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!

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Meet Our Team

Professional & Dedicated Team

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Pete aka Peteasauraus

Owner / Senior Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 19 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: Canada, Colombia, USA, Spain & NZ
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Blue aka Boss Man

Owner / Senior Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 20 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Japan, Honduras, Costa Rica, Canada & NZ
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Rob Aka Robadile

Senior Grade 5 Raft Guide / River Manager
Years experience: 9 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Austria, Colombia, Indonesia & NZ
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Cobba aka Tom

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 5 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Australia, China, Japan & NZ
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Malcolm aka Wind Rider

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 5 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Micronesia & NZ
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Sam aka Ricky Bobby

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 10 years
Other countries rafted: USA, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Sumatra, Lao & NZ
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Elvis aka The King

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 6 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA/Alaska & NZ
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Ollie aka Young Shaver

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years Experience: 2 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: Chile, Indonesia & NZ
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Years experience as a lawn mower: 2 years
Currently employee of the month!
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Hayley aka H-Dizzel

Grade 3 Raft Guide
Years experience: 2 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: New Zealand
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Eoin aka Owen

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years Experience: 10 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: Ireland, Scotland, USA, Australia, Nepal, Canada, Zimbabwe, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Costa Rica, Nicaragua & New Zealand
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Chris aka The Megaphone

Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years Experience: 10 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Australia & Honduras & NZ
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Omayra aka Omy aka The Italian

Photographer Extraordinaire
Years experience: 5 years
& Kevin’s Caretaker
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Christy aka Christie

Senior Grade 5 Raft Guide
Years experience: 11 years
Countries rafted or kayaked: USA, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Chile, Argentina & NZ