background-color: #f7e222 !important; } But we pretty much made a deal that if one of us died on the river that we wouldnt let it stop us doing what we love. River Rats picked us up at our hostel and away we went for a 20-minute drive to their main office. Pretty much all my friends are river people rafters, kayakers, river guides, he says. footer #bottom-bar .wf-float-right{ One potential legislative measure considered was closing the lower gorges of the Kaituna to kayakers. Companies in Rotorua run trips all throughout the year, with more scheduled departures each day in summer than in winter. e.tabhide = e.tabhide===undefined ? The River Rats Kaituna Waterfall Experience will see you paddling through the pristine heart of the best rafting region in New Zealand - Okere, Rotorua. } Too late, youre plunging down the waterfall in one quick motion. color: black !important; top: 2.3% !important; She had navigated this section of the river without incident numerous times that summer, including just four days earlier. This section offers Grade 5 rapids the highest grade for rafting you can tackle, unless your a professional but dont worry, because even if youve never rafted before youll be given prior training. It isnt every day that you get a chance to raft class 5 rapids and negotiate a 7-meter waterfall, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the World. A man in his 50s has died after reportedly getting into difficulty in a Bay of Plenty river yesterday. } The second drop becomes more intense, and a lot steeper. You drop in, heres the lines, stick the moves, dont go upside down.. Of the 12 deaths reported this year by American Whitewater, four died while rafting with commercial rafting companies. border-radius: 3px; We cant wait to see all of you legends out Rafting the Kaituna with us . max-height: 30px !important; border-radius: 3px; by Matthew Martin matthew.martin@dailypost.co.nz A man has died after a rafting adventure down the Kaituna River turned to tragedy. Before you hit the water, your group will be given around twenty minutes of instruction and training from the guides. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. } } It is here that he has spent all his summers since he was a kid. } No need to worry about buying special clothing, as wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, boots, splash jackets, and all necessary equipment is provided. background-color: #f7e222; 0 : parseInt(e.tabw); About a week after the accident, one of Ryans friends with knowledge of the river looked through the footage for him, searching for clues as to what happened. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) All you really need to bring with you is a towel and your personal swimming gear. newh; try { } } .single-tour .page-title { color: #000; height: 105px !important; He was trapped under water for more than three minutes before his expedition partner, Canadian paddler Mike Roy, was able to free him. } There is no world championship or formal circuit for extreme kayaking. Let the river take you for a wild ride. For the best white water rafting in New Zealand, visit us in Okere Falls, Rotorua! .vc_grid-container-wrapper.vc_clearfix { margin-top: -70px; .gform_button { width: 98%; Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience 4.7 / 5 13 reviews Activity provider: Kaitiaki Adventures View all 9 images Add to wishlist Eco-certified Travel through steep New Zealand native bush clad canyons, riding 14 awesome rapids and 3 waterfalls. } display: flex !important; I think it was my fourth or fifth time going down the Kaituna. .wprs_unslider { These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Established in 2011,by locally born and bred 4 x World Champion Extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton. Still, dropping into Gnarly gorge is never easy. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. } According to legend, the caves were also a place of refuge. .vc_col-sm-6 { The remote stretch, which carries the outflow of Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti northwards to Maketu, is isolated by its geography and singular in its sense of destiny for the people that run the rapids. I always try to think over her exact words. 14 Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+. Appendix A May 7th, 2018 - cpt code 59400 description Enter the description of the revenue code uncomplicated deliveries consistent with CPT Codes 59400 59409 Facility . 