1% of each Adventure goes toward enabling us to assist in the preservation of the natural Tongariro
We are blessed with Waimaori (Fresh Water) and the fragile environment that supports it.
Rafting New Zealand has created the Awa Toa Preservation Fund to preserve our precious lakes, rivers and streams for future generations.
The Awa Toa Preservation Fund, in conjunction with Project Tongariro, provide financial and labour support each year to plant over a thousand native trees along the banks of the Tongariro River.
Environmental
Preserving, rejuvenating and maintaining the whenua (land) and Waimaori (Fresh water ways) that provide us with life, are the focus of the Awa Toa Preservation Fund.
We work with local and national organisations to achieve the best results for our future generations.
We contribute with funding and man-power to assist Project Tongariro in planting over 1,000 native trees a year on the banks of the Tongariro River
We contribute annually to helping to maintain the natural environment of one of New Zealand’s most rare animals – the Whio (Whistling) Blue Duck
We work hand-in-hand with the Department of Conservation to maintain and clean the toilets and rest areas along the banks of the Tongariro River
SOCIAL
Community is the greatest resource we have to enable the projection, rejuvenation and maintenance of the whenua (land) and waimaori (fresh water ways) that provide us with life.
We work to educate our communities through fun activities like sponsoring White Water River Rafting and sponsorship opportunities to bring the communities – both local and international – together with a goal of sustaining our water ways for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
Spectacular landscapes formed from still-active Volcanoes
The Tongariro River winds its way from the Kaimanawa range, and tributaries flow in from active volcano Mount Ruapehu, showcasing the spectacular volcanic terrain and natural resources of the area – unlike anywhere else in the world.
The the river walk passes through unique and stunning landscapes, the brilliant blue of the Tongariro River fishing pools, and rushing white water of the rafting sections.
In addition to the surrounding countryside, the Tongariro River is home to the mighty Whio (Blue Duck) – one of New Zealand’s most rare birds!
A majestic land of strong contrasts
Thee Tongariro region itself is a land of wonder and extremities – you can see chaotic, barren lava flows, winter snowfields, thermal steaming and active craters. From alpine herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to a desert-like plateau.
Steeped in natural and historic legend, the preservation of which is paramount to the connection of kiwi kids and native species to the land.
Interesting plants and birds
The plants in the area vary considerably, from alpine herbs to thick swathes of tussocks and flax; low-growing shrubs of the near-by gravel-field to dense beech forests. A diverse range of unique alpine flowers abound in the spring and summer months.
This is the perfect habitat for a variety of New Zealand’s native birds. In forested areas you may see bellbird/korimako, tui, robin/toutouwai, tomtit/miromiro, fantail/piwakawaka, and maybe New Zealand’s smallest bird the rifleman/titipounamu.
You might be lucky enough to spot karearea or kaka! The preservation of this land of wonder is the main aim for the Awa Toa Preservation Fund.
Your donation when you take part in one of our Rafting Adventures go a long way to preserving this fragile natural resource for future generations as well as the well-being of the various inhabitants of the area.