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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Such a rad experience!! Wife booked us with the son-in-law and we were both super stoked all the way through.
Can't recommend highly enough the team at Okere Falls.
Pete... read more and Ethan (our guides), Sam in the other raft and even Keith who took some amazing pics of our adventure!
Get out there, get in the water and have an epic time.
July 2, 2022 -
Seriously one of the best experiences to do in NZ, tourists and fellow kiwis alike. I’ve been wanting to raft Kaituna for years and it totally lived up to all... read more my expectations. We were a family of 5 and all of us loved it. Our guide Owen was exceptional. He ensured everyone had a good day, whether you were adventurous and wanted to be more daring or a little anxious. Seriously the best adventure tourism experience I’ve done for ages. …
July 1, 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 -
An absolutely fantastic activity for the whole family. The staff were so helpful and encouraging. They made sure that everyone had fun. A great combination of thrills and relaxing moments,... read more this was something I would recommend to anyone. Just go, you'll thank yourself later!
January 1, 2022 -
Had boys trip and this was our first stop. Went down the river with Blu, he was awesome and gave us a great experience. Would definitely recommend going with Kaituna... read more Cascades if you want to try white water rafting. Safe and Fun.
January 1, 2022 -
I loved going over the falls. It was a cold day but they gave us good gear and I had a great time. Also, our guides were capable but funny... read more so we didn’t feel so nervous going over the falls. The scenery was breathtaking.
May 14, 2022 -
Had an amazing trip today, the guys even helped us out when we arrived at the wrong location and kindly let us rebook! The trip was absolutely awesome, best adrenaline... read more rush ever! Great team running the trip, we had a wicked time!
May 19, 2021