Exploring New Zealand's Islands: Eco-Friendly Travel and Stays
New Zealand, often celebrated as the backdrop for Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings, is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those passionate about sustainability. Comprised of two main islands—the North Island and the South Island—New Zealand offers a striking contrast between geothermal wonders and majestic mountain landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the bustling cities of the North or the serene fjords of the South, eco-conscious travelers can enhance their experience by staying at sustainable hotels that prioritize environmental preservation and social responsibility.
As you plan your trip to New Zealand, it’s essential to decide how to split your time between the islands. Both offer unique experiences, and eco-friendly hotels are making it easier to enjoy them while minimizing your environmental impact. Here’s how each island offers something special and how staying at a sustainable hotel can help ensure your travel leaves a positive mark on the environment and local communities.
1. Weather in New Zealand
New Zealand’s climate varies greatly between the North and South Islands, making each a unique experience depending on the time of year. The North Island, with its warmer, more humid environment, is perfect for those who enjoy coastal adventures and geothermal hot springs. On the other hand, the South Island offers cooler temperatures and is known for its snow-capped mountains, fjords, and outdoor winter sports like snowboarding, ice climbing, and skiing.
2. Cultural and Historical Significance with Sustainable Practices
New Zealand's indigenous people are the Māori, who arrived from Polynesia approximately 400 years before the discovery of the islands. The Māori population is much more prominent on the North Island, where the Māori culture is most represented, and Te Reo Māori, the Māori language, is also widely spoken. Here, you can immerse yourself in traditional Māori experiences, from hāngī (the traditional method of cooking Māori food using hot stones in a pit oven) and cultural performances to visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the significant events that shaped New Zealand.
3. Nature and Wildlife: Sustainable Tourism at Its Best
When it comes to nature, both islands offer striking landscapes, but with a different emphasis. The North Island offers a view of its beautiful coastlines, lush green forests, and many volcanoes. Due to local geothermal activity, it also boasts geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. There are also kauri trees and pōhutukawa trees found on the North Island that are symbols of New Zealand. The island is also home to native birds such as kiwi, kereru, and tui.
The South Island, on the other hand, is home to rugged mountains, glaciers, and fjords. If you want dramatic landscapes, then the South Island is for you. While it also has lush forests, what sets it apart from the North Island is its snow-capped mountains, plenty of glaciers, and glittering lakes. It has eight of the country's ten biggest lakes, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki being the most popular for their stunning turquoise color.
If you're planning a trip in November, watch out for the pink and purple lupin flowers that bloom on the South Island for a gorgeous mix of hues. The island is also home to penguins, whales, and seals, as well as unique bird species like the kea and the rare kākāpō.
4. Activities for Eco-Conscious Travelers
Adventure is at the heart of New Zealand, but for eco-conscious travelers, the type of activity you choose can make a big difference. If you want to bask in the beauty of spectacular beaches, then the North Island is for you. It boasts a multitude of water sports for everyone, from swimming to surfing. You can get mud baths, soak in the hot springs, and even hike on a volcano like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for a beautiful day walk.
For a full-day experience, see the Waitomo Caves for the glow worms, the large Cathedral Cave, stalactite formations, paddling through underground rivers, and learning about Māori history. The North Island is also famous for whitewater rafting in Rotorua and catching a wave in Raglan. Of course, if you're an avid fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, don't miss out on a visit to the Hobbiton film set near Matamata. It brings the Shire to life with the Green Dragon Inn and 39 hobbit holes.
In the South Island, adrenaline junkies can enjoy extreme sports in Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World," with a dizzying array of activities from skydiving to bungee jumping, mountain biking and ice climbing, skiing and snowboarding, and even paragliding and jet boating. The South Island is also the best for hiking, as it features six of the "Great Walks" of New Zealand, with Milford Track being the most famous.
