$229
Grade 3 rapids
11 years
None - first-timers welcome
A unique, hands-on NZ eco-adventure: help us protect the rare and endangered Whiō (Blue Duck) population from predators while rafting the beautiful Tongariro River.
This special rafting experience combines everything we love about living in New Zealand: drop-dead-gorgeous scenery, wildlife watching, outdoor adventures and giving something back to the pristine natural environment.
You will raft the mighty Tongariro with us, stopping at remote and beautiful spots on the riverbank to help us check predator traps and keep our beloved Whiō safe from harm.
You may already be carrying a Whiō in your wallet: they’re the face of New Zealand’s $10 notes.
They’re one of only three species worldwide who can live year-round in fast-flowing rivers like the Tongariro. Whiō have some pretty unique characteristics amongst ducks. Huge, oversized webbed feet allow them to navigate the Tongariro’s rapids like olympic champions, and the fleshy “lip” on their upper bill makes scraping juicy larvae off the rocks a breeze.
Under 3,000 Whiō remain in New Zealand. They’re even rarer than some of our species of Kiwi. Unfortunately, human settlers made life difficult for Whiō by introducing predators to New Zealand. We brought stoats, cats, dogs, ferrets and rats, who kill their young and steal their eggs.
Unlike other endangered New Zealand birds, we can’t relocate them to predator-free sanctuary islands to save them: these islands don’t have the long, turbulent rivers that Whiō depend on.
The clean-freaks of the New Zealand bird world, Whiō are fussy about their living standards. Only pristine, fast-flowing, crystal clear rivers will do. The presence of Whiō tells you that a river is healthy – it’s pretty flattering to get their seal of approval!
Our Blue Duck Eco rafting adventure is a white water rafting trip with a difference. With an experienced guide you will navigate the same exciting Grade 3 Tongariro River rapids as our regular Tongariro White Water Rafting trip, but we’ll be making some pit stops along remote stretches of the riverbank that are only accessible by raft.
Here, you will take part in the Blue Duck Project by walking the trapping lines and helping us to check our predator traps. Our gas powered, automatic traps are easy to handle, and you will learn how to make sure they are all charged and set to go.
You can do as much or as little as you like. With expert commentary from your guide, you will learn all about Whiō and our conservation project whilst spotting them in their natural habitat. You’ll discover their territories, see where they nest and find out what makes them so unique. By the end of the tour we think you’ll love them as much as we do!
These are small personal tours with no more than 10 people per trip. Along with helping with the traps, you will also be helping the project financially as a portion of the trip price paid will go directly into the trust.
Ready to help save the Whiō?
We get started at our Tūrangi rafting base where our friendly crew will fit you with safety gear, including wetsuit and extra layers to keep you warm. Then we head to the banks of the beautiful Tongariro River for an on-shore briefing with your awesome rafting guide.
The Tongariro River’s Grade 3 rapids are perfect for first-time rafters: thrills and spills galore without any extreme drops requiring experience. Unforgettable adventures await as you navigate 60 rapids in a 13km stretch – more rapids in one stretch than anywhere in New Zealand.
Paddle through the very heart of the Great Lake Taupō region, enjoying stunning scenery you can only access by water. Ancient podocarp forests, native bush and volcanic cliffs surround you on your epic Tongariro River journey. Stopping along the way to re-bait some of the predator traps that we have in place to protect the rare and very special bird.
Soaked to the skin and grinning from ear to ear, return to our base.
📍 The Rafting Centre, 133 Atirau Rd, Tūrangi. Meet at our base 15 minutes before departure time.
To learn about our white water rafting hazard and risk disclosure, click here.
