Green travel

International tourism accounts for at least five per cent of the world’s CO₂ emissions. There are many ways that we can reduce our environmental impact when holidaying, through the destinations we choose and our actions when we get there.

Choose New Zealand

Every year more than a million holiday tourists visit our shores, attracted by the natural beauty of our country. Think about joining them and holiday here rather than overseas – you’d be doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions, and you’ll save money as well.

Find a great spot to stay and base yourself there - soak up the scenery, explore the area and immerse yourself in the history and the people.

Take good practices on tour

By applying the same sensible energy, water and waste management practices that you would at home you can reduce your environmental impact even further. Take it easy with your water and energy use, help preserve our environment by being especially careful about waste disposal, and use recycling bins where provided.

Choose Qualmark

When deciding where to stay, visiting an attraction, or choosing an activity or transport operator, look out for businesses displaying the Qualmark logo. Qualmark is New Zealand’s independent quality accreditation programme and all Qualmark license holders have been assessed on their environmental performance. Businesses that perform well in their environmental performance are able to apply for a Qualmark Enviro-logo.

The logo means those businesses are engaging in activities that include: energy efficiency, conservation initiatives, waste management, community activities and water conservation. There are three levels of excellence within the Qualmark Enviro-logo standard – gold, silver and bronze. Those businesses which meet the Enviro Gold standard will be engaging in environmental activities at the highest level.

Camping

Camping’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. If you decide to go camping make sure you:

• Leave campsites clear of all rubbish, waste and damage.
• Respect the access and enjoyment rights of other public space users.
• Have immediate access to, or on-board toilet, waste water collection and rubbish disposal.
• Use designated public spaces, camping areas or commercial sites.

Where can I camp?

Heading overseas

Overseas travel broadens our horizons and connects us with people from other parts of the world - but long-haul flights overseas have a big environmental impact. Here are some things you can do to reduce your international tourist footprint:

• Choose destinations that care for the local environment and choose tour operators, hotels and transport providers committed to sustainable tourism.
• If flying, choose airlines committed to sustainable aviation and consider offsetting your carbon emissions.
• Pack less – lower luggage weight means burning less fuel. Remove packaging from any products you’re taking. Take environmentally friendly soap, shampoo and detergent.
• Try slow travel – you might travel to your overseas destination by air but once you get there try to use buses or trains for longer distance journeys in the host country. You’ll see a lot more when travelling by land than you would by flying.
• Use non-motorised transport if you can. Depending on where you go there’s bound to be an interesting way of getting around. Why not try taking a bicycle rickshaw or travel by donkey? This could be an experience in itself!
• If you do have to use motorised transport, try and choose vehicles that are energy efficient, have low emissions, and/or use renewable fuel supplies (e.g. use biofuels or electric). If possible choose local public transport, provided that you are satisfied with the quality, environmental performance and safety of these services.
• Be aware of local restrictions on resource use such as water and power.
• Buy locally-sourced food and souvenirs – but not live animals or plants. Be wary of products made from wild species – your purchase may be encouraging exploitation of a protected species.
• On arriving home, help protect our environment. Declare all food, plants or animal goods.

Decision making

When choosing tourism businesses to stay with, visit or use, don’t forget to ask questions about their environmental performance. Ask them about their environmental practices, community involvement, contribution to conservation and any environmental requirements they place on their suppliers. Use their answers to these questions to help choose the business that you spend your money with.

Make a difference

Make sure that your holiday has a positive effect on the environment. Consider including some community or conservation work while on holiday, or choose businesses that already do this. This might involve donating time, money or even resources (e.g. clothing, or books) to a good cause.

Further information

• New Zealand eco-travel tips: Eco-Wise Travel Guide
• Qualmark Green
• New Zealand eco-friendly camping
• Overseas eco-travel tips: United Nations Environment Programme Green Passport
• Plants and other goods to declare at the border (PDF 160KB)