The Liquid Locomotive with Kaitiaki Adventures

The Kaituna River is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Come and take a ride with Kaitiaki Adventures Rotorua.

Rafting trips are rafting trips, right? Wrong. Sure, every company throws you into a raft and then you bump down a river. But sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll find a trip that offers something more.

Deep within the volcanoes, rainforests and cultural cradle of New Zealand's North Island is the vibrant city of Rotorua.

This Mecca for travelers is home to more adventure activities that you can shake a paddle at. With bungy jumping, mountain biking and thermal lounging all on the menu, the whitewater rafting could very well be the best dish available.

The secret is out, the rafting here rocks! In Rotorua you've got several options to take you down river - but Kaitiaki Adventures does something a bit different. Where they differ from their competitors isn't just on the river but also the rich cultural aspect of their trips.

With all of their guides native New Zealanders and an emphasis on Maori culture permeating throughout the trip, this really is an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts.

With nice touches like the trip starting with a Karakia, a Maori Prayer and plenty of cultural explanation as you head down river.

The reality is - you're not here for just a cultural experience - you're here to have an adventure too! The folks at Kaitiaki certainly deliver that too.

You'll be rafting the Kaituna and the Wairoa Rivers, both filled with whitewater excitement. The highlight of the trip will undoubtedly be Tutea Falls.

This 7m drop is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Even the most intrepid water-baby will be squealing for mama when the raft launches over the thundering falls!

Before you recoil in aqua-horror - these guys have an impeccable safety record and are fully qualified. Their guides hold all the relevant and multi-acronym peppered certs and have heaps of experience.

They'll take care of rafters of all abilities - from virgins to those that arrive with their own paddles and helmets.

What travelers rave about isn't just the rafting or just the cultural aspect of the trip. What they talk about is the integration of both adventure and Maori culture into the experience.

New Zealand is a destination that appeals to both those willing to scare themselves and to those who want to embrace a fascinating indigenous culture. The folks at Kaitiaki Adventures have that balance figured out just right.

As you glide over the edge of Tutea Falls there's a good chance you'll be thinking about that Maori prayer you said a few minutes prior.

You'll be thinking about the poetic lyrical sound of Maori spoken amongst the chirping birds and flowing water. You'll also be hoping that the river gods are keeping their eye on you - you are after all, going over the falls!

Travel Story provided by Scott Kennedy of Travel Generation.