New Zealand self drive tour

Planet

As with all of our luxury vacations, this itinerary has been crafted to ensure that it positively effects the local communities and environments visited.

During wildlife encounters in New Zealand, please do not get too close to animals or depart from the usual track. You should be as quiet as possible and do not make any noises to attract or frighten the wildlife. Of course you’ll be excited if you spot a seal or a kiwi, but you should try to express your excitement quietly.

In New Zealand's rural environments, please ensure that you don’t leave any litter – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife.

The whale and dolphin watching excursions by boat and air are provided by responsible local companies who hold a Department of Conservation SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) permit, as we can ensure that these local companies are committed to the conservation of New Zealand’s marine mammals.

This tour includes an eco-friendly dolphin encounter, where you swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. This activity is guided by local experts, who will ensure that it’s a positive and playful experience for the dolphins.

People

All the local guides referred to in this itinerary are paid a fair wage, we only recommend accommodation options with responsible initiatives. We believe that using local guides (rather than UK-based guides) is important, as it helps generate local incomes and creates jobs, plus it offers a more authentic travel experience.

We recommend independent local hotels, lodges, guesthouses and campsites, rather than international chain hotels, which helps support local communities and allows you to experience true Kiwi hospitality. For example, the locally-owned eco-friendly retreat of Lochmara Lodge has a number of wildlife recovery programmes and an on-site cafe and restaurant featuring home-grown local produce.

This itinerary offers the opportunity to visit historical sites, including Maori cultural sites, such as the rock carvings at Lake Taupo. As a responsible tourist, we urge you to treat these sites with respect and we encourage you to do some research into Maori traditions and the heritage of New Zealand’s first inhabitants before you travel.