Ko Ruapehu te Maunga - Our Mountain is Ruapehu

Ko Whanganui te Awa - Our River is Whanganui

Ko Whanganui te Iwi - We are the people of the Whanganui

Awa Tours is an organisation providing outdoor adventure in canoeing, camping, tramping and Marae cultural experience on the Whanganui River.

Formed in 1992 it was established out of concern for the river environment. This includes low river flows, pollution, destruction of native plants and cultural insensitivities which all have political and social impact on the people of the Whanganui area.

 It is important to observe the culture of "Maori" and the traditional wisdom and skills of the local residents in order to determine the methods to preserve, manage and realize sustainable use of the natural environment.  Today we have the opportunity to be involved in the future management of the Awa and the development of appropriate ecotourism activities which celebrate the traditional customs and uses of our unique environment.

The directors and guides of Awa Tours (all descendants of the area) are skilled and experienced in bush and river activities and value the safety and wellbeing of all their visitors who traverse the Awa.  We retain the knowledge of the river and its history and look forward to sharing these with you.