Tongariro River Rafting Recognized as Finalist for 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards, Celebrating Excellence in Tourism and Conservation

Tongariro River Rafting, a well-known tourism operator based in Tūrangi, has been nominated as a finalist in two categories for the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards. The company is competing for the prestigious Visitor Experience Award and the Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business). This recognition, announced by the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), is a significant achievement for the small, family-owned business that has become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

The awards, which are judged by industry peers, will culminate in an official announcement on October 29, 2025 in Wellington. This marks an exciting moment for Tongariro River Rafting, which has gained recognition for both its visitor experience and its ongoing commitment to conservation.

A Massive Honour for Tongariro River Rafting

According to Patrick Dault, Love Taupō’s General Manager, this nomination is a significant achievement. Dault commended Tongariro River Rafting, acknowledging their consistent delivery of world-class experiences in an often overlooked location, and their strong culture centered around conservation. The recognition highlights their commitment to providing exceptional rafting experiences while protecting the environment they operate in.

Tongariro River Rafting’s owner and founder, Garth Oakden, has expressed excitement about the nominations. This is the first time the business has submitted itself for the awards, and Garth noted that they are “extremely excited and proud” to be selected as finalists in two key categories. Oakden also highlighted the hard work of his team, who strive to deliver memorable experiences for every customer.

Two Nominations Reflecting Dedication to Excellence and Environment

Tongariro River Rafting has been shortlisted for the Visitor Experience Award, which recognizes businesses that exceed visitors’ expectations. This award acknowledges companies that provide high-quality, exceptional experiences for their customers. The business has been praised for delivering a consistently outstanding visitor experience, even in a region that is not a major tourism hotspot.

Judges recognized the company for its strong cultural foundation, where adventure meets sustainability. The rafting experiences offered by the company blend adrenaline with environmental stewardship. In particular, their efforts in protecting the river’s ecosystem alongside offering thrilling rafting tours have set them apart in the competitive tourism industry.

Additionally, Tongariro River Rafting has been nominated for the Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business), which celebrates small businesses with annual turnovers under $1.5 million. This category emphasizes a business’s ability to nurture local communities, maintain sustainable practices, and foster a strong connection to New Zealand’s culture and values.

Judges noted that Tongariro River Rafting excels in delivering high-quality services that align with Tourism Sustainability Commitments. The company’s dedication to innovation and responsible tourism practices was highly commended, alongside their value-driven ethos, which focuses on the quality of visitor experiences over the quantity of customers served.

A Passion for Conservation and Community

One of the standout elements of Tongariro River Rafting is its dedication to conservation. Garth Oakden and his team have been involved in the Whio/Blue Duck Project, which aims to restore the endangered whio population along the Tongariro River. The company has played a significant role in the recovery of this rare species, which has seen its numbers increase from 25 in 2008 to over 300 today.

By maintaining 800-plus traps over 35 km of trap lines, Tongariro River Rafting has made substantial contributions to environmental restoration. These efforts are not only helping to preserve New Zealand’s biodiversity but also provide a compelling narrative that aligns with the company’s tourism offerings. The company’s success in blending adventure tourism with eco-tourism has earned it widespread recognition in the industry.

A Strong Link to Taupō and the Local Community

Tongariro River Rafting has become an integral part of the Taupō region’s tourism story. The Tongariro River is one of Lake Taupō’s five iconic attractions, and the company’s offerings, such as rafting and fishing tours, contribute significantly to the overall destination narrative promoted by Destination Lake Taupō. These activities not only bring in visitors but also serve as a testament to the region’s natural beauty and adventure-filled potential.

As a small, family-run business, Tongariro River Rafting has remained deeply committed to its local community, helping to boost the local economy while promoting sustainable tourism practices. Their focus on preserving the environment, supporting wildlife conservation, and delivering an unparalleled tourism experience has garnered them a loyal customer base, both locally and internationally.

The Growing Recognition of Tongariro River Rafting

The company’s rise to prominence within the New Zealand tourism industry is a testament to the hard work of Garth Oakden and his team. The New Zealand Tourism Awards nominations reflect their dedication to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for visitors. In recognition of their achievements, the team at Tongariro River Rafting looks forward to representing the Lake Taupō area at the upcoming awards ceremony in Wellington.

As Tongariro River Rafting prepares for the awards event on October 29, the business continues to exemplify what is possible when tourism and conservation go hand in hand. With a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, community involvement, and conservation efforts, the business sets a remarkable example for the tourism industry as a whole.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Tongariro River Rafting

Tongariro River Rafting’s nominations for the Visitor Experience Award and Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) highlight the company’s role as a leader in eco-tourism and adventure tourism. These nominations are a well-deserved recognition of their hard work, passion for conservation, and commitment to offering visitors a unique and memorable experience in one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions.

As the business continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to providing top-tier tourism experiences while also protecting the natural environment that makes the Tongariro River so special. With continued focus on conservation and community, Tongariro River Rafting is poised to remain a cornerstone of the Taupō tourism industry for years to come.