ABOUT US

Our Story

design 2 - 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 finishing high school, & Christchurch born, now local – Julian Mathison aka “Blue”, both who have been rafting for 20+ 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 33 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

IT’S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE

GO EXPLORE

Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white- water experience on one of New Zealand’s most exciting and beautiful rivers!
Come Join us and our awesome crew!
Layer 2@1X 1 - Our Story
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Had a fantastic experience with these guys. Top quality service and professionalism. Sam was an awesome guide who went above and beyond to ensure we felt safe and comfortable while... read more

    Josephshaw1993
    May 24, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  So much fun and Elvis our guide really made it great and unique for our team!
    Super well organised and all the staff were brilliant, beyond expectations.
    Would definitely recommend... read more

    Spearman3000
    May 1, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  The river was so fun- the instructors were amazing and it was a great experience. The instructors knew what they were doing and made the whole experience very fun.

    Soapy13
    April 27, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  The team is warm and friendly. We had three 11 years old boys. They all had great fun. Don't worry, you can definitely do it in the winter. They provide... read more

    KM_Positive
    July 15, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  10/10 experience - definitely get your money’s worth. Hayley, our guide, was super patient and made our experience that much better. Can’t wait to come back!

    Katie
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  my three friends and I came down for a weekend and we knew we should do some rafting! i’m absolutely stoked that we chose to do it here, everyone working... read more

    Eden Garside
    January 1, 1970
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Awesome trip, well organised, professional, fun and lottsa laughs with blue and the team. Would highly recommend this company for your thrills and spills on the kaituna River. Anatural... read more

    Dpohan61
    April 27, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  This was a great couple bonding experience that took us both to the edge of our comfort zones. Could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the guiding team... read more

    wee-ads
    September 29, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Awesome experience, definitely recommend it to any adventure-seekers! Crew was instructive and made the trip fun and interactive.

    rona p
    January 1, 1970
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Heaps of fun! Went with my 15 year old son. Contemplated going back for the afternoon booking but will wait for other family to join us next time. Always... read more

    Amber J
    January 1, 1970
TA logo primary@1X - Our Story