Sustainable Road Trip Practices

Protecting the South Island’s Natural Beauty

A road trip through New Zealand’s South Island offers incredible opportunities for eco-friendly travel and responsible tourism. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this, along with activity ideas:

Core Principles of Responsible Tourism:

• Tiaki Promise:
  • This is a commitment to care for New Zealand. It emphasizes respecting the land, culture, and people. Familiarize yourself with its principles before your trip.
• Leave No Trace:
  • Minimize your impact on the environment. Pack out what you pack in, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife.
• Support Local:
  • Choose locally owned businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. This helps the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of large-scale tourism.
• Respect Culture:
  • Learn about Māori culture and traditions. Be respectful of sacred sites and practices.
• Minimize Waste:
  • Bring reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers. Reduce your reliance on single-use plastics.

Eco-Friendly Road Trip Activities:

• Nature-Based Exploration:
  • Hiking and Trekking:
    • Explore the stunning national parks like Fiordland, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Abel Tasman. Stick to designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
    • Consider multi-day hikes, but ensure you’re well-prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing:
    • Explore the beautiful sounds and lakes by kayak or canoe. This is a low-impact way to experience the water.
    • Fiordland and Abel Tasman offer exceptional kayaking opportunities.
  • Wildlife Encounters:
    • Choose responsible wildlife tours that prioritize animal welfare.
    • Akaroa is known for its Hector’s dolphin tours, and some operators are B Corp certified, showing a high level of enviromental care.
    • Pohatu penguins, also in Akaroa, offer tours where you can see little blue penguins, while supporting their conservation.
  • Cycling:
    • New Zealand has fantastic cycling trails, including the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
    • Cycling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and experience the landscape at a slower pace.
• Sustainable Experiences:
  • Thermal Pools:
    • Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, is a great example of sustainable practices, using solar energy to heat the water.
  • Eco-Accommodations:
    • Seek out eco-lodges and accommodations that prioritize sustainability. Purepods, are a great example of this.
  • Local Food and Wine:
    • Support local farmers’ markets and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.
    • Visit wineries that practice sustainable viticulture.
• Cultural Experiences:
  • Learn about Māori culture through guided tours and cultural experiences.
  • Respect the local culture and traditions of the areas you visit.

Road Trip Tips:

• Vehicle Choice:
  • If possible, consider renting an electric vehicle or a fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Driving Habits:
  • Drive smoothly and avoid excessive speeding to reduce fuel consumption.
• Waste Management:
  • Carry reusable containers and bags. Dispose of waste responsibly.
• Support Conservation:
  • Consider donating to local conservation organizations.