Conservation at Mt Tarawera

Every time you visit Mt Tarawera with Kaitiaki Adventures, you’re helping protect one of Aotearoa’s most iconic maunga. A portion of every ticket directly funds conservation projects led by Ngāti Rangitihi, the iwi who hold kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of this sacred mountain.

The Ruawāhia 2B Trust, which governs Mt Tarawera, reinvests most of the tourism concession revenue back into the land. The focus? Keeping the maunga pest-free and restoring it to its natural state. To date, much of this mahi has targeted the eradication of wilding pines (Pinus contorta), a destructive invasive species. Long term, efforts will tackle all non-native plants and animals that threaten Mt Tarawera’s fragile environment.

This isn’t just about ecology — it’s also about people. Conservation projects on Mt Tarawera create valuable employment and training opportunities for rangatahi (youth) of Ngāti Rangitihi, building skills and a deep connection to their whenua (land).

Kaitiaki Adventures and our partner Volcanic Air are proud concessionaires, working alongside Ngāti Rangitihi to welcome manuhiri (visitors) from around the world while actively resourcing and supporting these conservation goals. The mahi on Mt Tarawera also contributes to New Zealand’s broader Predator Free vision.

Your visit is more than an adventure. It’s an investment in protecting Mt Tarawera for generations to come — ensuring its stories, landscapes, and mana endure.

If you’d like to help further, the project welcomes contributions of money, skills, or time. Every koha, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in safeguarding this taonga (treasure).

For anyone seeking involvement or interested in assisting this project please contact bookings@kaitiaki.co.nz