New Zealand North Island self drive tour

Planet

New Zealand is a very environmentally friendly country and most of the properties we have selected are excelling in their environmental efforts, conscious of having as little impact on the environment as possible. One example is Kuaotunu Bay Lodge, which has replanted the farmland extensively with native trees to restore nature, birds and wildlife in the area. The house has energy efficient lighting and an energy efficient boiler using wood from their own site to supply underfloor heating to all rooms and the water heating for the guest rooms without the use of electricity. Rain water is collected and filtered so it can be safely and efficiently used by the guests. And the property has a 3 stage waste water system which reuses grey water for watering the garden around the garden.

Another property featured in this itinerary, Waipoua Lodge, has achieved a Qualmark Silver Award and a Sustainable Tourism NZ Committed Award, to establish that they operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way. The property also makes and sells handmade Artisan Bath & Body products which are used at the lodge for guests. These environmentally friendly artisan soaps use sustainably sourced oils and natural ingredients, promoting natural bar soap as a way to reduce plastic and be chemical free.

New Zealand is abundant with beautiful National Parks which are protected to preserve native wildlife and plant species. The Department of Conservation manages the largest areas of these, running programmes to restore species and heritage, and provide opportunities for people to engage with nature. They also manage threats to places and species, including fire, biosecurity and climate change. This tour takes you to a few DOC sites such as Waipoua Forest and Arataki Visitor Information Centre situated in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

The Department of Conservation offers education on environmental issues and how to travel responsibly. We urge our clients to follow their guidelines for the protection of New Zealand’s national parks, wildlife and marine mammals. Through DOC we can offer a wealth of information including maps, policies, alerts, weather, track information, safety outdoors, litter guidelines, wildlife protection, and care codes. And any money for entrance fees and DOC guides mean we are supporting the ongoing conservation efforts on research and development ideas, and summer scholarship projects, and native species-specific protection programmes.

For our part in the UK, we are a small, independent family run business with our office in our home, so avoid commuting fuel consumption. And our main vehicle is a hybrid car. We are actively reducing the waste we produce. All printer cartridges and paper is recycled, we recycle and where possible reuse plastic, and use composting methods for waste.

This self-drive itinerary uses is with a Hybrid car, and the hire car company is a carbonZero certified business and uses its credits to support the Hinewai Reserve – an ecological restoration project in the Banks Peninsula.

Most of the properties we feature are excelling in efforts to reduce carbon emissions through minimising energy consumption through energy efficient housing, using sustainable materials, solar power and rainwater collecting and water conservation initiatives. Also through zero waste management and composting, and recycling and reducing plastic use.

People

New Zealand is pioneering in recognising its native people and traditions and the Maori cultural heritage is an integral part of New Zealand. We want to give you the chance to experience it first-hand with visits to craft markets, Maori cultural performances and a traditional hangi feast, giving economic benefits to the community.

In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the Crown was signed guaranteeing Maori full possession of their land. We want to recognise the importance of this treaty and show the history of the Maori people on our tours, where possible offering our clients the opportunity to learn about the spiritual heritage of the people, such as visiting the heritage listed buildings and grounds of the Waitangi Treaty House in the Bay of Islands, taking part in Maori cultural performances and a traditional hangi in Rotorua, learning about the Maori carvings in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, or the deep spiritual respect the Maori’s hold for places like Waipoua Forest.

There is no better way to learn about the area and community than through the people, and New Zealand excels in small, family-run bed and breakfasts and farm accommodations with eco-friendly outlooks. So you can feel the warmth of the Kiwi people as they open their homes and share their passion for their homeland.

We recognise the importance of supporting local cultures through tourism, and are proud to use local companies on the ground which give jobs to people in the area, maintaining the heritage and localised knowledge, as well as supporting families. By using locally owned and operated accommodation, local expert guides, and local producers we can ensure this happens. We also support the Department of Conservation National Parks which provide employment across the country in conservation, research and tourism.