Environment and Community

 Environment

Our natural surroundings include the Aratiatia Dam/ Rapids, Huka Falls, and the Waikato River which are important to us. We consider ourselves guardians (kaitiaki) of the environment for future generations. 

Our purpose-built riverboat was constructed with the environment in mind. Being powered by clean-burning 4-stroke motors, it offers quiet, smooth operation which is perfect for cruising. The boat’s hull is made of aluminium and has a shallow draft, so our boat wake is as small as possible.

To help increase native birdlife in the area, we began a pest trapping program in 2010. As a result of this work, bird species such as kereru, morepork and whiteheads have returned to the river.

As well as this, our staff participate in annual river cleanups to collect any rubbish that has been discarded along the banks of the river. We have maintained the Aratiatia scenic reserve since 2001 and strive to make it as safe and clean as possible.

The team are actively involved in Greening Taupo planting days – a regeneration program run locally to see more native trees planted.

Our carbon emissions are offset by our family’s forestry block. We have started our own Riparian program which includes growing our own native trees.

Community

We are privileged to live and work in Taupo, and want to support our local community whenever we can.

Each year, our Local’s Day gives us the opportunity to raise money for a good cause. We have raised more than $50,000 for the community over the years, which has benefitted local schools, sporting groups, Life Education Trust, Taupo Maternity Centre and Taupo Parent Centre.