The Wairoa River offers some of the most dramatic white-water rafting in the North Island. The river runs through a steep gorge south of Tauranga, with Grade 4 and 5 rapids including the impressive Tuahu drop. The catch is that the river is only navigable when the Aniwhenua Dam upstream releases water — this happens approximately one weekend per month — so timing is essential.
Several Tauranga-based operators run the river on release days. Book well in advance. The experience is full-day and requires no prior rafting experience, though the rapids are serious and some physical fitness helps. The scenery in the gorge, regardless of water level, is excellent — steep native bush and exposed rock faces rarely seen from the road.