Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Adventures in Rotorua
Passionate about our planet? Embark on an eco-friendly escape in Rotorua, where adventure meets sustainability. From geothermal wonders to lush forests and thrilling rides, here’s just a few of Rotorua’s activities that are committed to preserving the pristine beauty of the region.
Velocity Valley
Velocity Valley is more than just an epic adventure park for thrill-seekers; it’s a place that celebrates and protects its natural surroundings. Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) is a core pillar of their everyday activity. As you swing, soar, jetsprint or race around the park – you’ll see first-hand the beauty of the location and the importance of conserving it.
The park is managed with a keen environmental focus to minimise noise and emissions. Velocity Valley make sure that birds, insects, and native flora and fauna flourish. For the past two decades, they’ve been actively tending to the vegetation along the riverbanks, planting native trees and shrubs in this area. It’s all part of their Manaakitanga (hospitality) commitment.
The Shweeb Racer is the cleanest adventure ride of its kind in New Zealand. It uses zero fuel, creates no pollution, and uses minimal electricity. Imagine riding this to work! In fact, in 2010 Shweeb was selected by Google as the most innovative future eco-friendly form of public transport.
Thinking of going skydiving? Think about this – a single 90-second experience on Freefall Xtreme uses 4ltr of diesel compared to an actual skydiving flight which consumes approx. 100lts of fuel. The freefall experience at Velocity Valley is also much longer than an equivalent 12,000ft skydive jump.
National Kiwi Hatchery
The National Kiwi Hatchery is a sanctuary for New Zealand’s iconic Kiwi bird. Here, you can get an up-close look at the incredible work being done to save these unique creatures from extinction. The team at the hatchery is passionate about protecting the kiwi and its habitat. Through dedicated care and conservation efforts, they’re making strides in ensuring these beloved icons have a future in the wild. It’s a place where education meets action, one bird at a time.
Kaitiaki Adventures
Katiaki Adventures provides a range of nature-focused experiences intertwined with Māori cultural values. These adventures include guided volcano crater walks on Mt Tarawera to thrilling whitewater rafting and sledging down the Kaituna River. Every product is designed with a strong emphasis on ensuring that guests can enjoy thrilling experiences while respecting the eco-system.
Kaitiaki Adventures is a 120% certified climate-positive company and runs many projects to protect and preserve the environment. Wilding pine eradication, native tree planting and pest-free projects in both Okere Falls and Mt Tarawera are just some of the initiatives contributing towards their climate-friendly culture.
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Rotorua Canopy Tours is an exhilarating way to discover New Zealand’s lush native forest. Zipline adventures maximise fun while minimising ecological footprint, with platforms and cables carefully constructed to safeguard the trees. With a deep commitment to climate stewardship, their mahi contributes to forest restoration and conservation, allowing you to soar through the treetops on ziplines and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while safeguarding its delicate balance.
The team ensures each tour leaves little impact on the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve. In a joint effort between Canopy Tours and the Department of Conservation, the Canopy Conservation Trust has been working towards pest eradication and has successfully caught over tens of thousands of pests from the forest, placing 750 traps to restore 280 hectares of forest.
Discover the perfect mix of adrenaline and eco-tourism as you travel New Zealand and follow the Tiaki Promise – caring for the people and places of Aotearoa.
