Environment

Conservation:
We are involved in conservation efforts for the Black Stilt (or Kaki in Maori ) which is one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds. We donate to the Department of Conservation who run the Kaki recovery programme near the town of Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin. Here the birds are bred and rehabilitated in to the wild after a number of months. Our entry into National Parks such as Tongariro, Mt. Aspiring, Mt. Cook and Abel Tasman also contribute to the upkeep of these incredibly beautiful places and the wildlife which inhabits them.

Carbon Emissions:
CarboNZero was established by Landcare Research to assist companies to identify, minimise and offset their carbon footprint. In 2001 our local operator led the way, becoming the first New Zealand company to achieve Green Globe’s certification process and to subscribe to the Carbon Offset EBEX21. An equivalent land value is identified for the area of land required enabling regeneration of vegetation to act as a ‘carbon soak’. Our local operator paid a sum on money to the QEII Trust to allow them to support landowners seeking finance to fence off and retire land to allow natural regeneration.

UK Office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK Offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

Community

Community:
Although this trip is largely nature based, we are keen to integrate history and culture of the indigenous Maori community. In Rotoura we visit a Maori bathhouse and museum which helps clients to understand the history of the region. Afterwards we go to the Marae (ceremonial ground) where our Maori hosts welcome us and induct us into some of their customs before delivering a traditional concert and hangi (traditional meal). This is all operated by the local Iwi, who distribute all earnings amongst their community.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.