New Zealand marine conservation research
How this vacation makes a difference
Environment
We are committed to implementing the principles of ecotourism. This means we have an ecological focus, take an educational approach and employ environmentally sustainable technology and practices. We aim to leave our clients with an appreciation of the fragile and precious ecology of the coastal environment and inspire them to make a difference.
The main purpose of our expeditions is to study and assess the health of the coastal ecology of Farewell Spit and the research is authorised under a specific Concession and Research Permit issued by the Department of Conservation.
Our clients are participants in a long-term scientific project the data from which is analysed and shared with the Department of Conservation, local iwi and other interested parties.
The accommodation is based close to the base of the spit and has been designed for sustainable living: All water used is harvested on site; consumption is minimised through the use of a composting toilet and electricity is supplied through solar power. Plastic, paper, cardboard and suitable metal waste is collected for recycling.
We have assumed responsibility for local predator control to help conserve Sooty Shearwater colonies in the area through a trapping programme which is carried out on a voluntary basis on behalf of the Department of Conservation.
We are working with a partner company, based in Golden Bay, to offer carbon credits to our clients in order to offset the environmental impacts of their air travel. These credits are certified credits from reforestation projects based in Southland, New Zealand.
Community
We have made a commitment to donate 5% of the income from clients to the Department of Conservation to help with the financing of their valuable conservation work. We also support a range of other groups engaged with environmental advocacy or education and our organisation is a corporate member of Forest & Bird Protection Society and Education Outdoors New Zealand.
We try to keep our organisation and activities embedded in the local community and, where possible, we employ people from the area as researchers, guides and tradesmen. We use and recommend our nearby cafes and proudly promote local attractions such as Cape Farewell Horse Treks and Farewell Spit Eco Tours. We ensure that, as far as is practically possible, food and materials consumed at our Puponga base are locally sourced, with a large proportion of fruit and vegetables being grown on site in our own organic vege beds.
Our research project received the support of the local iwi, Manawhenua Ki Mohua and we ensure that they are kept fully informed and regularly consulted about developments in our operations. Their representatives are welcome at any time to visit the project to engage in research activities and to review progress with the study.
Parties of students from the schools in the Golden Bay area are welcome to visit for educational trips and to participate in the project.
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