Sustainability
We don’t just love this river. We’re fighting to protect it.
Rotorua’s First Carbon Positive Tourism Operator
In March 2021, Kaituna Rafting (Rotorua Rafting) became the first carbon positive company in Rotorua — and one of the first tourism operators in New Zealand — after achieving EKOS Carbon Positive certification.
We don’t just offset our emissions. We offset 120% of them.
That means every time you raft with us, your trip is actively good for the planet.
Our Initiatives
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Native Tree Planting
68,000+ native trees planted along the Kaituna River. We cleared 12,000m² of blackberry and gorse to restore native habitat. Our goal: 10,000 manuka trees along the full river edge.
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Waste Reduction
Reduced landfill waste from 3 bins per week to just 1. Environmentally friendly cleaning products throughout our base, with full recycling and composting programmes.
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Plant a Tree With Us
Every rafter is invited to plant a native tree seedling after their trip. A small act — a lasting legacy on the Kaituna.
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Predator Free Ōkere Falls
We partner with Predator Free Ōkere Falls, maintaining two trap lines in the local reserve to protect native birds and wildlife from rats, mice, and possums.
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Waterway Restoration
Working with Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the “Catfish Killas” to remove invasive catfish from Lake Rotoiti and restore native fish populations in the Kaituna catchment.
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$2.50 Conservation Donation
Every online booking includes an optional $2.50 donation supporting Ōkere Falls conservation projects. Small amount, big impact.
Kaitiakitanga — Guardianship of the Natural World
The Māori concept of kaitiakitanga — guardianship and stewardship of the natural world — is at the heart of everything we do. The Kaituna River is taonga (treasure). We share its history with every visitor, and take seriously our responsibility to leave it better than we found it.
Nau mai, haere mai — welcome to the Kaituna.
Giving Back to Rotorua
Rotorua Rafting donates approximately $19,000 every year to local sports teams, schools, and community fundraisers across the Rotorua region. We are proudly local and deeply committed to the communities that support us.