What is regenerative tourism and why is it the next big thing in New Zealand? With the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we’ll discuss a shift in New Zealand tourism, what it means to be a sustainable operator, and how you can travel more sustainably as New Zealand reopens its borders to the rest of the world.
In the wake of the “sustainability” trend, regenerative travel began as a whisper in public discourse and has gained steam in parallel to the pandemic.
You may know that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand imposed some of the strictest border restrictions in the world. New Zealand hasn’t seen international tourists since March 2020. And with its small population, domestic tourism hadn’t carried the torch very far.
Natural spaces emptied. The roads quieted. Many businesses shut their doors.
The impacts have been devastating and it will take time for the tourism sector to recover.
However, this travel lull was leveraged to bring about a new age of tourism. Ecosystems are recovering and we want to keep it that way.
Here’s what’s happening for regenerative tourism in New Zealand and how you can be a more sustainable traveller as we welcome back international tourists in 2022.
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Regenerative Tourism in New Zealand: what it means and how you can become a sustainable traveller
What is New Zealand’s vision for regenerative travel and sustainable tourism?
As we will proudly proclaim, New Zealand aims to be world leading in sustainable tourism.
In May 2021, the New Zealand Government announced that tourism has been selected for an Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). In basic terms, there will be a giant rehaul in the next decade or so to transform tourism into a more regenerative model.
Although we don’t have many details yet (the nitty gritty is being consulted on throughout 2022), the plan emphasises a collaborative approach across Govenment, tourism boards, businesses and Māori. Which is how it should be, and I hope they keep that promise.
But what is regenerative tourism?
Straight from the horse’s mouth, “a regenerative tourism system is one that leaves a community and environment better than it was before.” (As defined in the Initial Scope for the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan.)
Regenerative tourism prioritises people and the environment over profit and capitalism. It aims to prevent long-term degradation and promotes self-healing ecosystems that do not rely on taxpayer dollars to preserve.
This is a plan to enhance the resilience of not just the environment, but of the tourism workforce, by building a sector that advertises more desirable jobs and doesn’t rely on low-paid migrant labor.
Preach.
Examples of regenerative tourism operating right now in New Zealand
That’s all great and good, and sounds like a million years away. But what does regenerative tourism actually look like?
ITP or not, New Zealand embraced sustainable tourism a long time ago. With initiatives like the Sustainable Tourism Commitment, and a growing number of Māori operators (who embody regenerative travel as part of their culture), New Zealand has been doing regenerative tourism since before it was cool.
For example, read about this Māori experience in Rotorua that gives you a true taste of New Zealand: Whakarewarewa Māori Experience in Rotorua
Here are a few examples of sustainable business models to give you an idea of what the future of tourism could look like, and what many operators are already doing in New Zealand:
- Operators that collaborate on regenerative initiatives with local councils and Māori iwi
- Operators that educate their guests how to tread gently with the environment as part of their product (for example, educational tours that show how to set predator traps or preserve an endangered animal)
- Sanctuaries that allow volunteers to stay and work (often in a stunning location)
- Eco-accommodation whose proceeds go back to conservation projects
- Travel packages that include restoration of historic sites (great for visiting locales off the beaten track)
6 simple tips to be a sustainable traveller in New Zealand and set an example for regenerative tourism
I did an entire piece on how to be an eco-friendly traveller in New Zealand, linked here. But if you want the TLDR version, read on below. Here are my 6 simple tips to be a sustainable traveller in New Zealand and to be a voice for regenerative tourism.
1. Travel slowly
When it comes to experiencing something new, slow travellers tend to have a more conscious set of priorities. I always advise to plan mindfully and travel slowly. It’s impossible to see everything, so it’s important to relish the time you have to learn and appreciate the local people and their way of living.
This is the first step to even care about regenerative travel and all its benefits.
2. Spend time to understand culture and history
Overlapping with the above, make sure you do your research before travelling. Cast your vote for sustainable tourism by putting your money in the right pockets.
Then go a step beyond. Study the history and culture of the locale. Travel isn’t just about seeing pretty things. Get under the skin of a place. Learn about the people to understand different ways of living and being. You’ll begin to understand the links across community and land, and why preservation matters.
3. Support small sustainable businesses, in particular Māori businesses
This isn’t particularly hard to do in New Zealand, since we are a country of small family-operated businesses. Tap into the local community and you’ll find how people are working to leave New Zealand better than they found it.
4. Get involved in conservation projects and initiatives
There are many opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts in New Zealand, from replanting programmes to animal recovery projects. You can sign up as a volunteer, or work at eco-sanctuaries as stated above. Doing this will facilitate your understanding of ecosystems, the harm done to them, and the cascading impacts. And the more you’ll learn how to carry yourself on this beautiful whenua.
5. Follow DOC laws
The Department of Conservation (DOC) and local councils go to great pains to educate New Zealand wanderers. There are signs everywhere on what to do, what not to do, and when to stay away. DOC understands the delicate balance between human enjoyment and keeping the land thriving, so please follow the law and treat gently.
6. Avoid tourist hotspots and go off the beaten track
I probably shouldn’t say this as a blogger, but if you see a locale promoted on a blog… avoid it. Odds are this is where everyone else will go too. We know high traffic degrades natural spaces and strips them of their authenticity, so try not to contribute to that.
Pop into the tourist hotspots just to say you did (hello Queenstown), but trust that New Zealand is epic in its entirety. Take a wrong turn anywhere and I promise you’ll end up somewhere worthwhile.
To be fair to my blog, I tend to promote off-the-beaten-track destinations anyway. Check out this post to help you navigate away from the hotspots while still having a grand Kiwi time:
In 2022 and onward, regenerative travel is the future of New Zealand. I can’t wait for all the opportunities that will open up in this space, for new operators, new ways of business, and new jobs to continue educating others about this enchanting country. Rest assured that I will get amongst it.
