Often it’s the little things that matter. Isn’t it “nice” ( as Jacinda would say) to find local companies who contribute and put something back into the local environment. So many do so much that we can never report on all of them. The little example today is a typical DOC loo located at the Blue Pool carpark about 10 km south of Turangi and about 2 km off SH1. This remote location is only frequented by anglers and rafters. So isn’t it nice to see the local No 1 rafting company supporting DOC by maintaining the facility – see the bottom line on the DOC notice. This may be one of the reasons why TRM have such a BIG sign outside the motel on the corner of SH1 and Piri Road to welcome tourists to Turangi, by featuring two of the most popular activities – rafting and fishing.

I hesitated to mention trout fishing but obviously we have to. Nobody else promotes it locally, unless they have a commercial interest in it. Then anglers wonder why in recent years the popularity of fly fishing has declined so much. i.e. In recent years the sales of fishing licences has halved from the 1980’s – from 80,000 p.a. to less than 40,000 p.a. Why? Every fisho has their own theory: lack of any effective promotion by DOC and Toe-paw Council? Fishery management? Dare we mention 1080? Competition from iPads, bungy jumping, sky diving and Lime scooters. Who really knows? Anyone regularly using the Tongariro River Trail will confirm that bikers easily outnumber anglers these days.

Several other traditional recreational sports activities – i.e. golf – are also reported to be struggling to maintain memberships. The world is changing so fast. River rafting is confirmation of that. During the summer season there are more rafters on the Tongariro River than ever before. Congratulations to RAFTING NZ who have now teamed up with the local land owners – the Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust – as they use their land and forestry road for access. So TRM were wondering how anglers could help too. One obvious helpful way is so easy – leave the car parks as you find them with no rubbish left behind… Can you help too…

Luke Boddington, Rafting NZ Managing Director and co-founder said:

LRFT’s involvement will provide a multitude of benefits for customers, Turangi and the Tūwharetoa people. It aligns with both Rafting NZ and LRFT’s commitment to investing in the local Turangi community. We’re expecting an increase in customers as a result of our increased capacity and improved facilities. That will have an impact on the number of visitors staying and spending in Turangi and Taupo. It will also improve employment and training opportunities for locals. We’re looking to bring on at least 40 additional people by 2022.

According to LRFT, the hapū saw an opportunity in Rafting NZ to work with a tourism business that is passionate, highly experienced and invested in the good of the New Zealand environment and local communities. The partnership also aligns with the hapū’s goal of having a Maori owned enterprise operating on their river – the Tongariro River, which is located at the southern end of Lake Taupo in Turangi.

LRFT spokesperson, Tiwana Tibble explained:

Trees, trout and tourism are what we call the three ‘Ts’, which will form a significant part of Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust’s future business strategy. In these three areas we have world class capacity. It makes sense to invest in Rafting NZ, which operates on the Tongariro River. This river connects two significant ‘taonga’ of Tuwharetoa, being the Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo.

Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust (LRFT) alongside the Lake Taupo Forest Trust (LTFT) manage a sustainable commercial pine forest of circa 30,000 hectares to the north of Tongariro National Park, and east of Lake Taupo. This is the largest ‘NZ owned’ commercial forest in the country with a combined balance sheet of $400m. The Trusts administer these lands on behalf of approximately 15,000 owners, all of whom are Ngati Tuwharetoa.

The Awa Toa Fund, which was set up by Rafting NZ to preserve lakes, rivers and streams for future generations, will be well funded by the boost in Rafting NZ sales, enabling it to make a very real difference both socially and environmentally. One percent of Rafting NZ sales go to the fund, which – among other things – is used to provide local Tūwharetoa with training, qualification and employment. It is also used to plant over a thousand native trees along the banks of the Tongariro River and contributes annually to help maintain the natural environment of one of New Zealand’s most rare animals – the Whio (Whistling) Blue Duck.

Rafting New Zealand operates across two main locations – the southern end of Lake Taupo in the alpine village of Turangi (Tongariro River) and Taupo Township (Tongariro and Waikato Rivers). For more information, visit raftingnewzealand.com. To follow the brand, like the Facebook page @raftingnz or follow the team on Instagram @teamrnz.

