Our Contributions
Some of the varied contributions by Project Tongariro (Tongariro Natural History Society) and its members in recent times are:
- Completed the re-vegetation of the Lord of the Rings film sites on Mt Ruapehu
- Blue Duck (Whio) Survey over 65 rivers
- Completed a 3 year weed project (broom-pulling) at the site of old Whanganui Bridge SH47
- Ongoing flora monitoring and propagation
- Rotopounamu/Mt Pihanga forest Restoration Project (year 6)
- Published books about various aspects of the park including history, geology and botany, plus historical reprints
- Held events in the park to raise the profile of the Society and the unique environment — eg Kite Flying and Land Rover Tussock Traverse (mountain run)
- Continues to play a key role in the annual summer nature programme of walks and talks in TNP
- Coordination of all conservation volunteers in the national park
- Organises an annual programme of conservation activities for Society members and other volunteers in conjunction with DOC including walks and activities including visits to other areas such as White Island, Kapiti etc
- Project Tongariro volunteers consistently contribute around 750 to 800 volunteer days annually
- Has distributed a Project Tongariro Memorial Award of $2000 (annually since 1992) to one or two students undertaking a significant research project relating to Tongariro National Park
- Held two lectures (National Library in Wellington and Whakapapa Visitor Centre) involving climate scientist Martin Manning, DoC scientist Harry Keys, and GNS volcanologist Gill Jolly —2008
- Produced an educational resource for schools based on the 1995-96 eruptions (eruption to dam burst) - 2008
- Established GPS locations for dozens of historic sites in and around TNP
Restored the historic Hapuawhenua Viaduct near Ohakune, 2006 — 2009 in partnership with DOC, (opened Feb 2009) Now working with other community groups to complete a cycle/walking trail from Ohakune to Horopito- William Salt historic 1920s photo exhibition at Taupo Museum — 2009
- Ongoing restoration of the Waimarino wetland (a major willow eradication project near Motuoapa, Lake Taupo) in partnership with DOC and iwi — (year 4)
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As a society's we aim to:
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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. 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. 
While you are here visit our online shop - some of our books cannot not be bought elsewhere.
The William Salt exhibition showcased black and white photographs taken in Tongariro National Park by this early explorer, skiier and photographer.
Who was William Salt?
P.O. Box 238
Turangi 3334
Email: info@tongariro.org.nz
Phone: +64 7 386 6499