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
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
Pete aka Dante
Blue aka Boss Man
Rob Aka Robadile
Cobba aka Tom
Malcolm aka Wind Rider
Sam aka Ricky Bobby
Elvis aka The King
Ollie aka Young Shaver
Hayley aka H-Dizzel
Eoin aka Owen
Chris aka The Megaphone
Omayra aka Omy aka The Italian
Christy aka Christie
GO EXPLORE
Come Join us and our awesome crew!
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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 having an exciting and thrilling experience rafting. My partner was having a tough time overcoming her fears of the water and the guides could not have done a better job throughout the trip. This was by far our favourite activity in the north island. I would highly recommend using these guys to guide you down the Kaituna falls which is perfectly topped off by a mud bath and thermal springs soak.
Cheers Guys
May 24, 2021 -
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 as a high quality and safe but very exciting day.
May 1, 2021 -
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 you all the gear and the wetsuit is so thick, you won't feel the cold at all.
July 15, 2021 -
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 was kind, funny and very helpful. i was a bit nervous before hand but our guide ben was fantastic at explaining everything clearly! will definitely revisit if we are back in the area, and everyone if you’re wondering if you should go or not, absolutely go!
January 1, 1970 -
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 epitheatre for rafting.
April 27, 2022 -
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 - yet making the whole experience one of such fun.
September 29, 2022 -
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 wanted to go white water rafting and finally ticked it off. Good gear was provided, guides were fun and made it all feel safe. Definitely recommend 100%.
January 1, 1970