RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN NEW ZEALAND
Our New Zealand Holidays
New Zealand small group tour, 23 days
Small Group Tour - North and South Island of New Zealand
New Zealands Subantarctic Islands cruise
Wildlife voyage to the Subantarctic inc Macquarie Island
New Zealand 12 day small group tour
Kiwi 12 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
New Zealand 21 day small group tour
21 day small group tour of New Zealand
New Zealand holiday, land and sea tour
Visit towering volcanic cones to broad sandy beaches
New Zealand 17 day small group tour
Kaka 17 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
New Zealand small group tour, 16 days
Kakariki 16 Day Small Group Tour of New Zealand
New Zealand self drive holidays
Spectacular scenery and dynamic culture
New Zealand holiday, small group
Combining the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands.
South Island self drive tour in New Zealand
Self-drive to the tip of the South Island’s Fjordlands
New Zealand self drive tour, 23 days
The grand tour of New Zealand’s North & South Islands by car
New Zealand South Island self drive tour, Lakes & Alps
Freedom to explore South Island's glaciers & lakes by road
North Island self drive tour in New Zealand
8 day self-drive tour of the North Island
Antarctica and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands Wildlife Cruise
Travel from New Zealand on the ultimate Antarctic voyage.
New Zealand trekking holiday
Explore New Zealand's incredible landscapes
New Zealand conservation volunteering
Enjoy helping with conservation in beautiful New Zealand
New Zealand culture & trekking self drive tour
North Island Wilderness & Volcano Adventure Trekking Tour
Nature tour in New Zealand
Journey through the heart of New Zealand
New Zealand cultural holiday
Experience the scenery and culture of New Zealand.
New Zealand South Island self drive tour
Discover New Zealand's off the beaten track destinations
New Zealand adventure holiday
An active adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud
New Years holiday in Queenstown, NZ
New Years Eve in the South Island of New Zealand
Ross Sea Antarctic Islands cruise from New Zealand
A unique and exciting adventure to the end of the world!
New Zealand bird watching tour
New Zealand is a paradise for bird lovers
Tailor made tour of New Zealand
27 day North and South Island holiday in New Zealand
New Zealand North Island self drive tour
Freedom and flexibility to explore the North Island
New Zealand tour, private departure
Explore beautiful charming New Zealand
New Zealand Christmas tour in Taranaki region
Christmas in Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand
New Zealand rhododendron tour
Taranaki Rhododendron Gardens 6 Day Small Group Escapes Tour
New Zealand North Island gardens tour
Country Roads & Cross Hills Gardens Fair 7 Day Small Group
People & Culture
Keeping Maori traditions alive
Maori culture is embedded in New Zealand and although European influence has played a significant part in contemporary lifestyles, the bond with the past remains strong. Schemes are in place to encourage the teaching and practice of Maori language whilst sacred places (marae) continue to be honoured in traditional ceremonies as well as teaching younger generations about values and lessons from the founding fathers. Visiting sites that are poignant to Maori people, such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hokianga Harbour and Mokoia Island on Lake Rotorua, lets travellers learn as they explore and there are several organisations dedicated to preserving traditional tribal culture and educating visitors on the importance of keeping the past alive.Most Maori people that you’ll meet in New Zealand will consider English their first language; however, attend a traditional tribal ceremony and the songs, chants and incantations bring alive the words that have been passed down through the generations. The haka is one of the world’s most iconic tribal dances and although it may come across as slightly gimmicky this is still an extremely important part of Maori ceremony and is not to be interrupted mid-flow for fear of grave reprisals for the tribe.
Pay attention when attending a traditional Maori ceremony as there are often strict rules associated with continuity and structure, especially where chanting is involved. Research Maori history and travel with a tour operator that is dedicated to preserving cultural traditions. Support Maori communities and ask questions related to traditional and contemporary lifestyles by visiting sacred sites with a knowledgeable guide. Attend a demonstration of traditional weaving and carving skills or witness an authentic cultural performance before sitting down to a traditional hangi on the beach.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENT
Watch whales and dolphins responsibly
In the main, dolphin watching in New Zealand has developed into a sustainable and responsible form of income that allows travellers to get closer to one of the world’s most enigmatic animals without damaging their natural behaviour patterns or the environment. All legitimate dolphin and whale watching tour operators require a commercial marine mammal viewing permit supplied by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation with waters around Kaikoura limited to just one permit per tour operator. Restricting the speed of dolphin watching tour boats and the distance that boats get to a pod is essential for minimising the impact on New Zealand’s cetacean population and not touching or feeding dolphins are also extremely important when it comes to maintaining natural behaviours. Endangered species that are endemic to New Zealand include Hector’s dolphins (a subspecies of South Island) and Maui’s dolphins (a subspecies of North Island) of which there are fewer than 50 remaining. Protection levels are in place but are woefully insufficient with only four nautical miles coming under the jurisdiction of Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary, even though these endangered dolphins are known to roam up to 20 nautical miles offshore.Responsible Travel will only recommend tour operators that adhere to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation commercial guidelines. Doing your research and seeing which tour operators are recommended by established conservation groups and educational advisors is another way that you can ensure that you’re going to be watching dolphins responsibly. Also, find out if tour operators are linked to conservation groups or contribute to research initiatives or take affirmative action when it comes to outing bad practices and irresponsible behaviour.
Don't expect the easter bunny
From cats and dogs to wasps and wallabies, the list of invasive animal species that have been deliberately or accidentally introduced to New Zealand shows no sign of being completed any time soon. Even New Zealand’s most iconic and profitable imported emblem, the sheep, has been responsible for widespread deforestation due to farming, and there are many other species that have been detrimental to the indigenous flora and fauna. Rabbits, possums and hares, in particular, are considered much more than just ‘pesky’ and an annual cull every Easter finds hunters meeting across the Otago region to shoot the heck out of anything that moves, including stoats, weasels and ferrets which were, ironically, introduced in the 1880s to reduce rabbit numbers. Farmers and land owners point to soil erosion, crop destruction and disease spreading as reasons why the event should take place and go on to say that shooting is a far more humane way of keeping population growth under control. While we understand the need to keep farmland free from pests and rodents, the idea that shooting manages population growth seems rather naïve. This event has turned into a competition rather than organised pest control with dead animals displayed as trophies while numerous are left injured or dying before being thrown into a pit rather than – at the very least – being used for dog meat or fertiliser.What you can do
It’s definitely worthwhile avoiding the Otago region on Good Friday unless you want to wake up to the sound of buck shot and witness a cull that has turned into a gun lovers’ day out rather than anything vaguely resembling responsible farming. Unfortunately, New Zealand animal welfare groups, such as SAFE, appear to be in the minority; however, you can still voice your opinion or find out more about a subject that has become a lot more ego than eco.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM TIPS
“At the moment we have an issue involving ‘freedom camping’, i.e. renting a camper van or pitching a tent away from a designated site. Many of the cheaper camper vans are not self contained with no toilet on board leading to predictable results at car parks and scenic stops – there has been a backlash with some regions banning freedom camping. Hire a van with proper facilities or make sure you dispose of all your waste responsibly in order to keep New Zealand the way you found it."