Protecting and enhancing Ōwhango

Our group’s mission is to protect and enhance the environment of the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve, Whakapapa River and Ōwhango village for the benefit of the endemic and native flora and fauna and the enjoyment of locals and visitors.

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Latest News

  • World Rivers Day, 28 September 2025

    World Rivers Day, 28 September 2025

    Ōwhango Alive to Celebrate World Rivers Day with Planting and Guest Talk 28 Sept. Ōwhango Alive is inviting the community to take part in World Rivers Day on Sunday 28 September, with a morning of tree planting and a special guest speaker.… “read more

  • Owhango Alive Newsletter – Spring 2025

    Owhango Alive Newsletter – Spring 2025

    Ōwhango Alive Newsletter – Spring 2025 Ōwhango Alive’s Spring 2025 newsletter celebrates another strong season of community conservation in the King Country. Volunteers gave more than 2,100 hours to protect native biodiversity. They carried out predator control, swapped and repaired… “read more

  • New Native Tree Species Signs

    New Native Tree Species Signs

    Ōwhango Alive is proud to announce the arrival of our new native tree signs. Volunteers have installed four signs beside their trees, celebrating some of the iconic species in our ngahere (forest). Tī Kōuka (Cabbage Tree) – one of Aotearoa’s… “read more

Our Community

What we do

learn a little more about our backyard

Our Journey

Ōwhango Alive was formed in 2011 by a group of local residents concerned about the lack of birdlife in the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve. It is now an Incorporated Society. All donations are tax deductible

Discover Ohinetonga

IOhinetonga Scenic Reserve is on the boundary of Tongariro Forest Park which is one of five national kiwi sanctuaries. The reserve itself is home to native birds including the threatened whio (blue duck) and weweia (dabchick), as well as popokatea (whitehead), toutouwai (North Island robin) and kereru (NZ pigeon) and many more.

Join Us

#Volunteering with Ōwhango Alive and in the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve is a powerful way to give back to the environment, enhance personal well-being, and contribute to the sustainability of a treasured natural space. It’s a fulfilling experience that combines community service, outdoor adventure, and conservation impact.

More Info

We hold regular Ōwhango Alive meetings and working bees. If you would like to find out more about what we do, how to become a volunteer or how to sponsor a trap, contact us. Details in footer below.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always looking for volunteers to help us on a casual or permanent basis – check out the opportunities here

Pick Me!

“Quiet, calm and completely protected by huge trees, this is a particularly beautiful spot.”

Peter Janssen

RNZ, Best Loop Walks

“Stoked that we have confirmed rare long-tailed bats in the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve.”

Sally Lashmar

Founder, Owhango Alive