New Zealand 3 week vacation, self drive

Planet

We are committed to Responsible Tourism through policies and practices which cover all aspects of our business, ensuring that all our vacations are undertaken in a way which is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. Responsible Tourism remains at the very core of everything we do as a tour operator.

Through our New Zealand partner operator, we are a Qualmark accredited business and a member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand. This means we have been independently reviewed and deemed to operate in an ethical and environmentally sustainable way.

CARBON REDUCTION

Your itinerary includes a mix of car, train - the famours Tranz Alpine from Christchurch to Greymouth and opportunities to walk and cycle routes that are outlined in our options guide .

We work closely with local suppliers who are recognised for their sustainable tourism practices and are assessed under New Zealand’s Qualmark quality assurance scheme under the Enviro Award criteria. Our main transport provider has one of the highest Enviro Awards ratings in the country.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We feel strongly that all our vacations should benefit the local communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. We tread lightly – low volume, low impact vacations are the best way of preserving New Zealand’s beautiful natural heritage through Tongariro National Park on North Island and in Abel Tasman, Westland , Fiordland and Mount Cook National Parks which are encompassed on your jouney through the South Island .

For every booking taken we make a donation on our traveler's behalf to New Zealand’s unique Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust Project which aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and improve the visitor experience in Abel Tasman National Park. It is a Charitable Trust, formed in 2007 and registered with the NZ Charities Commission, and the Inland Revenue Department as a charity. It is separate from the Department of Conservation and commercial tourism operators in the Park, but will work closely with them and the local community, on local projects for local benefits.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All of our itineraries, whether tailor made or small group, are strongly focused on ensuring support for local communities and educating our travelers on the importance of responsible travel.On this trip you will be staying in Bed and breakfasts such as Teichlemann's in Hokitika , Criffel Peak in Wanaka , Queenstown House in Queenstown and Classic Villa in the heart of Christchurch Local accommodations run by local people .

Our restaurant guide features smaller local establishments both in the communities where you will stay and also en route to your destination . Some examples includeThe Woolshed in in Sanson,The Strawberry Tree in Kaikoura and No 7 Balmac in Dunedin . These eating places are reknown for their use of local produce and innovative menus .

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Monies from your attendance at the Maori Hangi in Rotorua go directly to The Tamaki Maori group who sponsor children's education in the Maori language and the development of Maori craftmanship.

All the guides you will encounter on this trip are local to their region and are experts in their chosen field - be that historical, natural or geological.