New Zealand is an extremely popular tourist destination for world-wide visitors and many come to experience the amazing white water rafting tours throughout the country. The relatively unknown competitive white water paddling competitions however, are a new sport and have only been attractive to a select few in New Zealand, but with incredible countries and stunning environments to be explored at International level, this sport is gradually becoming more popular in New Zealand, especially Kawerau. 

Kawerau District Council has been developing a relationship with the Association of Competitive Paddlers and as a result Kawerau is now offering excellent fun competitive rafting competitions.

Other rafting options include a drop off deep in the Tarawera Forest and paddle your way back to Kawerau; a journey that negotiates more grade 2 rapids and crystal clear flatwater. Note that vehicle access to Tarawera Forest requires a Tarawera Forest Access permit. These permits are available from the Kawerau isite, open 7 days a week in Plunket St.

Contact details for the Kawerau isite

Further details about the Forest Access Permits are available on the 

Tarawera Forest Permits page >>.