More info on choices on RaftingNZ’s latest blog: Kia ora guys! Make sure your guests don’t get disheartened by the not-so-sunny weather this weekend. There’s plenty to do around Taupo, but nothing better than Rafting the mighty Tongariro River! A little bit of cloud doesn’t affect your guests rafting experience when they raft with Taupo’s only Gold Qualmarked, and most Awarded Rafting company. Our expert guides will make sure they’re looked after throughout the trip and receive an adventure experience they’ll be talking about for years to come.  Call us for  bookings and more information: 0800 865 226 Please remember that ACCESS 14 is open April 28th.  This only happens a couple of times a year and it’s an awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience for international travellers and even domestics too for GRADE 4 Rapids on the upper reaches of the Tongariro River. If you are getting advance bookings for that weekend, please mention the trip to them – it will definitely be a highlight of their travels.  Thanks for your continued support! #TeamRNZ We are extremely proud to announce we have been awarded the GOLD Qualmark this month. That makes us the only rafting operator in the Taupo and Turangi region to achieve such high standards, re-affirming that we are indeed the best at what we do! Rafting New Zealand has been awarded the Gold Qualmark in 2018, and has been recognised for our awesome Adventures, hospitality and service. This award puts us in the very top tier of New Zealand Tourism operators, meaning your customers can be assured when you raft with us, you’re rafting with the very best New Zealand has to offer.  Please make sure your bookings are locked in for 2019 – phone 0800 865 226 or email bookings@raftingnewzealand.com Check out our offerings below and if you require further information – phone or email us as per above.  #TeamRNZWaikato Thermal Float – NEW! Located in the heart of Taupo Township – this conveniently situated section of the Waikato River showcases the beauty and serenity of NZ’s longest river as it departs Lake Taupo, beginning its 425 km journey to the Tasman Sea. Here we journey through towering ancient volcanic cliffs, float on the aqua colored clear and clean water of the Waikato as it departs from Lake Taupo. Some of the trip highlights are as follows; hear the myths and legends associated with the area and the river, view jumpers leaping off NZ’s highest water touch bungy site, visit and soak in the thermal waters of the Otumuheke stream, enjoy on river hot chocolate and snacks after floating and swimming in the Waikato river.This is a great adventure for families with younger children, our more senior citizens, first time rafters and people who just want to chill, view and learn about the river from the comfort and fun of a white water raft.Book Now Tongariro Family Fun – Grade 2 This is the best Grade 2 trip in the country and is great Safe way to experience the thrill of rafting. This Rafting Adventure is all about having fun while travelling through the beautiful reaches of the lower Tongariro River. It’s the perfect option for families with younger children, our more Senior Citizens and non-English speaking visitors alike.With over 20 fun class two rapids, optional cliff jump, on river hot chocolate and visit to the national trout centre to feed the fish and with a post trip hot shower, Hot Dog and Refreshments – this is the complete package. Allow 3 hours Base to Base – with 1.5 hours spent on the river.Book Now Tongariro Whitewater – Grade 3 Experience White Water Rafting on the Tongariro River with Grade 3 white water action! When taking part in our Tongariro river rafting adventure you’ll raft over 60 exciting Rapids, travel 14kms, raft through a beautiful volcanic gorge, and fuel up with on-river hot chocolate and snacks.All these features make Tongaririo river rafting our most popular adventure. Afterwards, enjoy a hot solar powered shower before refueling with your complimentary “River Dog” (hot dog) accompanied by a cold beer/soda or hot mulled wine, while viewing your trip photos that capture the thrill of Tongariro white water rafting.Book Now Tongariro Overnighter – Grade 3 The Ultimate Overnight Tongariro White Water Adventure. With all your expedition gear strapped in the raft, descend down exciting rapids before arriving at our beautiful River Campsite. Here you can sit back and relax, with the camp fire glowing and absorb nature while the stresses of life seem simply to disappear. The next day awake to the sounds of bird song and the gentle hum of the river. After a hearty breakfast and hot coffee – take on the rest of the Tongariro White Water Adventure. The Tongariro Overnight White Water Rafting Adventure is a very special experience that few get to enjoy!Book Now Bookings are essential so please contact us on 0800 865 226 or on bookings@raftingnewnzealand.com  – TeamRNZ Copyright © 2019 Rafting New Zealand Adventure Centre, All rights reserved.