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 in 2022 we 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.  

We Love New Zealand and want to keep it clean green & beautiful – if you’d love to help check out this link to the “Tiaki Promise” which has heaps of info and tips for travelers and locals alike. Happy travels !!

https://www.tiakinewzealand.com/en_NZ/

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

Total = 330

2024 = 97

2025 so far = 28

T2025 Sustainability logo compressed - Eco Tourism

Native trees planted around the rafting base

2500+

2024 = 1200

2025 So far = 0

Recyling - Eco Tourism

Diverted from Landfill Since Sept 2023

519.85 kg’s !

Last count – 16/05/2025

Carbon Emissions - Eco Tourism

Our Overall Carbon Emissions

Annual Emissions

 Year ending 31/3/2025 = 12.7 T Co2 

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  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Brilliant! We had heaps of fun. Guides were friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended to all!

    Mahn
    January 1, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  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 - Eco Tourism  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 - Eco Tourism  So much fun. Guides were excellent. We felt safe while still experiencing the thrills of going over 2 waterfalls and in rapids. Beautiful setting and great pics. Definitely a must do

    Ewentwhere
    April 20, 2022
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  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 - Eco Tourism  Fantastic experience, friendly and patient guide who tolerated a bunch of women, super helpful and friendly, thrills and laughs by the minute. thoroughly recommended

    D Max
    August 9, 2021
  • 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
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  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 - Eco Tourism  Brilliant trip in the river and brilliant guide! Friendly and helpful staff. Our first rafting but the guide made us relax. It was an impressive adventure

    Traveller1256789
    April 18, 2021
  • tripadvisor stars 5 - Eco Tourism  Thoroughly recommend this company for an amazing adventure on the Kaituna river. Even though I was too nervous to do the waterfall, Blue made me feel very welcome and our… read more

    RichardsFive
    January 1, 2022
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