Whether you prefer to ride or roll a boat, or stroll, some of these experiences are sure to pique your interest. To help our readers keep their footprints small, we’ve put together this collection of visitor experiences that are low carbon by nature – from cycling to walking, sailing to electric vessels.
1. Barefoot Sailing Adventures, Northland
One of the most enjoyable low-emission ways of transportation is sailing, and Barefoot Sailing Adventures is happy to take visitors on board Kopiko, a 10m Tennant Turrissimo catamaran, to see the stunning Bay of Islands. This family-run charter company, based in Paihia, has Gold Qualmark status and is dedicated to including environmental education in its sailing experiences.
Moreover, Project Island Song, a program aimed at reviving the Bay of Islands’ birdlife and biodiversity, is supported by Barefoot Sailing. They provide locally roasted coffee and also buy picnic meals from nearby Russell Bakeries.
All cleaning supplies used on Kopiko are eco-friendly, and for boat maintenance, they utilize Coppercoat, an underwater epoxy resin that doesn’t leach into the water, in place of anti-foul for the hull. Barefoot Sailing also has a “no touch, no take” policy in place to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy it as much as you did. Locals are trained for mana-enhancing professions.
2. Rotorua Rafting and Rotorua Ziplines
Sam Sutton, a professional white-water kayaker who had just won the Extreme Kayak World Championships for the fourth time, made the decision to return to his hometown of Okere Falls and launch his own white-water rafting business there in 2011. At that time, Rotorua Rafting has been ranked as the No. 2 Experience in the World on TripAdvisor. Sam takes visitors on a tour of the magnificent Okere Gorge while educating them about the area’s vital Maori history.
Sam is pleased that by offsetting emissions by 120%, his company is able to claim a climate-positive certification. Sam also launched Rotorua Ziplines, a company focused on reforestation, to further his environmental goals. In its first half-year of operation last year, it planted 17,000 native trees, with a goal of 60,000 by 2024.
3. Hike and Bike Coromandel
When kauri and manuka groves were cut to make space for grassland, the Jeffcoat family lived on their Colville farm. The Jeffcoats have recently concentrated on regeneration by planting over 4000 native trees along the enclosed rivers, which has resulted in a noticeable improvement in birdlife and water quality.
The family also welcomes tourists to the area, assisting them in enjoying the magnificent Coromandel Coastal Path, a 10-kilometer wonder that links Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay. The path has recently changed owing to Cyclone Gabrielle’s effects. However, the Jettcoats and other local families have been working to build a temporary trail while road access is being fixed.
The family talks about their involvement in conservation tasks like trapping, planting, water care, waste minimization, and carbon reduction as part of the experience. Also, they are home to the Colville Harbour Care Nursery, a neighborhood business that annually grows more than 20,000 native trees.
4. Electric Shotover Jet
Despite being painted red, Ngi Tahu Tourism’s new jetboat that transports tourists through the Shotover Canyons has gone green as a result of the complete conversion of one of its petrol-powered jetboats to electricity. Ngi Tahu, innovators in this first-of-its-kind prototype, will grow their e-jet fleet over the following years as they concentrate on becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.
The e-jet also signifies a shift away from the use of fossil fuels because they are silent, allowing the wildlife in and around the river to live in peace. This is only one of Ngi Tahu’s numerous sustainable activities, which also include measures to optimize resource utilization, eliminate hazardous emissions, and manage water responsibly.
5. Electric Ferries
The first entirely electric passenger ferry in the Southern Hemisphere may be found in Wellington, which has also jumped on the e-boat bandwagon. With intentions to expand into new routes across Wellington Harbour and replace the remainder of its diesel fleet with electric vehicles, East by West designed this e-ferry from scratch.
Auckland Transport is also electrifying its ferry fleet at Tamaki Makaurau, farther north. The first two high-speed e-ferries, which were ordered from Auckland’s own EV Maritime, are anticipated to begin service in the Hauraki Gulf by 2024.
6. Owhango Adventures
The staff at Owhango Adventures has been leading visitors on experiences for more than 14 years as tāngata whenua born and raised on the banks of the Whanganui River. Owhango Adventures, a Qualmark-certified company, provides guided day trips, multi-day excursions, and cultural tours while collaborating closely with DOC on numerous conservation programs.
By noting which species are calling at different spots along the river, kaitiaki (guides) contribute to bird monitoring. Recently, they have noticed healthy increases in species like whio (blue duck) and kiwi. On some excursions, guides also keep an eye on the condition of side streams. Owhango Adventures makes its own canoes using a mold they created themselves, using just one sheet of plastic as opposed to layers, as was the case with prior boat designs, in an effort to use as little plastic as possible.
Wood is also used to make paddles. Paddling is an engaging and meaningful experience that teaches participants about Maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar, and traditional Rongoa, or Maori healing, in addition to leaving a small environmental footprint.
7. Switched on Bikes, Wellington
Switched On Bikes, a company with a waterfront location in Wellington, has been working since 2015 to give tourists exciting low-carbon experiences. They believe an e-bike is the finest way to experience Wellington and provide both guided tours and electric bike rentals. With more than 50 eBikes now on a lease, they also provide an electric bike subscription service for locals to promote more environmentally friendly commuting.
When the bikes reach the end of their useful lives, they aim to recycle as much of the electronic componentry as they can by using durable, high-quality bicycles. Switched On, which was awarded the Ekos Climate Positive certification, offset 120% of its emissions by planting native trees while guaranteeing that every employee receives a livable wage. They also assist a number of other deserving organizations, such as KaiCycle and Trails Wellington, who maintain neighborhood bike trails.
8. Trips and Tramps, Te Anau
Steve and Kate Norris started Trips & Tramps, a family-run company in Te Anau that provides clients with authentic outdoor adventures in and around Fiordland. Kate works back at the base managing operations because Steve is usually out guiding tourists.
Steve and Kate are both committed to reducing Trips and Tramps’ carbon footprint by utilizing a variety of waste reduction and environmental initiatives, right down to the purchase of uniforms. Steve is a driving force on the Cole Island and Kepler Challenge Mountain Run Trusts, which work towards predator-free areas within Fiordland National Park.
9. Ngā Haerenga – New Zealand Cycle Trails
In Aotearoa, you have a ton of choices for getting your bike buzzed on, whether it’s a quick ride or a multi-day adventure. Beginning at the top, the 87 km Twin Coast Cycling Path in Northland offers a serene ride between the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour. Northland Adventures is one of many tour companies willing to help you get on your bike.
Perhaps you’d prefer to take in some of The Tasman Great Taste Cycle, a 200km loop that travels via Nelson, Mapua, Motueka, and Kaiteriteri on its way to the Abel Tasman National Park’s outer edge. This path is a feast for the senses, featuring exquisite food, wine, and beer. The Gentle Cycling Company is one of numerous bike rental businesses in this area, offering both rural and seaside riding.
If you dream of visiting Central Otago, whether the Clutha Gold Trail, Southern Lakes, Dunstan Trail, or Otago Central Rail Trail, Cycle it Now in charming Clyde has everything you need. Don’t overlook the West Coast also, where you may choose from a number of attractive paths like the magnificent West Coast Wilderness track. This 120km stretch of Grade 2-3 road connects Greymouth and Ross and is filled with history, heritage, flora, fauna, and some amazing bridges.
