Environmental Protection

New Zealand has been described by National Geographic as a 'world in miniature'. New Zealand is a land of incredible natural wonders with a unique ecosystem featuring many species found only on these islands. Like other parts of the “New World”, New Zealand’s natural environment has seen fundamental changes with the arrival of modern European cultures with many introduced species which have often harmed the endemic species – and human activity which has degraded much of the original native forest and habitat. There are however many positives. New Zealand has long taken an environmentally enlightened stance in international affairs and its tourism industry is 10, possibly 15 years ahead of many countries who might otherwise consider themselves to be leading in responsible eco-tourism.

First Light Travel has a well-developed Leave-No-Trace ethic in New Zealand. We are involved in supporting a range of local conservation efforts. Most of all however, we believe that joining one of our journeys will inspire you to be a passionate advocate for New Zealand’s unique wild places should they be under threat in future. We are passionate about wilderness and wild places and it is a real privilege to share the landscapes, flora and fauna with our clients. We greatly value these assets and are absolutely committed to operating in a manner which conserves and enhances our natural environment.

Our business activities and trip operations are purposefully designed to minimise environmental impact carbon emissions. We will encourage our partners, suppliers and sub-contractors to improve their contribution to sustainable development and management of tourism, and will work with them and share information to assist in this. We seek to support locally-owned New Zealand guiding operations who can demonstrate to us a similar passion for the natural environment. All of our partners are involved where practical in local conservation efforts and we believe that in journeying to New Zealand you are contributing to a valuable alternative natural economy in sustainable tourism. Policies All of our trips in New Zealand are committed to the implementation of the following environmental policies:

• Itinerary design which has utmost regard to minimising impact on the local environment and improving it wherever possible.
• Location choice – we have deliberately sought to design our journeys in the regions where you are most likely to be inspired to become an ambassador for New Zealand’s wild places in the future.
• Our Group Tours – We maintain genuinely small group sizes (maximum 12 persons) which minimise the environmental and social footprint of our trips. • A destination based approach which reflects the carrying capacity of tourist locations with an emphasis on undiscovered and off the beaten track locations.
• A focus on experiences which require human power e.g. trekking, mountain biking in preference to vehicle based itineraries
• A policy of “leave no trace” which is relevant to wild camping, flora and fauna, waste disposal, visual and noise intrusion and other land users.

A growing number of people enjoy outdoor recreation. Many of us like to visit our rural, backcountry, coastal and road-end areas. With this rise in use has come an increasing impact on the natural environment. Damaged plants, unsightly rubbish, eroding short cuts, polluted water, and deteriorating facilities are becoming more common, but are easily avoidable.

Fortunately, along with the increase in the number of visitors, a more sensitive attitude to the environment is developing. Many picnickers, trampers, hunters, walkers, campers and other visitors to our natural areas realise that we must adopt a more caring attitude to the environment.

To help protect the natural environment and to ensure others for many generations to come can enjoy New Zealand as you will, the Department of Conservation have develloped the following guidelines:

Protect plants and animals

Treat New Zealand’s forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique and often rare.

Remove rubbish

Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce
rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.

Bury toilet waste

In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks,
campsites, and huts.

Keep streams and lakes clean

When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps
and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you
suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least 3 minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat it.

Take care with fires

Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use a
fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by dousing it with water and checking the
ashes before leaving.

Camp carefully

When camping, leave no trace of your visit.

Keep to the track

By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.

Consider others

People visit the back country and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also
have a right to enjoy the natural environment.

Respect our cultural heritage

Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with
consideration and respect.

Enjoy your visit

Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you
have been there?

Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the
environment itself.

Toitu te whenua
(Leave the land undisturbed)

"The land is the property of a great family, some of whom are living, a few of whom are dead, most of whom are yet to come".