Ecotourism in New Zealand

There is some debate over how ecotourism is defined, but it is generally accepted that an ecotourism business gives visitors the opportunity to interact with nature in an environmentally responsible way, while educating them about our natural environment.

What is eco-tourism?

Ecotourism is a term that is being used more frequently as consumers and businesses become more conscious of the impacts their activities have on the environment.

But it is a term that is yet to be confidently defined. At present, unlike Australia where Ecotourism Australia offers certification for ecotourism businesses, New Zealand does not have any formal ecotourism certification programme. So, although there has been much discussion, there has not been an imperative to come up with a hard and fast definition.

Ecotourism New Zealand, the organisation that runs the annual New Zealand ecotourism conference, has a discussion paper on their website, and they have come up with their own definition. It aims to distinguish ecotourism from other forms of tourism such as nature-based tourism, outdoor/adventure tourism and sustainable tourism. It usually still encompasses aspects of the above, especially sustainability.

Ecotourism New Zealand's definition of an ecotourism business:

The one aspect that is beyond debate, is the first: that ecotourism focuses primarily on enjoying nature.

Secondly, ecotourism businesses act in a sustainable way, taking all possible steps to assist visitors to have a minimal impact on the environment. Many businesses have some sustainability practices in place, but running vehicles on biofuel or having a comprehensive recycling programme does not turn tourism operators into eco-tourism businesses. Businesses need to have an overarching sustainable ethos, which comes through both in the tourism product on offer and the way it is marketed.

Many of New Zealand's visitors are very interested in education on sustainable matters, and on becoming involved in conserving the area they visit. They want to understand our environment, and how it differs from their own. Part of this is also about helping visitors understand their cultural environment. Indigenous views and wellbeing should be taken into account and local protocol adhered to. Knowledge of kaitiakitanga and local Māori stories and legends adds to the ecotourism experience.

Ecotourism in New Zealand

New Zealand's 100% Pure New Zealand marketing campaign, and the country's reputation as being 'clean and green' combine to create very high expectations of ecotourism experiences in this country.

Our landscape is the main reason visitors come to New Zealand, and culture is the second. Add to this our visitors' awareness of sustainability issues, and there is high demand for tourism activities that take place in the natural environment but include cultural, interpretive and educational elements.

There is no specific measurement of visitors from which country, but many of those taking part in activities that involve engagement with the environment, and our flora and fauna, are from the UK, Germany and Europe.

Tourism New Zealand's website for visitors contains stories on ecotourism operators in New Zealand. These give a visitor's view of ecotourism, and what they draw from such experiences.

There are a number of tourism businesses that are doing remarkable work in the ecotourism area. More and more businesses are  offsetting their carbon emissions, recycling, reusing, conserving wildlife, sharing our unique culture and giving our visitors a chance to play their part in this process. Improving the breadth and quality of ecotourism experiences on offer in this country will help meet the needs of our international visitors and build the reputation of New Zealand as a responsible tourism destination.

Find out more:

Ecotourism NZ offers training and support for ecotourism operators in New Zealand. Visit www.ecotourismnz.com