Eco Tourism

KAITUNA CASCADES – SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

As the original rafting company on the Kaituna River, we strive to act sustainably while providing a safe and entertaining rafting experience for our manuhiri (guests).

Backing onto the river and surrounded by the Okere Scenic Reserve we aim to respect, protect, and restore the ecological and cultural resources in which we operate.  

That’s why in 2022 we teamed up with and become a member of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter to help us in our journey to become an industry leader in keeping our workplace, local community and country a better place to work, live and play.

What matters to us?

People (staff & customers).  The safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers is paramount to us.  We will support our community and aim to share our sustainability journey to encourage everyone to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.   

Restoring Nature.  We will focus on our pest control operations and continue to support the work of Predator Free Okere Falls.  Restoration of the native vegetation around our rafting base will be an ongoing project with removal of invasive species and planting of natives.

Responsible Waste Management.  Our goal is to reduce waste to landfill which we will achieve by focusing on sustainable supply chain practices and continuing to educate our staff and our customers on best practice.    

Reducing Energy and Emissions.  We will measure our carbon emissions and work to reduce these over time, and in the near future aim to be carbon positive! We will look for further opportunities to reduce our energy usage and find greener alternatives.

Measuring.  We will start to measure our impacts to better understand the causes and to track our progress.  

We Love New Zealand and want to keep it clean green & beautiful – if you’d love to help check out this link to the “Tiaki Promise” which has heaps of info and tips for travelers and locals alike. Happy travels !!

https://www.tiakinewzealand.com/en_NZ/

The Okere Project 300x218 - Eco Tourism

Eco tourism & conservation are really important to us here at Kaituna Cascades – we are always looking to make meaningful changes at our rafting base to lessen our impact and environmental footprint . We use an eco-friendly homemade disinfectant, recyclable cups, and have been busy clearing all the invasive plants that have crept onto the property over the years. They are now cleared and we have been planting native trees and plants to increase the food source for our local native birds. Click here to see what we have been up to at our base!

Predator Free Okere Falls - Eco Tourism

Predators Trapped at Kaituna Cascades

Total = 324

2024 = 97

2025 so far = 22

T2025 Sustainability logo compressed - Eco Tourism

Native trees planted around the rafting base

2500+

2024 = 1200

2025 So far = 0

Recyling - Eco Tourism

Diverted from Landfill Since Sept 2023

492.35 kg’s !

Last count – 13/04/2025

Carbon Emissions - Eco Tourism

Our Overall Carbon Emissions

Annual Emssions

 Year ending 31/3/2035 = 12.7 T Co2 

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  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Blue is an awesome guide, great experience! Highly recommended x this was my first rapid rafting trip. Loved it!

    WillieDevine1
    July 9, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  OMG what a rush! Epic scary fun, magic scenery, a must-do trip! Our guide Elvis was a masterful raft captain – they all were – the guides were having as… read more

    ruthyflee
    February 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Amazing team and a lot of fun! Big shout to Eoin who was a great instructor. Despite the weather we had great time. Would totally do it again.

    Andrew D
    February 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Fantastic experience. Superb customer service and communication. Excellent guides. Great grub. Awesome whitewater on the Wairoa River. Thanks for everything Owen, Cobba, and Reese!

    Kent M
    March 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Outstanding, a must-do when in the Rotorua area. This was my 3rd trip with Kaituna Cascades and I’ll no doubt do it again. Gorge rafting at its best with expert… read more

    parker813
    June 15, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  What a blast!!! Soooo much better than I had expected…stunningly beautiful scenic gorge…Yes Sam…”GORGE”OUS!!!!!…the rappids ..Thrilling…and we were in good hands with our guide Sam the man… read more

    Higgie3
    May 19, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  It was amazing experience. I think the name is Cole , master of our boat. He help us to get an amazing experience of River Rafting . … read more

    Ashish Gupta
    February 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Bloody awesome experience. Blue and the boys were great, taught us about the area and made sure we had as much fun as possible. Would definitely recommend this trip, great… read more

    danielpE1762NJ
    May 16, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Thanks to the crew for an awesome day. Much appreciated. Definitely recommend best activity I have done in Rotorua so far!!

    Jack McBeath
    January 1, 1970
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  A fantastic activity ! The guys working at Kaituna Cascades are super friendly and made the trip so worthwhile! Would highly recommend this to everyone to do, the gear is… read more

    GrandTour580098
    April 18, 2021
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