vision to operate, not necessarily the biggest, but definitely
the best white water rafting business in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
This vision is realised and continued today.
Rafting New Zealand offers a range of rafting adventures from
their Grade 2 family fun trips, suitable for the whole family,
through to their Grade 3 White Water adventures and raft/
fishing adventures. They also offer multi-day trips camping on
the banks of the river. For more information check them out at
raftingnewzealand.com.
kaituna RIVER
grade 5
quality
adventures
for over
35
years
Kaituna River:
On the border between the central plateau
and the Bay of Plenty, lies the Kaituna River.
Beginning at the outflow of Lake Rotorua
and Lake Rotama, the river flows north until
it reaches the coast near Te Puke. The top
section of the river, near Okere Falls is where
the white water begins and has been rafted and
kayaked since the early 1990's.
One of the main draw cards to rafting the
Kaituna is that you get to run the highest
commercially rafted waterfall in the world, the
Tutea Falls. The 7 meter drop is super exciting
and suitable for anyone over the age of 13.
The Kaituna River has been run regularly
by kayak enthusiasts and rafters since 1991
and has become a winter destination for
paddlers from the northern hemisphere. There
is a slalom course that has been used by
international teams for off-season training at
the entrance to the upper gorge which itself
contains a number of play features including
the famous “bottom hole”.
Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River - Images compliments of River Rats
River Valley Lodge and adventure company, is conveniently
placed at the end of the Grade 5 white water rafting section of
the Rangitikei River. It is also the start point for several more
leisurely river trips. This Grade 5 section of the Rangitikei River
has been placed amongst the top 8 rafting trips in the world by
the international brand, Red Bull. River Valley Lodge has been
operating for over 30 years and has grown to meet the demands
of the changing market.
What you will find at River Valley Lodge is a destination where
you can have fun on the river, choosing from a mix of day trips
and multi-day trips. Multi-day trips involve camping on the river
bank at night and exploring new stretches of the river by day.
They are a fun option for families or groups of friends.
There is no better way to explore the countryside, this beautiful
hill country, than by horse. Treks from a half-day to eight days will
be operating from October.
A River Valley Lodge stay, need not be just about rafting or
riding horses. The Lodge is also a great place to relax. There
are several short walks, a great swimming hole in the river, two
saunas and a spa, and plenty of places to just relax with a book.
River Valley Lodge is presently open for meals and
accommodation. Adventure activities, both on the river, or by
horse, will resume no later than the 1st October 2020, and
possibly earlier. Check out their website rivervalley.co.nz, to
start planning a stay at River Valley.
River Rats Raft & Kayak have been operating for 38 years and
have a wide range of trips so there is something for everyone.
The most popular trip is the Kaituna situated 20 minutes from
Rotorua, it features the world’s highest commercially rafted
waterfall, the awesome 7m Tutea falls. Although the trip provides
full on action it is suitable for adventurous beginners as all the
major drops run into calm water making it very forgiving for a
grade 5 trip. As well as the drops it has stunning scenery and
some fun surf holes.
River Rats also offers Grade 5 rafting on the Wairoa River and
grade 3-4 or grade 2 options on Rangitaiki Rivers and kayaking
on Rotorua's lakes. On Lake Rotoiti there are hot pools right on
the lake edge and fed from a natural hot spring. The paddle is
around an hour each way with plenty of time to relax and enjoy
the hot pools. In summer there is an evening option with a BBQ
dinner at the hot pools followed by a sunset kayak to a hidden
glow worm cave.
rangitaiki River
grade 2 &
grade 3-4
kayaking
head office
hanger 14s rotorua airport
837 te ngae road
rotorua, 3074
mention
promo code
ADV20
for a 20%
discount
free phone
0800 333 900
email
info@riverrats.co.nz
River Rats operates year-round and provides excellent gear to
keep you cosy regardless of the temperature.While the borders
are closed to tourists they are also offering a great discount for
the local market. Mention this article or use the code ADV20 on
their website to get a 20% discount on any of the trips. For more
riverrats.co.nz
46//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#220 information check out riverrats.co.nz
ADVENTUREMAGAZINE.CO.NZ 47