Tongariro River Rafting, Tūrangi: Honored By New Zealand Tourism Awards For Excellence In Visitor Experience And Sustainability

Tongariro River Rafting, a tourism operator based in Tūrangi, has received recognition as a finalist in two categories at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards. The business has been nominated for the Visitor Experience Award and the Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business). The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced on 29 October in Wellington, marking a significant milestone for this family-owned and locally-focused business.

The New Zealand Tourism Awards, which are presented by the Tourism Industry of Aotearoa (TIA), celebrate excellence within New Zealand’s tourism sector. The awards are highly regarded in the industry, with nominations being determined by a panel of tourism professionals who carefully evaluate the impact, sustainability, and visitor experiences offered by businesses across the country.

A Well-Deserved Recognition for Tongariro River Rafting

In a statement celebrating this remarkable achievement, Love Taupō General Manager Patrick Dault expressed his congratulations to the team at Tongariro River Rafting. Dault acknowledged the honor of being named finalists and praised the company’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences for visitors, while simultaneously focusing on environmental stewardship.

It was noted by Dault that the team’s achievements were no surprise, given their long-standing commitment to excellence. The business has built a reputation for delivering world-class experiences, particularly focused on the thrilling river rafting activities that attract adventurers from across the globe. Additionally, the business has demonstrated a consistent effort to preserve the local environment, a value that has become integral to the company’s operations.

A Strong Commitment to Conservation

One of the most significant elements contributing to the business’s nomination is the ongoing conservation efforts spearheaded by Garth Oakden, one of the founders of Tongariro River Rafting. Oakden and his team have actively worked to restore the whio population (also known as the blue duck), a native New Zealand species that has become increasingly endangered.

Since 2008, when the population of whio along the Tongariro River was just 25, Oakden’s initiative and partnership with the Blue Duck Project have resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of these birds. The current population is now over 300, a remarkable success story for both the species and the efforts of the Tongariro River Rafting team in their conservation work. This active involvement in environmental protection aligns perfectly with the company’s core philosophy of balancing tourism with sustainable practices.

Sustainability and Community Impact at the Heart of the Business

The Visitor Experience Award is one of the categories in which Tongariro River Rafting has been nominated. This award is presented to businesses that not only meet but exceed the expectations of visitors. Judges praised the company for its consistent commitment to delivering outstanding experiences, even in areas that are not considered major tourism hotspots. Tongariro River Rafting was recognized for its ability to create immersive, adventure-filled activities, all while ensuring that the surrounding environment is cared for and preserved.

The business’s operational success is a direct result of its strong culture, with every aspect of the company designed around delivering exceptional experiences for visitors. This is reflected not only in their rafting tours but also in their deep respect for the river and its natural surroundings.

A Business that Values Quality Over Quantity

The Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) is another category where Tongariro River Rafting has been named a finalist. This award recognizes small tourism businesses with annual turnover of under $1.5 million that demonstrate excellence in service, environmental stewardship, and community impact. It is a celebration of businesses that prioritize the wellbeing of their communities and the sustainability of the natural environment while providing exceptional experiences for their visitors.

The judges praised Tongariro River Rafting for its strong value-driven ethos, which has guided the business to focus on quality over quantity. The team’s dedication to providing a high-quality experience, while maintaining a sustainable and responsible approach to tourism, was particularly noted. By ensuring that their visitor experiences align with New Zealand’s Tourism Sustainability Commitments, Tongariro River Rafting has become a model for other businesses aiming to combine tourism with responsible environmental practices.

A Legacy of Excellence

For Garth Oakden, this recognition is a proud moment for both himself and his dedicated team. Tongariro River Rafting has now entered the awards for the first time, and Oakden expressed his excitement at being named a finalist in two categories. He highlighted the hard work of his team, noting that they continuously strive to deliver experiences that visitors will cherish and remember for years to come.

As the team prepares for the awards night, Oakden conveyed his pride in representing the Lake Taupō area, emphasizing that their success is not just a reflection of their efforts but also a tribute to the community and the environment that has supported them.

The Future of Tourism: Regenerative and Responsible Practices

Patrick Dault also spoke about the broader impact of Tongariro River Rafting‘s approach, which reflects the growing trend in the tourism industry toward regenerative and responsible tourism. This approach focuses not just on the preservation of the natural environment but also on the sustainable development of communities. It encourages businesses to go beyond traditional sustainability efforts and actively contribute to the restoration of local ecosystems, as well as the cultural and social well-being of the area.

By embracing this regenerative model, Tongariro River Rafting is helping shape the future of tourism in New Zealand. Their efforts serve as an example of how businesses can thrive while being mindful of the environmental and community impact of their operations.

The Awards Night: A Celebration of Tourism Excellence

The New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner will take place on 29 October 2025 at the Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event promises to be a celebration of excellence in the New Zealand tourism industry, with businesses like Tongariro River Rafting leading the way in both visitor experience and sustainable practices.

As the finalists await the results, one thing is clear: Tongariro River Rafting has already achieved great things in their dedication to creating meaningful experiences for visitors while protecting and nurturing the natural environment.

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