Backyard Tours

01/12/2023

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Transport services

Where in the World have you travelled from to come to do this great one day hike?

26/11/2023

Great weekend with the whanau who accomplished their first time doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

23/11/2023

Transport to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, let's go!

Ask or Book with us here:

https://www.backyardtours.com
Instant online availability for your secure convenience.

16/11/2023

Friendly Fun Activity for all to enjoy.
Just 5 minutes South of Turangi SH1.

Buy now for later - only a couple of days left to get 50% off Kids Fishing for bookings made online until 12th November only FOR OUR KIDS FISHING EXPERIENCE FROM 27th December to 28th January 2024.
https://troutcentre.com/collections/kids-fishing

11/11/2023

Great achievement and acknowledgements to the Community, and all involved 💐💯❣️

Taupō is officially one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

07/11/2023

Staying in Turangi - here's a bargain 👍

🌟 November Special Offer! 🏨

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway this November? Look no further! Stay for 3 nights, and only pay for 2 in our Motels, Cabins and Studio Units🏡🍁

📅 Valid for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout November.
💻 Book on our website and select your preferred dates.
💲 The price will automatically adjust to just two nights when you book for three!

Book now on our website and make the most of this amazing offer! 😊 - please note this is only valid for bookings booked directly on our website https://parklandsmotorlodge.co.nz/booking

15/10/2023

Kiwi return to their whenua after boosting population elsewhere
by Save the Kiwi | Apr 21, 2023

Kiwi Burrow, Kohanga Kiwi, Media, Save the Kiwi

Kiwi return to Tongariro
18 years after four kiwi chicks were gifted from Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to Ngāti Korokī Kahukura to create a founder population of kiwi at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, kiwi have returned to their whenua (homeland).

In 2005, Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, one of the mana whenua of Tongariro, gifted four one-month-old chicks, two males and two females, to Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, the resident iwi of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. These manu (birds) were the first kiwi to reside within the predator-free sanctuary in the heart of the Waikato, near Cambridge, and the first to be seen on Maungatautari for over 100 years.

Since then, with the support of Save the Kiwi’s Kōhanga Kiwi project, over 400 kiwi chicks from the western region of the North Island have joined those original four birds, creating a founder population on the maunga.

Today, because kiwi can safely breed within the sanctuary’s predator-free perimeter fence, an estimated 2,000-2,500 kiwi now call Maungatautari home.

On Friday 21st April, nine juvenile and adult kiwi were transported in purpose-built travel boxes from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari to Tongariro. After being formally welcomed to Otūkou Marae with pōwhiri, the birds were released back into forest from where they originated. Over the next month, approximately 60 kiwi will be released at various sites across the base of Mt Tongariro.

This move acknowledges the tikanga of tono (a process of asking for and exchanging taonga between iwi) while recognising the impact those original birds have had on building a sustainable population of Western brown kiwi.

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro kaumatua Te Ngaehe Wanikau was part of the original group that accompanied the four kiwi to Maungatautari back in 2005. Mr Wanikau said the original gifting of kiwi was less about the manu and more about whakapapa connections.

“When Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro gifted those original birds, we handed over the role and responsibility of kaitiaki of the kiwi to Ngāti Korokī Kahukura at the same time,” Mr Wanikau said. “We needed to have comfort that the kiwi would be cared for and protected for the long-term. Returning the offspring of these birds back to Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro reflects how well Ngāti Korokī Kahukura cared for these kiwi as kaitiaki.”

Central to this release – and all future releases from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – is the tono process, a reciprocal mana-to-mana agreement between Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and other iwi. In this instance the translocation of kiwi cements whakapapa connections between maunga and people. This could not have taken place without the blessing of (then) Queen Te Ataairangikaahu and Ta Tumu Te Heuheu. This tikanga (tradition) sets the standard for all translocations to and from Maungatautari.

Ngāti Korokī Kahukura representative Tao Tauroa said the first major release of kiwi from Maungatautari to Tongariro was significant because the terms of the original tono have been honoured, and although many of those involved in the tono have passed on, the intent of the rangatira (elders) remained.

“18 years ago, the maunga was bereft of kiwi,” Tauroa said. “Thanks to Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, this taonga species has returned to a place where it once thrived. Now with deep gratitude, it is an honour and privilege to return these mokopuna of the original founders to their maunga, whenua and people, and for their founder role in reversing the decline of Western brown kiwi population for Aotearoa.”

This series of releases to Tongariro is the first of what is expected to become several large-scale releases from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari every year into perpetuity, thanks in part to Save the Kiwi’s Kōhanga Kiwi repopulation strategy. Over the last five years, kiwi eggs have been collected from the wild and incubated in a purpose-built incubation facility, the Crombie Lockwood Kiwi Burrow in Wairakei. Chicks have been released into Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari when they are approximately one month old.