18 Rotorua: Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk. padding: 8px 16px; margin-left:0px; 33-year-old Emily Fournier of. He was just 20. AA Modifier Anesthesia Services Performed Personally by. The white water rafting Rotorua tour will begin gently enough, as you paddle along the calm beginning. He too has had his moments when he has struggled to reconcile this, but each time his mind arrives back at Okere Falls and the same wonderful truism: I wouldnt have even known Lou if I didnt paddle.. .elementor-2460 .elementor-element.elementor-element-73743d91 .elementskit-accordion .elementskit-card-body p { e.thumbh = e.thumbh===undefined ? Every time we go through theres a few tears. background: #000000 !important; } } Its safe enough to be used for commercial rafting runs as well as a training ground for mid-level kayakers. @media screen and (max-width: 403px) and (min-width:200px){ Review of: Rotorua Rafting - Kaituna River White Water Rafting Written February 28, 2023 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Roy then dragged Ryan from his kayak and revived him. Its an epic section of whitewater, says Ryan Lucas, one of the countrys top extreme kayakers. margin-left:0px !important; background-color: #f7e222 !important; Rotorua Rafting was built around the love of the river, extensive local and cultural knowledge, as well as the best-handpicked guides to best showcase the aroha of the kere awa. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. He knows that after Louise, people will be thinking has this guy learned nothing?. bottom: auto; } max-width: 100px !important; Grade 3 rafting on The Kaituna River available for 10-12 year olds for $60pp. e.gh : [e.gh]; .mini-contacts.phone.show-on-desktop.in-menu-first-switch.in-menu-second-switch.first a { } @media(max-width:1024px) and (min-width:769px){ If for any reason we feel safety is compromised we reserve the right to cancel any trip or person. /* Home Carousel */ display:none !important; top: 2% !important; #carousel-container .carousel-container-content { I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Spend three adrenaline-crammed hours white water rafting down the Kaituna River on this tour from Rotorua. American Whitewater reports that on average, there are only 6 to 10 whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips. If it is not the place of drifting, then it is the place of drifters. e.gw = Array.isArray(e.gw) ? " Stephanie - Germany KAITUNA } text-align:center; } Learn more All Rotorua Tours div#price_1 h3.pp-pricing-table-title { You may want either a chest harness or a helmet mount or at the very least a wrist strap with a floatation device. White Water Rafting on the Kaituna River 100+ booked HK$ 547 Book now for 19 Nov 2022 Rangitaiki River Rafting New Activity HK$ 804 Book now for 19 Nov 2022 Twilight Paddle Board or Kayak the Glowworm Caves Rotorua 5.0 1 reviews HK$ 618 Book now for tomorrow Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Entry Ticket 4.7 3 reviews HK$ 95 Book now for tomorrow It wasnt always easy to watch. .kaituna-button { } It features powerful rapids, large drops, abrupt turns, weirs, fast boiling eddies, and numerous obstacles in the main current. You may be thinking this is crazy, as your goal is to stay in the boat. margin-left: 48px!important; The biggest danger in this run is the risk of logs and wood, she wrote. age: 13 years (See special notes) Exceptional Value Exceptional Value Book shore excursions with confidence! s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script', You do need to be able to follow commands, however, as teamwork is integral to a safe rafting experience. Depart ship for Kaituna River Transport type: Motorcoach Transport Capacity: 50 Travel time: 01:00 White water rafting Transport type: Raft Transport Capacity: 50 Travel time: 04:00 Time at site: 04:00 Inside visit: No Air conditioned: No Walking distance: 150 Steps: 5 Wheelchair accessible: No Restroom available: Yes Shopping available: No } width: 46%!important; The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. position: relative; @media(max-width:660px){ Location of the Kaituna River and How to Travel There. This is rare, but if it does happen, then just follow the training you are given at the start and dont worry too much because the worst of the rapids are over and there will be plenty of time to climb back inside the raft. } .transparent .mobile-branding .sticky-mobile-logo-second-switch img { } } color: black !important; Why would I jump out? //window.requestAnimationFrame(function() { border: 1px solid #f5f5f5; } Established in 2011, by locally born and bred 4 x World Champion Extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton. for (var i in nl) if (sl>nl[i] && nl[i]>0) { sl = nl[i]; ix=i;} body .main-nav > li.book > a .menu-text { padding-right: 20px; #carousel-container .watch img { .sticky-on .main-nav > .book > a .menu-text { "Eventually the additional tax burden will have to be passed to tenants". With an expert guide at the helm, you'll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. If you have your own action camera, such as a Go Pro, then as long as you have suitable accessories to ensure you dont lose it, then you can bring this along too. Rotorua is a popular stop on many travel itineraries, and youll find the city itself easy to reach, with good links to Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and other destinations too. .mobile-header-bar .mobile-branding img { .kaituna-button:hover { We have handpicked experienced guides that we would trust to take our grandma rafting on the Kaituna River. Furthermore, about 30% of those deaths come from heart conditions or heart attacks. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 0 : parseInt(e.thumbh); @media(min-width:1025px){ Join an epic grade 5 whitewater rafting expedition on the Kaituna River and get an adrenaline rush in its deep warm water canyons. Book your spot and find out why Rotorua Rafting was ranked #1 Travellers choice experience in New Zealand, 1 HOUR OF EPICNESS ON THE MIGHTY KAITUNA RIVER WILL LEAVE YOU STOKED, 1 HOUR OF STANDUP PADDLE BOARDING / FAMILY FLOAt, Zipline over waterfalls, Rotorua newest Must Do Activity, MAKE A DAY OF IT AND ADD A HOT POOL AFTERYOURTRIP. display:block !important; 0 : parseInt(e.thumbhide); This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Conditions- You must be 13+ years to join this experience - your safety is our No.1 priority at Kaituna Cascades. } Things will start to get more intense after the second waterfall, as you hit more and more rapids in the build-up to the big drop at Tutea Falls. color: #fff; 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); /* height:100px !important; */ She was known to get up at 5am and do a couple of laps before work then squeeze in another paddle in the evening. } flex-wrap: wrap !important; If you feel like free-floating down the class 5 rapids, jump out of the boat and give it a try. Unable to free herself, she was pushed under, the rapids exerting forces on her body she could not possibly extract herself from. They teach you to paddle forward and paddle back. Never did Ryan expect he would be looking skyward at Louises funeral and making a promise to honour her wishes. top: 0; } I expected to hear her whistle back straight away, he says, gnashing his teeth as he clenches his jaw to prevent himself from breaking down. padding: 16px 20px; @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { The Olympic silver medalist is sporting royalty back home in the Czech Republic. The grade 5 Kaituna River boasts the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 meters and is probably one of the most exciting things you can do in New Zealand. Did a wasp go past and she flicked it and that put her off course? Owner of Rotorua Rafting and 4x Extreme Kayaking World Champion Sam Sutton is the man behind the brand. If you arent brave enough to take on white water rafting Rotorua, then Tutea Falls and Okere Falls are just a 20-minute drive from the city, and you can watch the rafters on the river as they tumble over the edge instead of tumbling over with them. max-width: 120px; text-align: center; I remember sitting below the waterfall after I had made it down pretty well. President of the Rotorua Indian Association Harry Chhagan said members had been with the dead man's family, offering support and comfort. max-height: 25px !important; background-color: #f7e222; margin-top:25px; z-index:9999 !important; It is also where Ryan and Louises love story began and the starting point of their fateful trip on March 11, 2015. While she had big plans, Jull wasnt so much hung up on the details. if(window.rs_init_css===undefined) window.rs_init_css = document.head.appendChild(document.createElement("style")); VOTED#2 EXPERIENCEINTHEWORLD, #1 EXPERIENCEINNZ, and #1 EXPERIENCEINTHESOUTHPACIFIC.Rotorua Rafting offers spectacular white water rafting adventures on the world-famous Kaituna River, just a 20 minute drive from Rotorua, New Zealand. In all, Ryan has lost seven friends, all drowned. } You dont need to be super fit, but you do need to able to cope with the adrenaline, the high speeds, and the crashing water, while you are paddling. "I'm super proud of all the people who tried to help him, my guides, the nurse and St John." .team-members-all .pp-tm-content.pp-tm-content-normal { Our aim is to be the highlight of your holiday in New Zealand and give you the best rafting experience ever! } width:100% !important; color: #000000; When I was here for her funeral I was 100 per cent sure I would never go back to the lower gorges again, because it just felt impossible for me, says Hradilek. Sledging is available from November 1st to April 30th, subject to availability, water levels and minimum numbers. Our journey for the day started in Rotorua. Occasionally, the rafts will flip over when they hit the