New Zealand small group tour, 23 days

Planet

We are committed to Responsible Tourism through policies and practices which cover all aspects of our business, ensuring that all our vacations are undertaken in a way which is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. Responsible Tourism remains at the very core of everything we do as a tour operator.

We feel strongly that all our vacations should benefit the local communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. We tread lightly – low volume, low impact vacations are the best way of preserving New Zealand’s beautiful natural heritage.

For every booking taken we make a donation on our traveler's behalf to New Zealand’s unique Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust Project which aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and improve the visitor experience in Abel Tasman National Park. It is a Charitable Trust, formed in 2007 and registered with the NZ Charities Commission, and the Inland Revenue Department as a charity. It is separate from the Department of Conservation and commercial tourism operators in the Park, but will work closely with them and the local community, on local projects for local benefits.

We work closely with local suppliers who are recognised for their sustainable tourism practices and are assessed under New Zealand’s Qualmark quality assurance scheme under the Enviro Award criteria. Our main transport provider has one of the highest Enviro Awards ratings in the country .

People

All of our itineraries, whether tailor made or small group, are strongly focused on ensuring support for local communities and educating our travelers on the importance of responsible travel.

Accommodation on this small group journey is in smaller bed & breakfasts, and includes an overnight farm stay in the Waikato region. The itinerary includes a guide wine tour in Hawkes Bay, and a guided walking tour of Napier to discover more about its Art Deco past.

Our itineraries have a strong focus on the history and customs of the Maori, as we recognise and appreciate the cultural significance of the Maori people in New Zealand. This itinerary includes a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and a trip to Te Puia in Rotorua to see Maori craftsmen demonstrating weaving, carving and other traditional skills in the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute there.

Through our New Zealand partner operator, we are a Qualmark accredited business and a member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand. This means we have been independently reviewed and deemed to operate in an ethical and environmentally sustainable way.