Eco Tourism

KAITUNA CASCADES – SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

 

As the original rafting company on the Kaituna River, we strive to act sustainably while providing a safe and entertaining rafting experience for our manuhiri (guests).

Backing onto the river and surrounded by the Okere Scenic Reserve we aim to respect, protect, and restore the ecological and cultural resources in which we operate.  

That’s why this year (2022) we’ve teamed up with and become a member of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter to help us in our journey to become an industry leader in keeping our workplace, local community and country a better place to work, live and play.

What matters to us?

People (staff & customers).  The safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers is paramount to us.  We will support our community and aim to share our sustainability journey to encourage everyone to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.   

Restoring Nature.  We will focus on our pest control operations and continue to support the work of Predator Free Okere Falls.  Restoration of the native vegetation around our rafting base will be an ongoing project with removal of invasive species and planting of natives.

Responsible Waste Management.  Our goal is to reduce waste to landfill which we will achieve by focusing on sustainable supply chain practices and continuing to educate our staff and our customers on best practice.    

Reducing Energy and Emissions.  We will measure our carbon emissions and work to reduce these over time, and in the near future aim to be carbon positive! We will look for further opportunities to reduce our energy usage and find greener alternatives.

Measuring.  We will start to measure our impacts to better understand the causes and to track our progress.  

The Okere Project 300x218 - Eco Tourism

Eco tourism & conservation are really important to us here at Kaituna Cascades – we are always looking to make meaningful changes at our rafting base to lessen our impact and environmental footprint . We use an eco-friendly homemade disinfectant, recyclable cups, and have been busy clearing all the invasive plants that have crept onto the property over the years. They are now cleared and we have been planting native trees and plants to increase the food source for our local native birds. Click here to see what we have been up to at our base!

Predator Free Okere Falls - Eco Tourism

Predators Trapped at Kaituna Cascades

157

 

Last count – 10/12/2022

T2025 Sustainability logo compressed - Eco Tourism

Native trees planted around the rafting base

500+

 

Last count – 10/12/2022

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  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Super fun with my teenage son. They picked he was super water confident so they gave him a good thrashing up front and he loved it. Friendly guides and the... read more

    soulman2019
    June 5, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  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 - Eco Tourism  Most amazing experience ever, very professional people, will definitely recommend this to anyone. Great team, briefing and photos

    lezanim
    January 1, 1970
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Loved the experience! First timer going down the falls. Instructors are awesome! Super helpful and polite. Highly recommend this place! Looking forward to visit again! (P.s shout out Cole ;))

    Ezra Ngakuru
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  One of the best things I have ever done! Definitely on the bucket list for anyone in NZ or travelling to NZ. Brilliant instructors, beautiful scenery, a thrilling... read more

    Heidi L
    February 1, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Cole is the man!! Everyone was lovely, the rafting was super fun, loved the historical backgrounds too.

    Taylor S
    February 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  I had the most amazing time with these guys, from welcome to exit. Eoin was such a great coach and explained everything to keep us safe (+1 for the beautiful... read more

    Tyson1991
    July 1, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  What a fantastic day, took my teenage daughter who was a little fearful, but the expert guides made her feel comfortable and well informed. This was the second time I've... read more

    mrbengray
    May 14, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Cole was a really good guide, talked us through everything and had a good laugh. The water was nice, not cold at all. They provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, life jackets... read more

    Phoenix F
    January 1, 1970
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Lifetime water adventure experience ever, Thanks to the Kaituna Cascades team and specially to Hamish who was very encouraging and cooperative. I could do it because of you

    422nehat
    May 14, 2022
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