Enviroment

Environmental Policy

Wild Walks is dedicated to:

Small groups

Wild Walks is committed to micro-tourism. New Zealand is a precious resource which can not stand the weight of mass tourism. Large tour groups and accommodation complexes offer a cheapened experience. It is less expensive for the tourist but the cost is incompatible with New Zealand's long term environmental well being.

Avoidance of machine prepared tracks

Wilderness travel in New Zealand is challenging. In an effort to accommodate more visitors some tracks are blasted, bulldozed, drained and bridged. While some track work is necessary, Wild Walks tries to provide as close to a natural experience as possible.

Care in travel

While the old adage about"leave only footprints" may be applicable in some places, here it is not appropriate. For us, off the beaten path comes with a heavy responsibility. Any foot traffic has a destructive effect and we not only do what we can to avoid and minimize any damage but we try to give others an appreciation of how fragile this unique environment is.

Zero waste residue

While digging a hole and burying human waste is sometimes the best possible practice, often it is not appropriate. When travelling in the high alpine or glaciated areas, waste is transported to the nearest toilet facility. Waste is walked or flown out from all established camp sites.

Motorized travel

Wild Walks is dedicated to providing a self powered wilderness experience. While we accept that motorised travel is a fact of life for transport and access, Wild Walks does not offer or promote motorized recreation.

Education

We believe that through sharing an understanding of New Zealand's extraordinary natural resources we can help reduce the adverse effects that humans have on the wilderness areas. We believe that it is possible for tourism and wilderness to coexist, but only within very narrow boundaries. Only by constantly examining and improving our wilderness practice, can we hope to retain the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand.

Local benefit

Wild Walks is owned and operated locally. From our guides to the excellent local accommodation and transport operators, we are a part of Wanaka. We all are working to see that this community remains the beautiful paradise it has always been.

 

 

Delicate moss vs. man.  Leave only footprints??   Many visitors do not realise how fragile the plant life here really is.

Wild Walks cleans up numerous fire rings every year.  We teach others the fundamentals of "leave no trace" ethics.