Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
This trip is designed for those who enjoy walking/hiking, water sports (kayaking/rafting) and exploring the cultural diversity and natural beauty of the North and South islands of New Zealand. We travel in small, intimate groups (maximum of 15 passengers) and have the benefit of a professionally trained local guide who knows the best places- the national parks, cultural centres and wilderness areas to respectfully observe wildlife, to enjoy fun, adventurous activities and appreciate the flavours of the local culture.
The tours are accommodated in hostels and lodges which are well equipped, comfortable and friendly. The group prepares most of the daily meals in the kitchen facilities and the different nationalities enjoy making something traditional from their home country. Some days we go out and sample the local cuisine in restaurants. Throughout the trip we utilize established local suppliers for activities en route that help support local business and keep money in the community.
We have over 15 years of experience operating small-group adventure tours that foster understanding, appreciation and conservation of the cultures and environments we visit. We are committed to working with our clients and the peoples of our host destinations to ensure direct economic benefits at a community level. During the trip, we visit several Maori owned and run businesses where our clients are treated to a traditional welcome and hospitality. We aim to operate beyond best practice guidelines and to provide a tour programme that creates a positive impact on the lands and people that we visit and a lasting impression for those who travel with us.
We achieve this by implementing the following methods:
- Working with Local Guides- The tour is led by one of our fully trained local guides. Prior to leading our groups, guides must successfully complete our pre-season intensive training programme which lasts approximately 4 weeks. During this time we support the guides with accommodation, activities and supplemental salary.
- Local Arrangements- We utilize private vehicle and local suppliers for accommodation and activities throughout to ensure the economic benefit stays in the local community. This includes working with local operators and lodging in locally owned lodges whenever possible.
- This is a lodging based tour and although the group generally prepares their own meal, when we go out we endeavour to eat our meals in locally owned, family run restaurants which supports local business, as well as allows passengers to experience local flavour and mix with local people.
- National Park Visits- On this tour, we include visits to all national parks listed in the itinerary. Our visits support park up keep and conservation projects, and we encourage our clients to visit the visitor centres for additional information about the region.
- Educating Travellers- Our published traveller’s code of conduct is further promoted by our leaders throughout the tour, and particularly in the first night’s orientation talk.
- Recycling- Established policy to support recycling (and to educate our clients on recycling) on all of our tours. We aim to utilize properties that recycle glass and plastics.
- “Leave No Trace”- Leave No Trace is a national and international campaign designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts about how to reduce their impacts when enjoying the outdoors. Because this trip spends much time exploring the National Parks and "wilderness" areas, familiarizing clients with the "Leave No Trace" ethic will help minimize the impact on the natural environment.
- Carbon Off-Setting- We partner with Climate Care to encourage clients to off-set domestic/international flights. We are committed to off-set vehicles’ emissions and as such, we match client contributions up to £5,000 per year
- Office Based Energy- 100% of our UK corporate headquarters’ power is green (renewable)
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
