Caring for Our Environment: Auckland Sea Kayaks’ Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
At Auckland Sea Kayaks, our love for adventure is matched by our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of New Zealand. We embrace the principles of Tiaki, a Māori concept that embodies the responsibility to care for people, places, and the future. Our commitment to these principles is woven into every aspect of our operations. Here’s just a few examples of how we’re trying to do our bit:
Adhering to Our Environmental Care Code
Our Environmental Care Code is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring we leave the outdoors pristine for future visitors. Here’s how we put our code into practice:
- Treating Fauna and Flora with Respect: We educate our guests on the importance of interacting with wildlife responsibly. Our guides emphasize the need to observe from a distance, avoid feeding animals, and respect their natural habitats.
- Removing Rubbish: On all of our tours, guides work together to collect any litter they encounter, using reusable bags to gather rubbish. For our school programs and Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award trips, we take this a step further. We involve students in the clean-up process, sorting the rubbish collectively. This hands-on activity helps students understand what kinds of litter end up in the natural environment and inspires them to think about how we can all help reduce waste. This approach ensures we leave our beautiful locations spotless and instills a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in the younger generation.
- Camping Carefully: Our camping spots are chosen for their minimal environmental impact. We follow the “Leave No Trace” principles, ensuring no evidence of our presence remains after we leave.
- Respecting Cultural Heritage: We teach our guests about the cultural and spiritual significance of the places we visit, protecting sites from damage and treating them with the utmost respect.
- Conserving Resources: We strive to minimise our water and energy use by using solar-powered equipment and encouraging guests to be mindful of their resource consumption.
- Managing Waste: We follow strict waste management protocols, emphasising reduction, recycling, and preparedness, especially when away from base.
Principles in Action
Our commitment to environmental stewardship is demonstrated through various initiatives and partnerships:
- Kayak Clean-Up Days: In partnership with Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR), we host regular kayak clean-up days such as the most recent at Motu Manawa Marine Reserve. These events bring together volunteers, staff, and local communities to clean waterways, removing debris and ensuring the health of marine ecosystems. These clean-up days not only enhance the environment but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
- Staff Commuting by Bike: To reduce carbon emissions, we provide bicycles for our staff to commute to and from work. This initiative not only lowers our environmental footprint but also promotes a healthy, active lifestyle among our team members.
- Carbon Zero Certification: We are actively pursuing carbon-zero certification. Our primarily people-powered activities, combined with our commitment to reducing emissions, provide a strong foundation for achieving this goal. We are continuously exploring ways to offset our carbon footprint and enhance our sustainability efforts.
- Supporting Local Conservation Projects: We regularly participate in and support local conservation projects. This includes reforestation efforts, beach clean-ups, trapping, pest control, and educational programs that raise awareness about environmental protection.
A Future-Focused Approach
Our dedication to environmental care is not limited to our current practices. We are always seeking new ways to enhance our sustainability efforts. This includes exploring innovative technologies, fostering partnerships with environmental organisations, and continuously educating our staff and guests about the importance of conservation. If you’d like to work with us in any of these areas then please reach out.
By embedding the principles of Tiaki into our operations and adhering to our Environmental Care Code, Auckland Sea Kayaks ensures that we not only provide unforgettable Auckland kayaking experiences but also contribute positively to the preservation of New Zealand’s natural beauty. We invite our guests, partners, and the wider community to join us in our commitment to caring for the environment.
Join us for sea kayaking adventures in Auckland and experience sustainable tours that showcase the best of our natural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re kayaking in Auckland’s serene waters or participating in our clean-up days, your adventure with us supports a greener, more sustainable future.
