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  Bloody awesome experience. Blue and the boys were great, taught us about the area and made sure we had as much fun as possible. Would definitely recommend this trip, great... read more

    danielpE1762NJ
    May 16, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Second time here, never fails to disappoint. Had a great time with our guide Elvis. Heaps of fun! Will be back again

    Imthecaptainnow
    January 1, 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  An amazing afternoon with Ben at the helm. The staff were all amazing, friendly and very professional with many laughs. An absolute fun and challenging couple of hours. Would also... read more

    Lorraine and Lance
    March 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  loved the waterfall and also Hayley our instructor was the best!! supper nice and made the experience fun for us all :)))

    Alesha Nathan
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  This was such a fun experience. The guides were terrific and very experienced they kept us safe at all times and provided us with all the right sized gear at... read more

    Esther
    February 1, 2022
  • 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  Was an awesome experience! Felt super safe and comfortable and will most definitely be doing it again!

    Jess
    July 1, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Pete and his crew were fantastic. A smooth operation ensured we had a fantastic time and a great adventure. I would recommend this experience when you visit Rotorua.

    jaybee5ng
    May 29, 2022
TA logo primary@1X - Our Story