Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga are two Māori concepts that we embody at Tongariro River Rafting. Kaitiakitanga translates to guardianship of the land, and Manaakitanga translates to hospitality – making everyone feel welcome and nurturing relationships.
At Tongariro River Rafting we exhibit Kaitiakitanga through our Blue Duck Project. The Blue Duck Project aims to rejuvenate the diminished population of our endemic Blue Duck (Whiō) species by eradicating introduced pests such as rats and stoats.
By using a combination of DOC and Good Nature traps, we run an extensive trapping program along the Tongariro River’s edge to target introduced species that drive biodiversity loss.
We encourage conservation through our Blue Duck Trip, where you have the opportunity to check that traps are baited and functioning – and donate towards the trust. $10 from each traveller goes directly to the project. Find out more about the Blue Duck Experience.
Manaakitanga is a central value at Tongariro River Rafting, as it is in Māori society. It refers to hospitality and how we as hosts make our visitors feel welcome.
Our team comes from all over the world and from all walks of life, enabling us to relate to all our different customers. We also pride ourselves on providing an authentic experience where our guides’ genuine personalities shine through to welcome you to their second home – the river.
Join us on the Tongariro and feel the warmth of genuine Kiwi hospitality.
