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  Epic! Blue & the team were awesome, top rated trip and amazing experience! They really looked after after us and gave us a trip to remember. Experienced team, all real... read more

    Irene M
    February 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  Brilliant experience, great tour guides with a awesome sense of humor and make the trip rememberable

    Katie Holmes
    February 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Amazing experience, adrenalin racing and great instructors. Gorgeous scenery. 10/10. Definately a bucket list experience.

    dianecT7699FP
    June 14, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  An exciting white water rafting experience in a beautiful native forest setting near Rotorua. Rob was a fun great guide.

    chillybin69
    April 12, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  My favourite experience in NZ so far. Took the 9am tour today and already can't wait to come back. The rafting was so much fun and the tour guides are... read more

    Lily A
    May 16, 2022
  • 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  Great time. Great team of people. Funny. Safety conscious. All the gear was great and kept us warm even after voluntry swims and playing with the rappids

    Raymond
    February 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Our Story  Amazing experience with Kaituna Cascades team. You guys are the best. Me and my friends came from Auckland to celebrate my birthday. Even if we came late, they welcomed us.... read more

    Departure32607724765
    May 28, 2021
  • 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
TA logo primary@1X - Our Story