According to the annual Sustainable Travel Report by booking.com, nearly three-quarters of holidaymakers consider sustainability an important aspect of travel. This year, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) updated their 2017 pledge, the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment, from an eight to a 12-point plan to encourage Kiwi companies around the country to adopt greater environmental practices.
“Now, more than ever, we need to act to become sustainable—as businesses, as an industry, as a country,” says Chris Roberts, chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA). “We have made good progress in recent years and now is the time to redouble our efforts.”
More than 1,400 firms have now signed up for TIA membership, promising to adopt philosophies like reducing carbon and waste, promoting New Zealand culture and working with local communities and supply chains. “The only way the industry as a whole can be sustainable, is if all operators are sustainable themselves,” says Roberts. “It has to be a bottom-up approach.”
Earlier this year, Air New Zealand also lent its weight to Aotearoa’s collective push towards greater sustainability by promoting Qualmark-approved tours and activities. “Sustainability is a journey and the important thing is to get started and make progress,” Roberts says. “But we firmly believe that through our individual actions, collectively New Zealand can lead the world in sustainable tourism.”
Verve takes a look at some Kiwi companies looking to uphold the sacred concept of kaitiakitanga…
Kayak Kaikōura, Kaikōura
Paddle one of Aotearoa’s most magical coastlines with Kayak Kaikōura, a sea kayak company that supports both the Kaikōura Ocean Research Institute and the Huttons Shearwater Charitable Trust, and was the first sustainable dolphin and whale operator in New Zealand to sign up as a Friend of the Sea. A selection of guided tours—including a sunset option—enables interactions with fur seals, dusky dolphins and kororā (blue penguin).
Split Apple Retreat, Kaiteriteri
Positioned near the doorstep to Abel Tasman National Park, Split Apple Retreat has been described by Condé Nast Traveler as “surely one of the most serene and restful places to stay in the entire hemisphere”. Little wonder it has such praise, the luxurious wellness retreat offers suites with sweeping views of the sea, bush and mountains. There’s a saltwater infinity pool, on-site spa and yoga studio, with all rubbish recycled or composted and all water supplied by the sky. What’s more, every reservation sees the retreat donate to the Abel Tasman Tree Collective, a non-profit tree-planting project on protected land.
EcoZip, Auckland
Not only do you get to experience Aotearoa’s ancient forest with EcoZip Adventures, but you help to preserve them too. The Qualmark Gold-winning Waiheke Island operator is set among a designated Site of Environmental Significance that comprises impressive podocarp trees that shelter a plethora of native birds, skinks, eels, weta and glow worms; all explored via three 200-plus metre ziplines and a nature walk. For an extra four bucks visitors may also offset their ferry and vehicle emissions used getting there, with a tree planted on your behalf in partnership with the Waiheke Resources Trust.
Camp Glenorchy, Glenorchy
Aotearoa’s only net positive energy accommodation (it generates 105 percent of its annual energy), Camp Glenorchy has also been recognised by Time magazine as one of the world’s must-see stays. Founded in 2018, Camp Glenorchy was built in keeping with the Living Building Challenge standards—among the strictest on the planet—its luxurious eco structures, built using natural and recycled materials and positioned to harness sun and wind power, feature the likes of walk-in rainwater showers. Its surrounded by native gardens and hosts regular yoga classes and eco-tours.
The Hotel Britomart, Auckland
Due to open this month, Auckland’s gorgeous The Hotel Britomart is the nation’s first 5 Green Star Hotel, certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council (and part of a wider local sustainability project). Its handsome hand-made brick exterior houses 99 timber-clad retreat-like rooms replete with water- and city views and decked out with the likes of organic bathroom products and cotton linen and locally crafted artworks.
Lochmara Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound
Accessed only by boat from Picton, and overlooking Marlborough’s most famous sound, Lochmara Lodge boasts its own beach and underwater observatory. Recognised by the Department of Conservation for its eco-credentials, the lodge houses a recovery centre “dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and the education, protection and enhancement” of the local environment, recycles biofuel, composts and uses rainwater. They also have an onsite gallery that showcases local artists’ works.
Out on a Lim, Wairoa
A farm-based set-up in the northern reaches of Hawke’s Bay, Out on a Lim is billed as “where adventure finds you”, and it’s not just one adventure that awaits. Guided horse treks take guests across a windswept beach, wetlands and past eel-filled Wairau Lake—where you may also partake in eeling. There are opportunities to fish from the nearby black sand beach of Iwitea, try your hand at shearing on the farm and channel your inner cowboy (or girl) herding cattle on horseback. When you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on a hāngi.
Little Green Tours
This lovely firm takes all the hassle—and pollution—from your North Island trip thanks to its fleet of electric vehicles. With a focus on the natural elements of whenua (earth), hou (air), ahi (fire) and wai (water), Little Green Tours ferry guests to iconic locations like Tongariro National Park and Waitomo Caves in the luxurious Hyundai Ioniq Elite replete with leather seats and climate control air conditioning. The first-of-its-kind Kiwi company designs bespoke trips primarily for solo travellers and couples.
