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New Zealand Eco Tourism
 
How New Zealand's South Island Exemplifies "Greenness"
This destination provides an incredible opportunity to observe a colony of 233 blue penguins waddling from the South Pacific onto New Zealand’s South Island’s east coast. Onlookers are able to watch from their seats a few yards from the shore as the world’s smallest penguins shake the beads of water from their midnight blue plumage while returning to their nests. After spending a day feeding, the penguins instinctively return each evening to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony to rest and mate. This former harbor quarry was passed over for the colony’s exclusive use in 1992. Admission fees to visit the site go to the funding education and conservation efforts which have thus far helped to quadruple the number of blue penguin breeding pairs.
Here is a list of some of New Zealands' well known eco-friendly tours:
Glacier Valley Eco Tours Offers superb guided interpretive tours to the terminal face of the Franz Josef and the Fox Glaciers. Their guides are safety conscious and will take customers safely to the ice where the unguided public is not permitted. Tours last about 3 hours, with guides that are highly qualified, easy going and extremely knowledgeable. They aspire to give their customers the best experience possible.
Kings Dolphin Cruises & Eco Tours Experience New Zealand's sensational Bay of Islands with a range of trips from Kings Dolphin and Eco Tours. One may choose to enjoy a dolphin watching cruise to the Hole in the Rock, or perhaps opt to enjoy a day tour to New Zealand's most northern point, Cape Reinga to see the world renown Ninety Mile Beach. Swimming with dolphins is a must for nature lovers as is Crossings Hokianga- which offers a unique exploration of history and culture.
Farewell Spit Eco Tours The geography is unique, the history is fascinating, but it is the birds that give Farewell Spit its world-wide fame. Tour times are determined by the tide, so departures vary drastically, one could be early enough to experience a seaside sunrise or late enough to enjoy a sunset upon the return. With Farewell Spit Eco Tours, one may experience the changing landscapes, seascapes and skies while journeying in our purpose built 4wd buses to a destination where nature is paramount and city life seems to be a million miles away. Tours include visits to the Wader feeding grounds on the intertidal plain, a historic Lighthouse, a Gannet Colony- found at the ends of the earth and Cape Farewell, the most Northern point on the South Island.
Eco Wanaka Adventures Ltd. This tour includes a Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Nature Walk. It features a 35 minute boat cruise past a shag nesting site to view many species of duck, towards the middle of Lake Wanaka where one finds magical Mou Waho Island. From the lake the tour takes a bush walk to the serene Arethusa Pool where birdlife abounds due to no introduced predators. Grey Warbler, Fantail, Falcon, bellbird, Wood Pigeon, and the rare Buff Weka are just some of the species one is likely to see. At the top, one views a panorama of snow capped Southern Alps and pristine alpine vistas over both lakes amd Arethusa Pool. As part of the experience one may plant a native tree to help in reforestation of the island. In addition, morning or afternoon tea is provided.
Whale Watching Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, is the main whale watching center in New Zealand. It’s one of the only places in the world where one can easily see sperm whales all year round. Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July. Several dolphin species are seen nearly daily in the area. Due to Kaikoura's unusual submarine landscape, whales thrive here. In addition, a warm current from the north meets a colder one from the south, causing nutrients from deep within the ocean to be carried upward, a phenomenon that helps to support a vast range of marine life from plankton and krill to dolphins and whales.
Eco Rafting Adventures This tour company specializes in Heli Rafting, wilderness expeditions, multi day trips, canyoning - which consists of abseiling down waterfalls, zip lines and cliff jumps. Adventures are offered for all skill levels and budgets. Eco Rafting Adventures offers 10 years of experience on the West Coast and over 16 different rivers to choose from, as well as the choices from half day to week long trips- Offering a range of options: rafting, canyoning, kayaking, hunting, fishing.
Dive Tatapouri The Moana Eco Tour experiences some of the most beautiful scenery of the East Coast of Gisborne. On a boat voyage of discovery one can hear local history and experience the true marine environment. One may also visit Whangara Island, where our ancestors (Paikea) have ridden whales and where the movie Whale Rider was filmed. Stop at the marine reserve, Te Tapuwae O Rongokako, to hear the local legend of the reserve. Get close to a seal colony and play with the ocean's most intelligent animal, the dolphin. This two hour experience can be enjoyed by all ages.
Off Beat Tours Professionally guided small Eco Tours and scenic walks, providing wildlife, nature and historic experiences, as well as photographic tours. Half day is spent venturing upward, throughout the South Island of New Zealand. Personalized tours may be tailored to suit particular interests and requirements. Dynamic glaciers, subtropical rain forests, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Queenstown, Fiords, picturesque lakes and stunning unforgettable scenery will be viewed on an Off Beat Tours excursion.
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