Skip to main content.

New Zealand Eco-Wise Travel Guide

Eco-wise logo.

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.

Waste-wise logo. Waste-wise

Litter-free places are healthy places. Waste is hazardous if disposed of incorrectly and can attract pests and disease. Reduce the amount of waste you make and dispose of it responsibly.

Don’t litter

  • Always put all your rubbish in the bin provided, or take it away with you when you leave.

Reuse and recycle

  • Reuse plastic bags or try not to use them at all.
  • Seek out recycling centres for paper, glass, plastic and cans.
  • Ask your local i-SITE for the nearest recycling station.
  • Reuse your water bottles.

Dispose of waste sensibly

  • Only use a designated dump station.
  • Get a list of dumpstations from the i-SITE.

Water-wise logo. Water-wise

Lakes, rivers, beaches and harbours are our treasures and also the habitat of many plants, fish and bird species. When enjoying our waterways, please be sure to keep them free of rubbish, spills and introduced species, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. You can help by:

  • washing and drying your gear between waterways to prevent the spread of unwanted pests like didymo (freshwater algae).

Water is a precious resource, and many New Zealand towns and cities experience water shortages during the summer months. You can help by:

  • using water sparingly
  • taking shorter showers.

Energy-wise logo. Energy-wise

Using less energy helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in our air. This is because less fossil fuels are being burnt to produce electricity. You can help by:

  • switching off your electrical equipment when not in use
  • turning off the lights when you leave the room
  • asking tourism operators about their environmentally friendly practices.

Travel-wise logo. Travel-wise

Around 20 percent of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transport. You can help reduce this and save fuel by:

  • walking and cycling instead of driving
  • using public transport
  • reducing your speed on the open road
  • switching off your engine when stopped
  • choosing to buy or hire a fuel-efficient vehicle
  • offsetting your emissions by buying individual carbon credits. Check out the carboNZero Household Calculator

Travel safely

  • New Zealand’s weather changes rapidly, so be prepared.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • Be firewise – observe fire bans and always check before lighting fires.
  • Ask your local Department of Conservation visitor centre or i-SITE for safety information and advice.

Web-wise logo. Web-wise

For more useful links see:

Feel inspired and leave refreshed by the places you visit.

Printable PDF of the NZ Eco-Wise Travel Guide

This guide is also supplied as a print-friendly PDF for distribution by travel agents, tourism operators and accommodation providers to their customers. Before printing it, refer to the Instructions for adding your logo to the New Zealand Eco-Wise Travel Guide below.

How to add your company’s logo to this New Zealand Eco-Wise Travel Guide

The New Zealand Eco-Wise Travel Guide is intended to be included in the package of information – like brochures, maps and travel tips – you regularly give to tourists and travellers.

If you would like to add your company’s logo to the Guide before printing it, here are the instructions on what you need to do:

 

Feedback

We welcome your feedback and comments on this draft guide. Please email info@mfe.govt.nz.

 

Problems accessing PDFs?

Last updated: 21 December 2007