If you fancy a road trip, the South Island also offers many stunning drives, where you can visit beautiful towns and experience the Kiwi lifestyle. You can also visit the most famous fjord in New Zealand, Milford Sound, or explore Mount Cook National Park. See the breathtaking scenery while you go on the Franz Josef Glacier heli hike or go whale watching in Kaikoura.
5. Food, Wine, and Sustainability
On the North Island, you can immerse yourself in the Māori culture and try food cooked in the traditional way for a cultural experience you will never forget. You can also get fish and chips in the port town of Mangonui or fresh oysters in the Coromandel Peninsula. In Taupo, you can even sample geothermal-farmed prawns. As for wine, Hawke's Bay is known for red wines like Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while Gisborne is known for white wines, specifically Chardonnay.
For the freshest lobster and crayfish, head over to Kaikoura on the South Island. You can also enjoy the best lamb and sheep dishes in Christchurch. The Bluff oysters are also better and bigger in Southland. The South Island is more well known for its wine as it is home to Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine region, with approximately 65 wineries producing Sauvignon Blanc. If Pinot Noir is more to your taste, head to Canterbury and the Southern Lakes region.
6. Lifestyle and Sustainability: A Balanced Approach
The North Island is home to big cities in New Zealand, with Auckland being the largest and Wellington as the second largest. You can find everything you'd expect from a bustling city in North Island, such as all the cosmopolitan comforts and world-class experiences. While there are beaches and surf towns on the North Island that promise a chill vibe, most of the country's population resides on this island, so it is a lot busier and offers more in terms of nightlife.
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, but it is more relaxed compared to Auckland. Those who want to escape the hubbub of big city life tend to flock over to the South Island to experience the laidback Kiwi lifestyle.
7. Accommodations that Practice Sustainability
When it comes to accommodation, both islands offer options for every budget, from hostels to luxury retreats. On the North Island, Huka Lodge stands out as one of the most exclusive luxury accommodations, known for its sustainable practices and commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Huka Lodge, nestled among gardens on the banks of the Waikato River near the famous Huka Falls. Known for its luxurious hospitality, it spans 17 acres and offers two exclusive cottages and 20 Junior Lodge Suites. It began as a fisherman's lodge in 1924 and was the best-kept secret among fishermen. Almost a century later, Huka Lodge now lures the most influential guests from around the world.
Similarly, the South Island offers unique stays like Flockhill Lodge and Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, which provide guests with a chance to immerse themselves in nature while contributing to local sustainability efforts.
Flockhill Lodge, spanning 36,000 acres, is a working sheep station blending into the surrounding wilderness, offering a one-of-a-kind experience to reconnect with nature and find tranquility while enjoying luxury accommodation. Flockhill also practices sustainability with its rich history of integrating people with farming and nature. Several sustainability initiatives are in place to ensure that all employees and guests are protecting the environment.
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, a contemporary country hotel in Kaikoura, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Designed by a family of architects, it complements the stunning environment and provides a distinctive and intimate experience for relaxation and luxury accommodation. It has four luxury lodge suites, five tree houses, and a new Olive House cottage.
By choosing accommodations that prioritize sustainability, travelers can reduce their own environmental impact while helping to promote eco-friendly tourism in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s North and South Islands each offer distinct experiences, whether you’re seeking coastal adventures, rugged mountains, or cultural immersion. By staying at eco-friendly hotels like Huka Lodge and Flockhill Lodge, you can contribute to sustainability efforts and minimize your impact on the environment. Both islands present the perfect opportunity to experience the best of New Zealand while supporting hotels that are dedicated to eco-conscious practices, local communities, and charitable initiatives.
As you plan your visit, consider the environmental impact of your accommodations and activities. Eco-friendly hotels like Huka Lodge, Flockhill Lodge, and others recognized by Giving Bag not only offer luxury and comfort but also ensure that your trip contributes positively to both the environment and the local economy. New Zealand is waiting—discover its beauty while giving back.