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New Zealand has a rich natural environment which is protected in ways that range from vast national parks to the everyday actions of individual people. Mitsuro Aoyagi, a Japanese travel journalist, met up with some of these people to find out how they care for this environment. His story provides unique insights to help you make the most of your time in New Zealand.
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NIGHT TIME IN A SACRED FOREST
- WAIPOUA
Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest, is the largest kauri tree in New Zealand. Revered by Maori people, it stands proud in the Waipoua forest. On a night tour to experience this magnificent 51m high remnant of the ancient forests, I felt as though all my senses were directly connected to the natural world.
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A SYMPHONY OF BIRDSONG
- TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND
The forest of Tiritiri Matangi Island was regenerated from barren farmland by a volunteer planting programme. The island is now an open sanctuary for rare native birds. When I visited for the day, I was truly amazed by the results. Countless close encounters with such rare species reminded me of what is possible when we care for our environment.
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WALKING ON A GLACIER
- FOX GLACIER
Fox Glacier is truly unique. From a village at its base, you can walk directly onto the glacial ice. As I stood on its vast surface I was entranced by the beautiful blue colour of the ice, which formed thousands of years ago. Ancient and pure, it’s a tangible icon of the natural environment.
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WHALE WATCHING WITH THE LOCALS
- KAIKOURA
At Kaikoura, you can board a modern whale watching boat with a ninety per cent chance of getting up close to these majestic marine mammals, at any time of the year. Your knowledgeable guides are local Maori people with a deep traditional passion for the ocean’s eco-system. It’s a remarkable experience.
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CAREFULLY MANAGED TOURISM
- FIORDLAND
Fiordland is a magical place where ancient glaciers have carved steep-sided fiords from rugged coastal mountains. This World Heritage area is also the country’s largest national park. Considerable care is taken to protect the eco-system, such as cleaning the cruise vessels without using any chemical detergent and reusing the engine oil from visiting buses for winter heating.
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NEW ZEALAND ECO-WISE TRAVEL GUIDE
New Zealand is a beautiful country. Help keep our towns, cities, parks, beaches and native bush free from pollution and waste. Please also respect our unique flora and fauna. Be active and get involved in caring for the environment.
It is everyone’s responsibility.
Here are some tips on how to be eco-wise and leave gentle footprints when travelling in New Zealand. |
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