Maungatautari is surrounded by a predator-proof perimeter fence, creating the ideal habitat for kiwi to live and breed safely. The kiwi population on the maunga is now doing so well that progeny birds of the founder population can be gifted to other sites in the western region, to bolster existing kiwi populations or create new ones.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari manager Bodie Taylor said the exponential growth of the kiwi population on the maunga is testament to collaboration and hard work between multiple parties.

“Kiwi conservation is not a standalone kaupapa,” Mr Taylor said. “Successfully bringing a threatened species back from the brink requires a huge amount of collaboration to build a shared vision. Together with Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Save the Kiwi we’re proud that a thriving population of kiwi call the maunga their home. It’s a huge privilege knowing that the mahi going on here will directly contribute to more kiwi populations growing elsewhere.”

Save the Kiwi Executive director Michelle Impey said the success of Kōhanga Kiwi comes down to strong relationships with iwi, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai; passionate community groups; the significant mahi completed onsite; and a colossal dream that grew out of a simple question.

“It’s funny looking back on it now, but we can actually attribute the origin of this idea to Sir John Key,” said Ms Impey. “When he was prime minister in 2016, Sir John Key attended a kiwi release. When he heard that the kiwi population was declining by 2% annually, he asked, ‘What needs to be done to turn that decline into an increase?’”

At that time, the kiwi was locally extinct in many parts of Aotearoa where only a hundred years earlier their calls had been a firm fixture of the night. Communities were asking what they could do to return kiwi to their backyards.

“If we wanted to reverse the decline, and with relatively modest funds, we needed to do something different – and fast. To be successful, we couldn’t do more of the same. And so Kōhanga Kiwi was born.”

Impey said the true value of Kōhanga Kiwi is its ability to essentially grow kiwi in perpetuity while allowing the species to grow naturally in a wild setting. The programme ensures that the work being done by others to create safe habitat for kiwi is maximised. It is a cost-effective way to boost the kiwi population compared with other more hands-on methods like Operation Nest Egg.

“While birds are removed from the maunga, the founder population along with their offspring will continue to breed,” said Impey. “This means there will always be a ready-made kiwi population that can be gifted to other parts of the western region that have implemented stringent predator control. This allows us to greatly accelerate the growth of kiwi to abundance.

“Two kiwi living on 1,000 hectares of land would take forever to breed and grow into a sizeable and sustainable population. Being able to gift large numbers of kiwi at once means that locally extinct populations can be almost instantly restored. The effort to protect those 1,000 hectares for two kiwi is the same if there were hundreds, so why not ensure there are hundreds?”

The kiwi population on Tongariro National Park is managed in part by the Department of Conservation. Habitat is maintained and kept safe by extensive trapping on the ground and three-yearly toxin drops.

While this release from Maungatautari to Tongariro signals a great result for western brown kiwi, kiwi in the east still need a lot of help. Eastern brown kiwi are the least managed and fastest declining of the North Island’s four regional kiwi populations.

“We joke about the job not being done until kiwi are a pest, but for us to reverse the decline all over New Zealand that really is the result we’re looking for,” said Impey.

“Aotearoa used to be home to millions of kiwi and now there are around 68,000. A lot of work needs to be done before kiwi are in the millions again, but we have confidence that one day soon the national kiwi population will shift from a decline into growth mode.”

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Birds of a feather flock together.

Credits & Publish by www.savethekiwi.nz

14/09/2023

Te wiki o Te Reo

KAITIAKITANGA

Heading into the Tongariro National Park for a ladies retreat with nature at its best.

To being prepared & aware of your environment and having the equipment necessary. Leaving no trace.

Respect to protect that will preserve for our future generations.








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13/09/2023

Te wiki o Te Reo

MANAAKITANGA

We ensure our customers experience an enjoyable memorable safe service whilst travelling with us.
We CARE You CARE 🤗

A value that is strongly felt within our community is that of ‘manaakitanga’ — having visitors who spend time here leave feeling like whānau (family).

“It is what we’re brought up to do naturally as Tangata whenua (people of the land) is to care for another person. Whether in greetings or the first acknowledgment you want a person to feel at peace with you. It's everything about hospitality - how we deliver to people what Backyard Tours is about, what we do for our passengers and how we share stories of where we are.” - Gloria, owner operator of Backyard Tours.

Backyard Tours wishes to imprint manuhiri (guests) with positive experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Read their full story here: https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/behind-the-manaakitanga-of-backyard-tours/

19/08/2023

Gather your crew, grab your gear, and BOOK your TRANSPORT with us to the snowy haven that is Mt Ruapehu. 🚗☃️⛷️🏂❄️

Instant online availability
www.backyardtours.com

With the highest snow base in the entire country, Mt. Ruapehu is calling all of you to come and experience the magic firsthand. Whether you're a seasoned skier 🎿, snowboarder 🏂, or sightseeing 👀 or to have a blast on a sled ⛷️🛷 this is the place to be!









