Sustainable Tourism in Glacier Country

Glacier Country is a pristine ecologically diverse environment, located on the secluded and untouched West Coast of New Zealand. This place is our Tūrangawaewae, the place where we feel empowered and connected and where we run our beloved bed & breakfast business – Ribbonwood Retreat. In our minds, it is incredibly important to protect and preserve this expansive and magical land. As contributors to the tourism sector in New Zealand, we are always on the lookout for ways in which we can positively impact this industry from a sustainability standpoint. Not only this, but we also love to be inspired by and celebrate other businesses and individuals who are taking a proactive approach to sustainability and working to authentically minimise their impact on local ecosystems and wildlife. And so below, with an essence of pride and comradery, I want to share their stories and amazing efforts with you. My peers, my friends and fellow tourism business owners in Glacier Country share the same philosophy as Ribbonwood Retreat when it comes to protecting our whenua, manu and wildlife.  

One way in which these businesses are contributing is by supporting and participating in local conservation efforts and restoration initiatives as well as giving their customers the opportunity to be involved in these activities. This not only raises awareness and educates many visitors to our region about the importance of environmental stewardship but also generates additional resources to assist in the restoration and protection of our ecosystems.  ​

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a family-owned and operated business that offers a range of outdoor adventure activities in the Franz Josef area, including quad - biking and kayaking. 

• The company is committed to sustainable tourism and takes measures to reduce its impact on the environment. They have identified and offset their largest contributors to their carbon footprint with Ekos New Zealand.   
• Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is also involved in conservation efforts in the area, including predator control programs and supporting native bird populations. 

• The company has received several awards for its sustainability efforts, including the QualMark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award and the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. ​

Glacier Valley Eco Tours offers guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and other eco-friendly activities in the Franz Josef area. 

• The company is committed to sustainable tourism and has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental impact and composting organic waste. 
  

• Project Early Bird is an initiative launched by Glacier Valley Eco Tours in collaboration with the Department of Conservation to monitor and protect the bird population in the area. 
  
• The trapping initiative of Project Early Bird involves trapping predators such as stoats and rats around Lake Matheson to protect the bird population which includes kiwi and their habitat. 
  
• Visitors can support Project Early Bird by contributing to the preservation of the local ecosystem. ​
  

Ōkārito Boat Tours is a locally owned and operated company that offers guided boat tours of the Ōkārito Lagoon and the surrounding rainforest. 

• The company is committed to eco-friendly tourism and takes measures to reduce its impact on the environment, such as using low-emission outboard engines and avoiding disturbing wildlife. 
• Ōkārito Boat Tours also supports conservation efforts in the area, including predator control programs to protect the endangered kiwi bird population and are involved in the community nursery, planting native trees to restore the forest ecosystem. ​

Ōkārito Kayaks offer stunning kayak trips on the famous Ōkārito lagoon – New Zealand's largest wetland.  

• Visitors can learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area and enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.  
• Gorsebusters is an initiative launched by Ōkārito Kayaks to control the spread of gorse, a non-native invasive plant species that threatens the native ecosystem in the Ōkārito area. 

• The initiative involves a team of volunteers who work together to remove gorse plants from the area, using environmentally friendly methods such as cutting and spraying. 
• Gorsebusters also educates the local community and visitors about the impact of invasive species on the ecosystem.  ​

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White Heron Sanctuary Tours is a locally owned and operated company that offers guided tours to the White Heron (Kotuku) Sanctuary in Whataroa. 

• The sanctuary is home to the only breeding colony of the White Heron (Kotuku) in New Zealand and is an important conservation site for the species. 

• The company is committed to eco-friendly tourism and takes measures to reduce its impact on the environment, promoting responsible travel practices. 
• Visitors can learn about the biology and behavior of the White Heron, as well as the history and cultural significance of the area.

Ōkārito Kiwi Tours is a locally owned and operated company that offers guided tours to view the endangered kiwi bird in its natural habitat. 

• The company is committed to eco-friendly tourism. The major goal of a trip is to see a kiwi behaving naturally in its own environment with no idea it is being watched by fascinated humans. 
  

• Visitors can learn about the biology and behavior of the kiwi, as well as the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect the species. 
  
• Ōkārito Kiwi Tours works closely with the local community and conservation organisations to support kiwi bird recovery programs, including predator control and habitat restoration. 
  

Businesses and brands that prioritise environmental protection and enhancement of our ecosystem in Glacier Country are not only contributing to the sustainability of the region's natural resources, but also raising awareness and educating visitors on how they can support the end goal, through responsible travel practices and working together to protect and preserve this unique and special place. So that we can ensure it remains a beautiful and thriving destination for generations to come.     ​