Canopy Conservation Trust
Tourism restoring nature
The Canopy Conservation project is committed to transforming the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve into a pest-free environment.
In 2012 the spectacular native forest Rotorua Canopy Tours operate in was silent. It had been overrun by possums, rats and stoats which had killed almost every bird in the area and decimated the surrounding eco-system.
Rotorua Canopy Tours began restoring this pristine environment so our native bird chorus could return. We have spent over $250,000 so far and created a 35km trapping network using world-leading technology to successfully remove thousands of introduced pests.
This forest is now thriving – the birds have returned along with other rare, previously undiscovered, species.
The Canopy Conservation Trust is a charitable trust and a joint initiative between Rotorua Canopy Tours and the Department of Conservation. Together we’ll continue to eradicate pests from this slice of pristine forest and help restore the natural eco-system to its former glory.
Canopy conservation project timeline
Conservation Project Stories and News
Two new species discovered in Rotorua forest following trapping efforts
13 Oct, 2021 – Experts have confirmed Rotorua’s Dansey Road Scenic Reserve is now home to two undescribed species. Read more.
long-tailed cuckoo makes long-awaited return
13 Jan, 2020 – A large native bird with very particular nesting habits has begun returning to Dansey Scenic Reserve. Read more.
Nothing to be blue about
9 May, 2019 – Werewere-kōkako mushrooms spotted in Rotorua scenic reserve. Read more.
Want to become part of our conservation journey?
Since 2012 every guest that comes on a Canopy Tour contributes to our conservation projects as a portion of the ticket price goes back into the forest restoration.
The forest is flourishing, and the transformation of the native eco-system has been incredible!
If you would like to donate to the Canopy Conservation Trust, we would love to hear from you.