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!
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  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  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

    Tonemannz1964
    July 2, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  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

    Kate
    July 1, 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  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

    Georgia T
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Sickest activity, so much fun and all the staff are so welcoming, helpful and funrecommend doing this 100%

    Stirz
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  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

    jasony520
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  The team at Cascades were awesome. My groomsmen organised it as a stag activity and we all had a blast. The cliff jump at the end was an awesome finish

    Henry W
    April 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  The team at Cascades were awesome. My groomsmen organised it as a stag activity and we all had a blast. The cliff jump at the end was an awesome finish

    henawheels
    April 11, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  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

    Trina-Castle
    May 14, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  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

    Harry-fv
    May 19, 2021
TA logo primary@1X - Our Story