Transport from Rotorua CBD: $15NZ pp
Photo packages: Available post-trip
Rotorua Zipline + Rafting Combo: $239NZ

✅ What’s Included
• Zipline tour (2.5 hours)
• Whitewater rafting on Kaituna River (2 hours)
• Water taxi transfer and 2.5 hours at Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools
• All safety gear, wetsuits, helmets and lifejackets
• Professional guides

🚫 What’s Not Included
• Transfers from Rotorua (self-drive only)
• Meals and snacks
• Towels (bring your own for hot pools)
• Personal items

Rotorua weather is mild but changeable year-round.
Summer (Dec–Feb) • Typical daytime: 20–28 °C • Conditions: warm and sunny • Practical note: bring swimwear and sunscreen
Autumn (Mar–May) • Typical daytime: 15–23 °C • Conditions: pleasant with cooler evenings • Practical note: light layers
Winter (Jun–Aug) • Typical daytime: 10–16 °C • Conditions: cooler and possible rain • Practical note: warm clothing and rain jacket
Spring (Sep–Nov) • Typical daytime: 14–20 °C • Conditions: mild and green • Practical note: comfortable layers

Documents & Essentials
• Photo ID and booking confirmation

Clothing (layered for adventure)
• Quick-dry clothes and covered footwear (no sandals for rafting)
• Swimwear and towel for hot pools
• Light rain jacket

Toiletries & First Aid
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and personal items

Electronics
• Waterproof phone case and camera

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• Change of clothes for after the activities

Ōkere Falls is a culturally significant area for local iwi with strong connections to the Kaituna River.

Kaituna River features the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at Tutea Falls (7m drop).

Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools are only accessible by boat, keeping the location pristine and unspoiled.

The combo partners Rotorua Rafting, Rotorua Ziplines and Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools for a seamless full-day experience.

Grade 5 rafting offers exciting rapids suitable for confident adventurers.

Ziplines provide views over native bush and multiple waterfalls.

Local operators focus on safety, cultural respect and environmental care.

Rotorua region is world-renowned for its geothermal activity and adventure offerings.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Kaituna River Rafting | Grade 5 Waterfall Adventure

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 125 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Rotorua pickup points)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 250 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 2-hour high-adrenaline rafting experience (including safety briefing and changing)
• Small guided groups
• Starts and ends at Ōkere Falls, Rotorua (optional transport from central Rotorua available)
• Purpose-built rafting operation with expert local guides
• No accommodation included
• Meals: No meals included
• Highlights: Navigate 14 Grade 5 rapids, drop over the world-famous 7-metre Tutea Falls (highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world), paddle through dramatic native bush gorges, full safety briefing and top-quality gear provided

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hours (total experience)
• Key locations: Ōkere Falls / Kaituna River, Rotorua
• Travel style: High-energy Grade 5 white-water rafting adventure
• Assumptions: Average participant with reasonable fitness, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Ōkere Falls is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness. Minimum age and weight restrictions apply for safety.

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for short local transport and rafting operations.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs, transport from Rotorua, or photo packages).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 70 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from Ōkere Falls (higher-end mix of car, taxi or shuttle from Rotorua): 45 kg
• Minimal operational vehicle/gear support: 25 kg – higher-end diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Day tour only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 0 kg CO₂e

• No meals included

Activities & Excursions – 55 kg CO₂e

• Rafting on Grade 5 rapids, 7m waterfall drop, safety briefing, gear provision and guide support

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 125 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset: 2 × 125 kg = 250 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices (local guides, respect for the river and Māori culture, minimal environmental impact); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes – no previous experience needed for either ziplining or rafting.

What is the age requirement?
13 years and over for the full river trip. Younger children may do a half river option (check at booking).

Do I need to be fit?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You must be able to walk short distances and fit safety equipment.

Is transport provided from Rotorua?
No – this is a self-drive product only.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, covered footwear and a change of clothes.

Is there a weight limit?
Maximum 130kg.

How long is each activity?
Zipline ~2.5 hours, rafting ~2 hours, hot pools ~2.5 hours.

Are meals included?
No – you can purchase food locally or bring your own.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Activities may be adjusted for safety. Rafting runs in most conditions.