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17/08/2023

Backyard Tours Turangi Tongariro to Whakapapa Ski fields 🏂☃️❄️
See online for all transport information ⛄⛷️❄️☃️









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16/08/2023

Nga mihi whanau ⛄❄️

11/08/2023

Whakapapa Ski fields transport ❄️⛄⛷️🏂

Book online and SAVE $$
www.backyardtours.com

'Promo Code'
BYT$5$OFF
(limited time only).









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02/08/2023

Please be careful on the roads 🙏

02/08/2023

Winter is here please keep warm and safe travels out there on the roads people ☃️❄️

Road Closure: SH 1 Rangipo to Waiouru (Desert Road)

Snow
Due to snow conditions, State Highway 1 is closed between Rangipo and Waiouru. Plan your journey accordingly, allowing extra time for travel.

Detour route

For northbound traffic turn left onto SH49, right onto SH4, right onto SH47, right onto SH46 and then left back onto SH1. Reverse for southbound. Please note, this detour will add at least 40 minutes to your journey time.

Start: 2 Aug 2023 5:35pm
Expected resolution: Until further notice

Last updated: 2 Aug 2023 6:14pm

02/08/2023

A lot more SNOW falling ❄️

Check out our website for instant online booking availability ☃️

Plan ahead for your transport to Whakapapa ski fields either from Turangi or National Park Village 'Park n Ride'. ⛄

Don't miss out or be disappointed - Book with us www.backyardtours.com











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01/08/2023

: shared post -

🚘Driver Licence Subsidy for Owners and Beneficiaries🚘

Kia ora whānau,

If you have recently sat your restricted, full or H/T licence test and been successful, then you may be eligible to receive a full refund of the fee you paid to obtain your licence.

APPLICATIONS
Please download the following link for the Driver Licence Subsidy application form:https://www.ltft.co.nz/app/uploads/2023-Driver-Licence-Subsidy-Application-Form.pdf

VALUE
Full refund of the licence fee.

ELIGIBILITY
• Registered beneficial owner or beneficiary of the Lake Taupō Forest Trust
• Provide proof of your successful driver licencing result
• A subsidy can only be obtained for one per licence stage (restricted, full or H/T)
• You will not be eligible if you have already obtained a refund or subsidy from another entity.

For further enquiries, contact our office on 07 386 8839 or email [email protected]

Ngā mihi

21/07/2023

Karanga mai e te whanau whanui o Ngati Tuwharetoa

Nau mai haere mai!

If your passion aligns with providing opportunities to manuhiri who visit our rohe, we invite you to attend a wananga with maori tourism operators to grow our Tuwharetoa tourism maara.

This phase of Matariki opens the path for knowledge sharing and new beginnings.

RSVP to [email protected]

09/07/2023

We Brendan & Gloria transport owner operators of Backyard Tours are Proud and Privileged to now have our NEW LOGO branding. We LOVE it and hope you will too.

Massive acknowledgements to New Zealand Maori Tourism & Ryze Limited for the Support, Concept and Design.









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30/07/2022

Whakapapa ski fields ❄️

Being prepared & Aware of the weather conditions. ☃️

Enjoying family & friends time with the snow 🌨️

Live online instant booking availability -

www.backyardtours.com

30/07/2022

09/07/2022

Transport to Whakapapa ski fields ☃️
Check out our website for live availability or contact us and leave a message for availability confirmation 👍

www.backyardtours.com

04/07/2022

Great time to enjoy the snow with the whanau at Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa ski fields ❄️☃️🏂⛷️

04/07/2022

Great time to enjoy the snow with the whanau at Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa ski fields ⛷️🏂☃️❄️🏔️

06/06/2022

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION:

Winter is upon us and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hazardous Weather Advisory has wrapped up for the Summer walking season.

It will restart at the beginning of the Great Walk season in late October.



Winter conditions – snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures – are now present on the track and DOC’s visitor information reflects this. In your exchanges with the public, please reinforce that alpine skills, equipment, and experience are essential to undertake the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the winter months.


To hike the track visitors need to:

know how to navigate if cloud or snow covers the marker poles and you cannot see them
know where avalanches are a risk and be able to rescue someone if an avalanche occurs
have the equipment and skills to prevent a slide on icy terrain
have the clothing for sub-zero temperatures and be able to survive if the weather gets worse.


Visitors that can’t confidently do the above should go with a guide or choose a different track.



All the best for the winter season.