The Kaituna River flows from Lakes Rototua and Rotoiti for 45 km and empties into the Bay of Plenty. The river is now a diversion route, after wall was created to improve the water quality of Lake Rotoiti. Local iwi filed a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal forcing the Rotarua Land Treatment Scheme to upgrade it's sewage treatment facilities. 80% of the nitrogen and phosphorus has been removed from the effluent being dumped into the river, protecting it's use as a food source and for swimming and recreational sports.

The upper section of the Kaituna River provides some of the best white-water rafting and kayaking experiences in the world and has been used extensively since the 1990's for recreational water sports. At 7 meters, Okere Falls is the highest commercially rafted water fall in the world.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Kaituna River at Okere Falls Scenic Reserve and 8,000 other beaches.