About Us
About Us
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 he finished high school, and Christchurch born Julian Mathison aka “Blue” who had been working for Cascades for over 10 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!

Meet Our Team
Professional & Dedicated Team

Pete aka Peteasauraus
Owner / Senior Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 19 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: Canada, Colombia, USA, Spain & NZ

Blue aka Boss Man
Owner / Senior Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 20 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Japan, Honduras, Costa Rica, Canada & NZ

Rob Aka Robadile
Senior Grade 5 Raft Guide / River ManagerYears experience: 9 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Austria, Colombia, Indonesia & NZ

Cobba aka Tom
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 5 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Australia, China, Japan & NZ

Malcolm aka Wind Rider
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 5 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Micronesia & NZ

Sam aka Ricky Bobby
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 10 years
Other countries rafted: USA, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Sumatra, Lao & NZ

Elvis aka The King
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 6 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA/Alaska & NZ

Ollie aka Young Shaver
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears Experience: 2 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: Chile, Indonesia & NZ

Currently employee of the month!

Hayley aka H-Dizzel
Grade 3 Raft GuideYears experience: 2 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: New Zealand

Eoin aka Owen
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears Experience: 10 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: Ireland, Scotland, USA, Australia, Nepal, Canada, Zimbabwe, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Costa Rica, Nicaragua & New Zealand

Chris aka The Megaphone
Grade 5 Raft GuideYears Experience: 10 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Australia & Honduras & NZ

Omayra aka Omy aka The Italian
Photographer ExtraordinaireYears experience: 5 years
& Kevin’s Caretaker

Christy aka Christie
Senior Grade 5 Raft GuideYears experience: 11 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Chile, Argentina & NZ