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 Friendly
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 dump stations from the i-SITE.
Water Friendly
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 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 Friendly
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 Friendly
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 fire wise—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 Friendly
For more useful links see:
Department of Conservation – Environmental care code
NZ Mountain Safety Council – Outdoor Safety
New Zealand Police – Visitor Safety
MetService – NZ’s national meteorological service
Tourism NZ – 100% pure New Zealand
NZ Transport Agency – What’s different about driving in New Zealand
