‘Rivers know this: there is no hurry.
We shall get there some day’ – A.A. Milne
Picture this: you’re in the front left-hand seat of a yellow raft with four other people, one of whom is your “guide”. After a few paddle strokes, you get called to stop. The current takes you to the edge of the river. Below you is a 7m drop, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. You get called to assume the position, feet tucked under the front of the raft, paddle gripped tightly, head bowed down into your chest. You steal one last glance as the raft begins to tip over the edge and it’s 3… 2… 1…
The raft crashes into the river below, the impact buffets you and steals your breath. You’re submerged and then… you’re back. Your raft is still upright. Adrenaline courses through your body. You did it.
Before you know it, your paddles back in the water, and you’re setting off down the river once more.
Kaitiaki Rafting on the Kaituna River just outside Rotorua. Sweet as.
Down the 7m Tutea Falls on Kaituna River
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