Mount Tarawera & Sledge the Kaituna Combo

Itinerary

Tarawera
Starting location: Rotorua Central
- Check-in/Safety Talk

Travel to Mt Tarawera: Hiking Adventure

Arrive back at: Rotorua

Sledging
Arrive at: Kaitiaki Adventures Base
- Checkin
- Safety Briefing
- Gear Up

Drive to Ōkere Falls
- Sledging Adventure

Drive Back: Kaitiaki Adventures Base
- Gear Down
- Check out your awesome photos

Restrictions

Hiking/Sledging is not suitable for:

• Children under 13yrs
• Pregnant Women
• Heart conditions
• Back problems

You do need to be comfortable in moving water

Disclaimers

• Kaituna Whitewater Sledging is based in a River environment, Mt Tarawera Hiking tours are based in a mountainous environment, these activities inherently involve risks and potential hazards.

• This activity can be Subject to favourable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

FAQ

TARAWERA
What to Expect

• Departing Rotorua we will drive for approximately 30 minutes until we reach the base of the Mt Tarawera 4WD track.
  We will then ascend up the 4WD track. This is approximately 8.2km of bumpy off-road terrain
  If you suffer from motion sickness please inform your guide so they can place you in the least bumpy part of the vehicle.

• There is a toilet (composting) stop along the way at our base camp. This is where you can also pick up your walking stick.

• We carry on in the vehicle until we reach the end of the road. This will be the point that we start the Hīkoī/Walk.
• We will stop at several bench seats along the walk. At the 2nd bench seat you will be shown the trail to the summit.
• There is a medium/moderate level of fitness required for the summit track. It is here where you can decide whether to proceed to the summit or take the options for lighter walking from the guides.
• The Summit is 1111m high.
• The Scree is a 45º slope approximately 400m deep.
• The ground underfoot is Volcanic/Scoria and can be slippery.
• There are two points along the Summit track where four points of contact must be made with the ground, these are about 50m in length.

What to bring:
- Sturdy Walking Shoes (sturdy trainers are fine)
- Comfortable walking clothing (dress to the weather)
- Bottle of water
- Yes, you can also bring snacks

SLEDGING
What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring your swimwear, towel and your sense of Adventure! We provide everything else you need to get down the river safely! Including: Wetsuits/Booties/PFDs and all other river equipment.

Do I need to be a great swimmer?

You MUST be comfortable in moving water. You will be kicking/swimming in the water against currents for approx. 45mins – 1hr. We will ask you this when you check-in and inform your guide so they can discuss precautions with you as sledging can be physically demanding.

Do I need previous experience?

No not at all. Kaitiaki Adventures will give all the training required and will assist you throughout the trip.

How warm is the water?

• In the summer months from October to March expect 17 to 22 degrees.
• In the winter months from April to September expect 11 to 16 degrees.

Can I participate in whitewater sledging if I need to cover my skin for cultural or religious reasons?

Yes, we welcome guests who need to cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons. For safety reasons during whitewater activities, we provide full long John-style wetsuits with long-sleeved wetsuit jackets, booties and helmets. You are welcome to wear a swimming burka or other clothing that covers the neck area underneath the helmet. However, for safety purposes, we cannot allow any coverings over the nose or mouth while participating in these activities.

If you require additional privacy, we can also provide a separate changing area. Please feel free to contact us with any specific concerns, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Is there a weight restriction?

Over 125kgs? No stress! Contact us before you book so we can ensure all safety gear fits you and works as per manufacturer design.