New Zealand small group tour, Auckland to Christchurch

Planet

We are committed to operating environmentally sustainable tours. By nature small group touring using one vehicle to transport multiple clients is more environmentally friendly than usual modes of travel including rental car or campervan. We have monitoring systems in place to ensure our vehicles are serviced and driven in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines making the running of the fleet as efficient as possible.

On this tour we visit the heritage listed buildings and grounds of the Waitangi Treaty House contributing to their preservation. A local guide from the small community of Omapere will also help us explore the Hokianga harbour and sand dunes; and other local guides - one from the Department of Conservation - will help us explore the ancient geothermal wonderland at Wai-O-Tapu and Okarito Lagoon. They know the area and so are the best to advise on environmental issues and how to travel responsibly through the area.

We are a Qualmark Approved Visitor Service which means we have been independently reviewed and deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way. Wherever possible we select suppliers that are also Qualmark approved and therefore deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way.

We pay an annual licence and have official accreditation to operate on Department of Conservation land which demonstrates our commitment to the environment and sustainability. Payment of the license fee funds the protection of New Zealand’s national parks.

People

We are a sponsor of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. From Morepork chicks to one-legged kiwi birds and talking tuis, the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre works tirelessly to provide help, treatment and rehabilitation for ill and injured native New Zealand birds. This award-winning centre cares for over 1,200 birds per year and is part of the Department of Conservation's kiwi recovery program. We are proud to be a contributor to the conservation of New Zealand's native bird population, helping to ensure that our rare wildlife will be around for generations to come. Many of our favourite tours such as the Kea, Kaka and Kakapo are named after our native birds.

Maori culture and customs are an integral part of the tour experience. All of the below experiences are inclusions on our tours. As these activities are owned and operated by indigenous Maori Iwi (Tribes) there are economic benefits for these communities.

Footprints Waipoua - we learn how Kauri trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest.

Kawiti Glowworm Caves - Traditional Maori owners act as living links to the past and make history come alive with their rich local knowledge.

We also where possible visit local craftsmen, markets and restaurants further helping to support the local community.