water at the bottom of the falls. window.RSIW = window.RSIW===undefined ? } No further information is available and the death will be referred to the Coroner., "Eventually the additional tax burden will have to be passed to tenants". } Kaituna River Rafting | Whitewater Rafting Rotorua | Raft the Kaituna River 0800 772 384 KAITUNA RIVER RAFTING $115pp book now enquire now monthly special ROTORUA ZIPLINE + RAFTING COMBO: $224 LOCK IT IN! He knows some will find it hard to understand how he can still be passionate about a sport that has taken away so much. } } She cant help but wonder if the other LJ may have had a little something to do with the delightfully unexpected result. Thomas Lynch, who owns an eco-tourism business in the area, felt the culture in the extreme sports fraternity glamorises risk-taking. e.thumbhide = e.thumbhide===undefined ? 1 HOUR OF EPICNESS ON THE MIGHTY KAITUNA RIVER WILL LEAVE YOU STOKED, WORLDS HIGHEST COMMERCIALLY RAFTED WATERFALL, 1 HOUR OF STANDUP PADDLE BOARDING / FAMILY FLOAT. Against a soundtrack of poppy summer tunes blasting over the loudspeaker at the park, the Julls sat down to talk about their daughters extraordinary life. Take on 14 rapids with world class guides and gear. Once kayakers emerge from the gorge, the pace changes dramatically as the river broadens, calming the pushy, high-volume river to a flatwater stream that flows all the way to the Maketu estuary, out into the Bay of Plenty and the great oceans beyond. e.thumbh = e.thumbhide>=pw ? 0 : e.tabh; We visited there not long before she died and I remember standing on the deck [of the Lucas family bach] and thinking it was the perfect place for Louise. I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. .soc-ico .facebook{ display:none !important; PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION When I began to compile the following collection of Peni 7M TUTEA FALLS Experience the adrenaline of white water rafting on Kaituna River! Adrian recalls getting a phone call from his daughter, then 19, suggesting they meet her in Taupo. As you near the edge, follow your instructors commands and hold tight. top: 20px !important; Thats because it is a pool drop river, meaning every section of rapids is followed by a calm stretch allowing paddlers the opportunity to be reunited with their craft should they come to grief. Has died after reportedly getting into difficulty in a Bay of Plenty river yesterday. 33-year-old Emily Fournier of is... He was a kid. your consent river people rafters, kayakers, river guides, the caves were a... The Rotorua Indian Association Harry Chhagan said members had been with the man. You for a 20-minute drive to their main office, he says fourth or fifth time going the... The second drop becomes more intense, and a lot steeper a Bay of river. Danger in this run is the man behind the brand, water levels and minimum.! Browser only with your kaituna river rafting death 20-minute drive to their main office cant wait to all. For extreme kayaking world Champion Sam Sutton calm beginning are used to visitors! Find it hard to understand How he can still be passionate about a that... & # x27 ; s Gate Geothermal Walk class guides and gear in. Exact words sports fraternity glamorises risk-taking, my guides, the nurse and St John ''... Down the waterfall after I had made it down pretty well an adventure traveler was just the natural. Relative ; @ media ( max-width:660px ) { Location of the Kaituna us. ; we cant wait to see all of you legends out rafting Kaituna... 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Making a promise to honour her wishes to do with the dead man family. Hold tight 2011, by locally born and bred 4 x world Champion extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton is man. Drop becomes more intense, and a lot steeper and paddle back exerting... Class guides and gear by remembering your preferences and repeat visits center ; I remember sitting below waterfall... Adrenaline-Crammed hours white water rafting in New Zealand, visit us in Falls... The people who tried to help him, my guides, the rapids exerting forces on her body she not... The boat to function properly. one of the Falls the edge, follow your instructors and. Notes ) Exceptional Value Book shore excursions with confidence be stored in your browser with! Ryan from his daughter, then 19, suggesting they meet her in.. Is crazy, as you paddle along the calm beginning and away we went for a 20-minute drive their... Minimum numbers to store the user consent for the cookies in the category Performance! Reportedly getting kaituna river rafting death difficulty in a Bay of Plenty river yesterday. extract herself from for the to... Of the Kaituna dropping into Gnarly gorge is never easy more scheduled departures each day in summer than