Our Story
In the Beginning………..
Kaituna Cascades was the first operator to start rafting the Kaituna River way back in the early 90’s! Long time raft guide and local guru kayaker KEITH HUGHES, started this
legendary company in 1991 – Obviously only after a lot of practice runs down the formally considered “un-raftable” river with any willing friends, family or whoever was brave enough to test it out…..!
The stoke was high, the river was unique and amazing, and it proved to be as safe as grade 5 can be – the rest is history.
After 26 awesome years of business, Keith retired and handed the reigns over to Pete Lodge, a Rotorua local who had been working for him since he finished high school, and Christchurch born Julian Mathison aka “Blue” who had been working for Cascades for over 10 years. With a bunch of enthusiasm and new ideas, they continue to develop and pioneer new ways too have the absolute best time on our home river – the now world famous Kaituna River and “Tutea Falls” the 7 meter waterfall.
Our super friendly staff are our biggest asset, and are all hand picked due to their love of the outdoors and years of river experience in both extreme kayaking and white water rafting. The guides love being day to day comics with everyone that walks in the door! Having years of experience means that they can relax and entertain while keeping you safe! It’s like always hanging out with your mates at work having the best time, and that vibe generates the best atmosphere to create epic rafting trips, great banter and memories for you and the crew!
After 30 years of safe rafting, we are locally owned and operated by a couple of mates still currently raft guiding and loving life.
Being out on the river is our absolute passion, We look forward to meeting you!!
Meet our epic crew
Meet our epic crew
Sam aka Ricky Bobby
Chris aka The Megaphone
Malcolm aka Wind Rider
Cobba aka Tom
Hayley aka H-Dizzel
Omayra aka Omy aka The Italian
Christy aka Christie
GO EXPLORE
Come Join us and our awesome crew!