River Access Overview

The Advocates for the Tongariro River are actively engaged in fostering the protection, enjoyment and promotion of the Tongariro River and its environment.

The Tongariro is a spectacular mountain river with a wide range of fauna and flora and some well-maintained walking and cycling tracks used by overseas tourists and New Zealanders. The Tongariro River environment is enjoyed by walkers, trampers, anglers, cyclists as well as rafters and kayakers.

The Advocates aim to work with stakeholders with responsibility for the river including: the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board as legal owners of the river bed, Environment Waikato for its management of the catchment, Taupo District Council and the Turangi Community Board whose decisions can impact upon the river, The Department of Conservation who manage river reserves and the fishery, and a number of recreational interests, to protect and maintain existing river access while working to extend river access for more New Zealanders and visitors to enjoy.

The Advocates for the Tongariro River are currently working with DOC to re-establish access to parts of the river, once popular with fishermen, which have been lost due to renewed growth of scrub along the river bank or in some cases where the river has changed course over numerous floods making access difficult. This is an ongoing project which requires working alongside DOC and landowners.

Updated March 2023