Kaituna Kayaks has been around since the late 1990s running kayaking trips on the Kaituna River near Rotorua, New Zealand. We have since expanded our scope to include the major 7 river runs around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions.
We offer kayak lessons, tandem kayak trips, day / multiday guided whitewater kayaking trips, Grade 2 kayak certification for multisport, plus scenic sea kayaking trips on beautiful Lake Rotoiti.
Our team are some of the best kayakers in the world, spending every spare minute on the water. Company owner Bradley Lauder started out kayaking at high school, learning the skills by paddling slalom and canoe polo. He represented New Zealand in the New Zealand slalom team racing world cup races in Europe and Australia, also competing in extreme races and paddling rivers around the world.
Safety
Safety is important to us. As with all Adventure Activities, kayaking carries some degree of risk, increasing with the grade of rapids to both the person and property. Risk does add to the excitement and is one of the reasons people enjoy the sport. Kayaks do overturn and people swim. Risks in undertaking adventure activities could include personal injury, property damage, and/or even death. Risks of kayaking include, but are not limited to recirculation, aspiration of water, foot entrapment or drowning.
Kaituna Kayaks takes all practicable steps to identify, minimise and manage potential dangers. However, you must follow our instructions and use safety equipment provided at all times. Every kayaker is fitted with a personal floatation device (PFD). This is a critical piece of equipment, designed to aid in keeping you afloat in the event you are in the water. All kayakers participating in a river trip are also fitted with a helmet, which must be worn.
At any time prior to commencing the kayaking trip on the water you may elect not to undertake the activity, however, in some situations once the kayak trip has begun, you may be committed to remain with it until completion. Because of these factors, Kaituna Kayaks cannot guarantee your safety and you must expressly agree to assume the risk of injury or damage while participating in the activity.
Kaituna Kayaks reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone we believe is medically or otherwise unsafe. We reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. We also reserve the right to change plans and/or cancel your trip if we become concerned for your safety or that of any other person.
We are audited by AdventureMark, the national outdoor safety quality assurance association, designed specifically for organisations involved in outdoor education, outdoor recreation and adventure activities. The safety audit is a very rigorous and thorough process. Our AdventureMark accreditation means assurance that we follow best practice safety procedures and that your safety is our number one priority.
Kaituna Kayaks reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone we believe is medically or otherwise unsafe. We reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. We also reserve the right to change plans and/or cancel any trip if we have any safety concerns.