Welcome
Thank you for your interest in Tongariro National Park and in our work in support of this special dual World Heritage site. Project Tongariro (Tongariro Natural History Society Inc) was established to promote a wider understanding of the natural processes and human history of Tongariro National Park.
The Society (established 1984) was endowed with a substantial Memorial Fund in memory of several park staff who died in a helicopter accident on 9 December 1982.
Project Tongariro has a strong commitment to conservation and works in active partnership with DOC. Our work focuses on four key project areas: biodiversity, history, education and recreation. Over close to 30 years we have been involved in dozens of worthwhile projects in and around the Park from ongoing pest control work at Rotopounamu, the restoration of the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, initiating the Tussock Traverse event, to the production of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Pocket Ranger App.
You can support us in a variety of ways: by becoming a member, adopting a hectare at Lake Rotopounamu or making a donation. We offer opportunities for people to get hands on with conservation as volunteers, go on members’ field trips to little-known parts of the Park or to support our projects by making a financial contribution.
Pocket Ranger
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Everything you need to know about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at your fingertips on the new smartphone app by Project Tongariro in partnership with Department of Conservation.
Android and iPhone versions available and it's FREE to download!
www.tongariro.org.nz/pocketranger
Project Tongariro is pleased to launch the new Adopt a Hectare Campaign to help raise funds to continue to support the work that is undertaken to restore the bush environment at Lake Rotopounamu. This is your opportunity to directly support the conservation of NZ biodiversity.
Adopt a Hectare >>>Project Tongariro - our new easy to say, everyday name!
The first logo of the Tongariro Natural History Society was black and white and designed by Jeremy Bennett of the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design in the 80s. In time a more colourful version was adopted based on the initial sketch of the park's volcanoes. The evolution continues. Like many organisations we have refreshed our logo but retained key elements. While the official name of our incorporated society still stands - Tongariro Natural History Society - it has always been a bit of mouthful. This led many people to call us "TNHS" does nothing to help our profile or tell people about the amazing work we do. We've been a bit of a secret society and the move to a new and more active brand will help us attract members and partners. Our patron, Sir Tumu te Heuheu understands the reason for the change and says he is pleased to support the committee in its decision to promote a name change to 'Project Tongariro'. The executive is leading the charge and believes using the new name will eventually result in greater awareness and understanding about the work of the society in Tongariro National Park. So while the name on our constitution and our chequebook hasn't changed, please support us by adopting our new more active name of 'Project Tongariro'.
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our aims
As a society our aims are:
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However, it would be great to have more!! Anyone who is interested in helping out on short term activities i.e. 1-7 days or so would be very welcome. Give us a call or send us an email to find out what we are up to. If you are driving through Turangi and have some time and energy to give for a worthwhile cause, we would be happy to hear from you. JOIN ONLINE NOW!! |
There is no way we would be able to do a fraction of the work we do without our volunteers. Our projects are so successful because we have a dedicated group of local volunteers who we can call on at anytime.
Check out the latest things going on with the Society:
View all our recent news here
Help restore an old mountain classic...
Target: $100,000
Total Raised so far: $31,425
Skiers and snowboarders purchasing ski passes online this winter have already contributed more than $1400 to help restore a classic old stone building from the pioneering years of RAL during the 1950s. A $30,000 donation from the Nigel Taylor Alpine Foundation recently has boosted the fund to $31,425.
Project Tongariro is pleased to partner with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, operators of Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas and the Department of Conservation in the restoration of the old stone No 2 Drive Building situated at the base of the Staircase ski run at Whakapapa Ski Area. Called the Stone Sanctuary Project - the building is an important treasure to restore and maintain. Engineering and structural work on the building will be undertaken by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. Funds raised will go to the internal refit and towards interpretation on site. It is hoped the building will be open for public use by the winter of 2013 to coincide with RAL’s 60th anniversary since its incorporation in 1953.
Make a donation to assist with the restoration.
Who are our executive?
Our hard working executive come from all over but share a common interest in Tongariro and its preservation. Find out who they are.
A bequest is a method of making a lasting gift to a cause or issue that you feel strongly about. It can make your caring last for future generations.
By making provision in your will for the Tongariro Natural History Society, you can support our work and provide a lasting gift for Tongariro National Park, a world heritage site – a gift that will last forever.