Environmental & Social Responsibility

Taupo Kayaking Adventures is committed to protecting the environment that we operate in for future generations to enjoy. We have put in place sustainable practises so that our day-to-day operations are run with the least environmental impact as possible. Our staff are trained to use natural resources efficiently, minimise their wastage and be mindful and treasure the natural environment they work in.

All our tours are run based on the Department of Conservation (DOC)’s code of conduct on minimising environmental impact while enjoying the great outdoors.

Cleaning with Environmental Solutions

As our main operations are based on fresh water, we are fortunate that we do not need to clean our equipment with strong, nasty chemicals. Our kayaks are wiped down with a sponge after each trip, utilising existing water within the kayak. Large pools of water and grit or sand are vacuumed up using our water vac and a broom is used to brush off extra sand. At the most, we will use half a bucket of water to wipe down our kayaks.

On the rare occasions that we do need to give our kayaks and life vests a good clean, we use a minimal amount of biodegradable cleaning product detergent diluted into a bucket of water. Cleaning will be done in front of our premises where excess water will be poured onto our grass berm in front of our base, so minimal water is able to run down the storm drains We make sure none of this water directly runs into the lake, as our base is 60 meters away from the lake – with a grass reserve, car parking and road between the lake and our location.

Waste Management & Recycling

We go by the policy “what we bring in, we take out” which means no rubbish is to be thrown out from the kayaks and no rubbish are to be left behind from refreshment stops. We use reusable cups and utensils on our breaks and our guides will have a rubbish bag handy.

Our guides will always pick up any rubbish from the lake or trails when they come across it. It’s just what we do. We encourage all our guests to do the same.

All rubbish will be disposed off correctly and all recyclables sorted.

Partners & Suppliers

Quite often, we would partner with other businesses such as boat charters, food suppliers, equipment hire and accommodation providers to ensure our customers have an easy and seamless experience. We make sure that all businesses we partner with adopt the same environmental values and sustainable practices that we believe in.

Predator Free Taupo

Taupo Kayaking Adventures is proud to be supporting Predator Free Taupo, a community based organisation advocating the trapping and eradication of pests such as rats, stoats, weasels and possums from the Taupo region so that our native birds can thrive again.

Those living in and around the Acacia Bay area will soon be able to purchase Predator Free Taupo traps from our TKA base. Our aim is for everyone in the neighbourhood to set traps on their land to make our area predator free.

Social Contributions

Taupo Kayaking Adventures believes very strongly in supporting and giving back to our community. We have been participating in More FM’s Community Day where we encourage members of the community to come on out onto the water to try out our kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards for free.
We have been supporting Greening Taupo in their efforts to increase green spaces in the community and would like to work closer with Bike Taupo to promote biking in the region.

We are also always open to helping out the community in terms of prize sponsorship and have contributed prizes to these organisations and events within the past year.

Taupo Nui-a-Tia College (Prizes for their hockey tournament)
Epic Swim event
Tauhara School Ball (Raffle prizes)
Acacia Bay Residents’ Association (Christmas fundraiser)
Reporoa Rugby Team (Fundraiser for their Junior team)
Waka Ama NZ Taupo Te Wheke Challenge
Life Education Trust
Hilltop Primary School
Destination Great Lake Taupo
Kinloch Off Road Challenge
Jetts Gym (Fundraiser for the Cancer Research Trust NZ)
Greening Taupo

Our ultimate goal is to organise free kayak experiences for underprivileged school kids who would otherwise never get to experience going out on the water. We believe that this will be a good way to build confidence and gain invaluable life skills.