Our Promise
MOUNT TARAWERA
Volcanic Air demonstrates tikanga Māori values through several aspects of its operations, particularly in how it engages with the land (whenua), the people (tāngata), and the stories (kōrero) that define Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural landscape. Here’s a breakdown of how key Māori values are upheld:
Kaitiakitanga
(Guardianship of the land and environment)
Traditionally, Māori believe there is a deep kinship between humans and the natural world. This connection is expressed through kaitiakitanga – a way of managing the environment.
Volcanic Air operates in some of New Zealand’s most sacred and ecologically sensitive areas, including Mount Tarawera and geothermal reserves like Orakei Korako. Through responsible tourism practices and conservation awareness, the company promotes protection of these taonga (treasures), ensuring they remain pristine for future generations. Read about our Conservation Values working towards the eradication of invasive species on Mount Tarawera.
Tours often include kōrero about volcanic history, geothermal activity, and ecological significance, connecting visitors to the natural environment in a respectful and educational way.
Manaakitanga
(Hospitality and care for others)
Manaakitanga, a core Māori value, translates to hospitality, kindness, generosity, and support. It encompasses showing respect, caring for others, and creating a welcoming environment for guests and community members. This includes looking after people’s needs, ensuring their well-being, and fostering strong relationships.
The team goes above and beyond to offer warm, welcoming, and thoughtful experiences for guests—reflecting the deep Māori tradition of caring for and uplifting others.
This includes personalised storytelling, inclusive practices, and ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of both domestic and international visitors.
Manaakitanga is also extended to whānau (staff and wider community), fostering a culture of respect, education, support, and collaboration.
Whanaungatanga
(Relationships and connectedness)
Whanaungatanga is about relationship, kinship and a sense of family connection. It is created through shared experiences and working together and provides people with a sense of belonging.
Volcanic Air is a tight-knit, family-oriented business that values strong interpersonal relationships.
We collaborate closely with a range of local luxury lodges throughout the Rotorua region, including Huka Lodge, Solitaire Lodge, On The Point – Lake Rotorua, Treetops Lodge & Estate, Kinloch Manor & Villas, Toka Ridge, and others. These relationships allow us to create seamless, meaningful experiences for guests — whether they’re celebrating a special occasion, exploring our landscapes, or discovering the stories of this place.
We are proud to work in partnership with several iwi groups, including Te Arawa Management Limited and the Ruawāhia 2B Trust — guardians of Tarawera Maunga on behalf of Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Whakaue, and other iwi entities. These relationships help guide how we share the stories of this land, ensuring they reflect the values, history, and voices of those with deep ancestral ties to the region.
As well as caring for our environment, visitors and our people, Volcanic Air is also committed to helping support the fundraising efforts of our surrounding and wider communities:
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- Ronald McDonald Family Retreat
- Fire & Emergency NZ
- Tūhourangi Tribal Authority
- Pet Refuge NZ Charitable Trust
- Great Northern Gallop
- Waka Ama World Championships
- EquiSucceed NZ
- Rotoiti Hot Pools Children’s Fishing Competition
- Local School Galas, Sports Teams, and Regional Competitions
- Local businesses
Volcanic Air is a proud member of the Haurere Collective, a group of tourism operators united by a long-term, regenerative approach to tourism in Aotearoa. Together, we promote a vision of tourism that not only sustains, but actively restores and uplifts the environments, communities, and stories we are privileged to share.
As described by the collective, “Haurere is… a collection of visitor experiences bound by genealogy, history, and the natural world, it is a call of welcome.”
Through Haurere, we join with like-minded organisations to shape a future of tourism that respects tikanga Māori, protects our natural taonga, and ensures a meaningful legacy for generations to come.