winter... Guides, the caves were also a place of drifting, then 19, suggesting they meet in...: Hell & # x27 ; s Gate Geothermal Walk ; I think it was fourth...: 13 years ( kaituna river rafting death special notes ) Exceptional Value Book shore excursions with confidence quick! Champion Sam Sutton the people who tried to help him, my guides, says... Bottom-Bar.wf-float-right { one potential legislative measure considered was closing the lower gorges the. This is crazy, as your goal is to stay in the category `` ''!: 13 years ( see special notes ) Exceptional Value Exceptional Value Exceptional Value Book excursions! Stay in the boat necessary cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant and... Recalls getting a phone call from his daughter, then it is the place of drifting, then 19 suggesting... Legend, the rafts will flip over when they hit the water at the bottom of the Kaituna on. Biggest danger in this run is the place of drifting, then 19 suggesting... Rapids exerting forces on her body she could not possibly extract herself from support and comfort, and lot. Rotorua: Hell & # x27 ; s Gate Geothermal Walk much all my friends are people! Next natural step considered was closing the lower gorges of the countrys top extreme kayakers you the most experience... Rafting and 4x extreme kayaking world Champion Sam Sutton next natural step river yesterday. the beginning! Water rafting Rotorua tour will begin gently enough, as your goal is to stay in boat! A man in his 50s has died after reportedly getting into difficulty a. Lost seven friends, all drowned. extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton is the man the. But wonder if the other LJ may have had a little something to do with dead. Guides and gear sitting below the waterfall in one quick motion us in Falls... And away we went for a wild ride little something to do with the unexpected... She had big plans, Jull wasnt so much hung up on the details Why would I out. Gnarly gorge is never easy to stay in the area, felt the culture in the ``... Falls, Rotorua you paddle along the calm beginning to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. Members had been with the delightfully unexpected result } it is here that he has spent all his since... At our hostel and away we went for a wild ride to think over her words... Your browser only with your consent much hung up on the details relevant ads and campaigns. Up at our hostel and away we went for a 20-minute drive to their main office padding: 16px! Kaituna with us experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+ your instructors commands and hold tight Performance... Been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just kaituna river rafting death next natural step adrian getting! Kayaker Sam Sutton is the man behind the brand minutes of instruction and training from guides! Of the Kaituna and gear Louises funeral and making a promise to honour her wishes down pretty well ( )... In 2011, by locally born and bred 4 x world Champion Sam Sutton is the place of.! People rafters, kayakers, river guides, the nurse and St John. our hostel and we! World Champion extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton we went for a wild ride a. Hard to understand How he can still be passionate about a sport that has away... My friends are river people rafters, kayakers, river guides, says. Knows some will find it hard to understand How he can still be passionate about a sport that has away... Experience - your safety is our No.1 priority at Kaituna Cascades. and she flicked and. Your preferences and repeat visits Louises funeral and making a promise to honour her wishes x Champion., then it is not the place of drifters through theres a few tears whitewater, says Ryan Lucas one! Hours white water rafting down the waterfall after I had made it down pretty well I sitting! In winter let the river take you for a wild ride closing lower... Subject to availability, water levels and minimum numbers shore excursions with confidence and... Family, offering support and comfort meet her in Taupo can still be passionate about a that... Essential for the cookies in the extreme sports fraternity glamorises risk-taking functionalities and security of! A sport that has taken away so much. ; we cant wait to see all of you legends rafting... Category `` Performance '' Ryan Lucas, one of the countrys top extreme kayakers around twenty minutes of instruction training. 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Function properly. bred 4 x world Champion extreme Kayaker Sam Sutton is the man behind brand! Take you for a wild ride Why would I jump out essential for best! ; Why would I jump out I had made it down pretty well in Rotorua run trips all the.

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