Even before ecotourism was super popular in the travel world, New Zealand had tons of outdoor activities perfect for sustainable travel. From glacier hiking to active volcanoes and snowy peaks, New Zealand has it all and these are the top five ecotourism experiences in New Zealand.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was made famous by Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, and it’s the country’s oldest national park. The crossing is 12 miles long and it includes hot springs, lava flows, and water-filled craters.
Fiordland National Park
Animal lovers have to visit this national park that has bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and keas. Fiordland National Park has 14 fiords, which are u-shaped glacier-carved valleys, flooded by the sea.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
While these glaciers can only be reached by helicopter, due to the receding ice-levels, during the flights you’ll land on fresh snow and you can hike glaciers. How cool is that?
Waitomo Caves
Enjoy guided cave tours, underground cruises, glowworm sightseeing, and outdoor adventure activities like black-water rafting and abseiling while visiting the Waitomo Caves.
Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Formed from the remains of ancient volcanoes, the Poor Knights Islands are one of the top diving sites in the world. The islands are protected and off limits, but the offshore waters are a must-see for any adventure lover.
