Hiking New Zealand's Environmental Guidelines

We believe in the old adage of leaving nothing behind, but footprints to keep our tours in New Zealand as eco friendly as possible. By following the guidelines below, we can help ensure that generations to come will enjoy New Zealand eco tours:

Protect plants and animals - Treat New Zealand's forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique and often rare.

Remove rubbish - Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your trips to reduce rubbish and carry out what you carry in.

Bury toilet waste - In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites and huts. This helps to stop the spread of Giardia.

Keep streams and lakes clean - When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source.
Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil which acts as a filter. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, boil it for at least three minutes, filter it, or chemically treat it.

Take care with fires - Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood, and make sure it is out by dousing it with water and checking the ashes before leaving.

Camp carefully - When camping, leave no trace of your visit.

Keep to the track - By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.

Consider others - People enjoy the back country and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate to other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.

Respect our cultural heritage - Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.

Enjoy your visit - Enjoy your outdoors experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you have been there?

 

"Guidelines for New Zealand eco tours from Hiking New Zealand."