KAITIAKITANGA

Kaitiaki Adventures Kaitiakitanga

At Kaitiaki Adventures, the concept of Kaitiakitanga lies at the heart of everything we do. Kaitiakitanga is often translated as guardianship or protection, but its meaning goes much deeper. The word comes from tiaki: to guard, preserve, nurture, or protect; with the prefix kai identifying the guardian, and the suffix tanga emphasising the ongoing act of protection and conservation. Together, Kaitiakitanga expresses the responsibility to care for people, places, and the natural world.

For us, Kaitiakitanga means safeguarding the maunga (mountain), awa (river), and ngahere (forest) that make our experiences unique. It’s about ensuring that future generations can raft the Kaituna River, hike the sacred summit of Mt Tarawera, and explore Rotorua’s landscapes with the same awe and respect as those who came before.

Our guides live this kaupapa every day; through storytelling that connects manuhiri (visitors) with the land, through conservation initiatives that restore balance to the environment, and through cultural practices that honour our whakapapa and relationships with iwi. Kaitiakitanga is not a single action; it’s an ongoing promise to protect, nurture, and share.

By choosing Kaitiaki Adventures, you’re not just joining an outdoor activity. You’re taking part in a journey of connection and guardianship, experiencing the land and water while contributing to its care. That’s the essence of Kaitiaki Adventures Kaitiakitanga.

26000 Trees Planted

Rangatahi Tourism Training Program

Kaitiaki Adventures recognises that the sharing of time and knowledge is the most invaluable taonga (gift) on the planet. By leveraging Kaitiaki Adventures diverse range of skills and expertise we have developed and offer capability building programmes for rangatahi in the community for over 20yrs.

To instil mana and kaha within our rangatahi

Find Out More

Wilding Pine - Eradication Program

Kaitiaki Adventures' commitment to eradicating Wilding Pines is an ongoing partnership lead by mana whenua - Ngāti Rangitihi Iwi. Kaitiaki Adventures kaimahi and volunteers pull pines for the protection of the iconic volcanic landscape that holds deep significance to iwi, to the local community and all New Zealanders - Te Maunga ō Tarawera

Maintenance of the ecology and landscape of Mount Tarawera

Find Out More Get Involved

Native Tree Planting - Project Whakahaumanu

Working together to restore and protect the whenua of Te Wehikura and Te Kaingahu for the wellbeing of the Ngāti Hinerangi-Ngāti Hinekiri people, the environment and our culture. A project that will enable mana whenua to manage a range of recreational opportunities that provide contact with New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage.

Whakahaumanu 'To Revive & Restore to Health'

Find Out More Get Involved

Urupā Water Catchment

As a Māori owned and operated adventure tourism company, we focus on community development, environmental sustainability, and Māori cultural sustainability. Our most recent project is an environmentally friendly water catcher designed to enable our whānau to seamlessly observe tikanga in our wāhi tapu – whānau urupā.

Environmental sustainability - The Kaitiaki Kurawai

Find Out More Get Involved

Athlete Sponsorship

Kaitiaki Adventures is proud to support & sponsor local athletes competing in Elite Sports around the World. Having sponsorship funding allows our athletes to focus more on the training and production of their sports to capitalise on each opportunity.

Pest Eradication

Kaitiaki Adventures is a foundation member of the Ōkere Falls initiative helping to eradicate introduced pests along the Okere section of the Kaituina Awa (river). Kaitiaki Adventures has also implemented state-of-the-art self tracking trapping systems, to use on Te Maunga ō Tarawera.

Pest Free Ōkere - Pest Free Tarawera

Find Out More Get Involved

Roadside & Freedom Camping Clean Up

A meaningful collaboration with like-minded recognised Kiwi brands, Kaitiaki Adventures is a proactive member of 'adopt a highway' and localised freedom camping cleanups with Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Enhancing our commitment to Papatūānuku

Find Out More

Climate Culture

To where possible lessen our impact on the environment including the whenua Awa and Maunga. To provide a working culture and environment second to none in the Adventure Tourism sector and to strive for Kaitiakitanga.

The first Adventure Tourism Company in the BOP region to become certified Climate Positive

Find Out More

Pay a koha

Understanding that Covid and the cost of living has resulted in extra financial pressures, Kaitiaki Adventures endeavour to keep our tourism products at an affordable price and within financial reach of as many kiwi families as possible. We have always valued experiences that create life-long memories and connections, so have allocated 30 vouchers per month for those experiencing hardship. Pay what you can afford.

Pay what you can afford

Find Out More

Kaitiaki Adventures - Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiaki Adventures - Kaitiakitanga