Making a splash at tourism awards

Tongariro River Rafting received the Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business) at a tourism industry event in Wellington last night (29 October).

The awards are promoted by the Tourism Industry of Aotearoa, an independent association that represents all sectors of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Judges were impressed by Tongariro River Rafting’s strong value driven ethos.

“Their commitment to value over volume ensures a high-quality visitor experience that aligns with Tourism Sustainability Commitments. This small business exemplifies how dedication, innovation and responsible practices can achieve lasting impact for visitors, communities and the environment.”

Love Taupō general manager Patrick Dault, who was at the awards ceremony, describes owner Garth Oakden as “a tourism and conservation hero with a great product and a great story that aligns perfectly with our industry vision for a regenerative approach to tourism.

“The award is a well-deserved honour and recognition from industry peers. Tongariro River Rafting is a small, family-owned business creating world-class river experiences while working hard behind the scenes to protect the precious environment they live and operate in.”

Alongside the daily schedule of rafting tours, Garth — as co-founder of the Blue Duck Project — and his team are actively involved in helping restore the whio population on the river.

From 25 birds counted in 2008, whio numbers on the river have risen to 300-plus. The whio is one of the country’s most endangered native species.

The Tongariro River is one of the five icons promoted by Destination Lake Taupō and activities such as rafting and fishing on the river were key to the overall destination story which encompassed all the smaller towns and settlements around the lake, Dault says.

It is the first time that Tongariro River Rafting has put itself forward for an award, or even attended the TIA Tourism Summit, so Garth says he was “hugely surprised” to hear the business called out.

Garth, wife Leigh and son Sam, are all involved in the business, and were at the awards in Wellington along with two other staff members.

“Initially, we were extremely excited and proud to be named finalists in two categories. Our team works really hard to deliver experiences that clients will remember and it's fantastic to get recognition from industry peers.

“But, as a first-time entrant, I didn’t expect to be a winner so there was a moment of disbelief when we were named.”

“We may be a small family business, but we also accept this award on behalf of the 900-or-so staff that have worked for us — for everyone who’s ever spent time on the river with us — since we started out in 1990,” Garth says.

Tongariro River Rafting was also a finalist in the Visitor Experience Award which recognises a tourism business that is meeting and exceeding the expectations of visitors.

The awards judges commended Tongariro River Rafting for “delivering a consistently outstanding visitor experience, even outside of a major tourism hotspot.

“With a strong culture at the heart of the business, they deliver an intense, adventure-filled activity and achieve remarkable results.

“Their success reflects not only operational excellence, but also a genuine respect for the environment they operate in, ensuring the river and its surrounds are cared for alongside the visitor experience.”

The Tourism Excellence Award Micro-Business recognises a tourism business (under $1.5 million annual turnover) that has “the wellbeing of communities at its heart, is representative of our culture and values, has an excellent visitor experience at its core, nurtures the natural environment and is brought to life by a profitable enterprise that shows a high level of responsibility.”

Winners were announced at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner held last night at Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

About Tongariro River Rafting

Tongariro River Rafting is rated as the number one rafting experience in the North Island by TripAdvisor.

Founded in 1990 by the current owners, Garth and Leigh Oakden.

Tongariro River Rafting has taken more than 300,000 customers down the Tongariro River.

Based in Tūrangi at the southern end of Lake Taupō, 40 minutes from Taupō town.

Co-founder of Whio / Blue Duck Project which maintains 800-plus traps on 35 km of trap lines.

From 25 birds counted in 2008, whio numbers on the river have risen to 300-plus.

Whio or blue ducks are one of Aotearoa’s most endangered native species. These white water specialists live only on fast-flowing, clean water.