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Wet N Wild Rafting - Grade 5 Wairoa River
Come an experience one of the most exciting white water rivers in New Zealand with an exhilarating rafting expedition on the Grade 5 Wairoa River.
Highlights
- Navigate pure adrenaline gorges, turbulent rapids and breathtaking drops
- Classed as one of New Zealand's most intense white water action experience
- Book early, only few get the opportunity to experience this amazing river at its finest as it can only be accessed 26 times a year!
This river is a must do on your adventure experience while you are in the North Island and is the mecca of Grade 5 white water rafting.
The Wairoa River boasts pure adrenaline gorges, turbulent rapids and breathtaking drops further adding to the excitement of the white water action.
Only a select few get the opportunity to experience this amazing river at its finest as it can only be accessed 26 times a year and gets booked out early. Book now and be one of the lucky few that get to conquer this awesome river.
Come and experience what has to be New Zealand's most intense white water action - A bucket list must do!
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 25 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Wet N Wild Rafting - Grade 5 Wairoa River
Thanks Kelly, so glad you guys experienced the Wairoa with WetnWild rafting! We loved rafting you guys down this amazing river :-)
Dina from New Zealand wrote on 20 January 2019
A "must do" in the Bay of Plenty
Visitors and residents alike must get out and experience the thrill of white water rafting. Great value for money. Experienced guides and high quality equipment make for a very pleasant and thrilling experience.
From Wet N Wild Rafting - Grade 5 Wairoa River
Thanks for your review Dina! Hope to see you back again another time..once is never enough!!
julieb2 from New Zealand wrote on 26 November 2018
Fantastic
Loved every minute, no hesitation in recommending.
From Wet N Wild Rafting - Grade 5 Wairoa River
thanks guys! Much appreciated
Chris Muller from New Zealand wrote on 21 January 2019
river good / guide not so good
Pete the owner appeared over it, lots of negative comments, going on and on about people being anxious does not build peoples confidence, we hadn't been on that river and being a grade 5 we didn't know what to expect, but the reality was it was a very safe and straight forward rafting trip, no need for Pete to keep going on about rapids being mothers nightmare. guides make or break rafting trips, the other guides appeared much more experience focused and positive.
From Wet N Wild Rafting - Grade 5 Wairoa River
Hi Chris, We are sorry that you felt Pete came across as being too stern about safety. The Wairoa is a grade 5 with some gnarly, technical rapids. Its super important that customers listen to the guide and do what they are asked, when they are asked. Even if they have done this river before, as you had, it cant be understated. If the guides note people are not responding to instructions, they need to ensure that is sorted. Then everyone can have fun!
christinas8 from United States wrote on 27 January 2019
Exciting river but atmosphere wasn't great
The river was really exciting and energy packed, but it was hard to enjoy the experience between all the directions we were asked to follow, our guide who was a bit gruff and poked fun at people, and the fact that we had to completely duck down into the boat with our heads down during bigger rapids. I understand that the directions and ducking down were all for our safety, but it meant that I focused more on making sure I did all the complicated steps instead of taking in the experience. And when we ducked down and bent our heads, we really couldn't see anything--it just felt like we were in some sort of washing machine. I've been on other guided raft trips with Class V rapids and had not experienced such a thing before. It was still a fun day, but the vibe from the guide didn't make me feel comfortable or as if it was a fun time. I was always a little on edge that I was doing something wrong and he'd point it out. I don't think I'd go with this company again as a result.
From Wet N Wild Rafting - Grade 5 Wairoa River
Hi again Christina Firstly thanks for rafting with us on the Wairoa! Also, for taking the time to give feedback. You are right, this river is very exciting and action packed! Its important for others reading your review to be aware Grade 5 rivers such as the Wairoa are not comparable to Grade 5 in the USA. I have rafted many Grade 5 in USA and they are not as technical and dont have the big drops that the Wairoa has. You cannot be complacent on this river. This is why we get people to tuck their heads and sit down (as all rafting companies do). Safety is the priority and this practice reduces broken noses, head clashes etc, and minimises the risk of flipping! Apologies if the instructions come across as 'gruff'. We have to yell over the noise of the whitewater . We only get grumpy if people don't listen and follow the safety precautions! This put other customers (and yourself) at risk of injury. So after firm reminders, getting gruff tends to get the desired reaction! We need customers to do what is asked, for their safety and the safety of their fellow rafters, its not a fairground ride :-)
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kellys5 from New Zealand wrote on 23 December 2019
Awesome experience 100% recommend
We had an amazing day with Wet and Wild. They were professional with a high emphasis on safety and enjoyment. The crew were all friendly and engaging and we had so much fun on the rapids. Thanks Drew, Pete and the rest of the team we loved our time with you.