Nelson launches zero-carbon travel

New Zealand’s first zero-carbon travel itinerary has been launched in Nelson Tasman, giving visitors the chance to have a “holiday from guilt”.

The four-day itinerary, launched by the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) and backed by Ekos, a social enterprise aiming for a sustainable future, features accommodation, adventure travel experiences and a pub, with all 14 businesses being committed zero carbon operators, Stuff reports.

The zero-carbon travel itinerary concept is the first of its kind in New Zealand, and possibly the world, Ekos community partnerships coordinator Claire Keeling says.

There’s no additional cost for travellers to undertake the itinerary as the participants had already offset their carbon emissions, she adds.

Keeling says everyone contributes to carbon emissions on some level.

“These operators have offered to take responsibility for that pollution on your behalf.”

The benefit to the consumer is “having a holiday from the guilt … you’re doing it by selecting a zero-carbon itinerary, you’re travelling responsibly, because you’re selecting responsible operators”, she says.

One issue is transportation around the region – most of it not yet electric.

To cover this the NRDA will offset visitors’ travel within the region if they book the itinerary (or a variation of it) through the Nelson i-SITE. The travel offsetting is done through Ekos, in Golden Bay’s Uruwhenua Forest.

Day one of the itinerary after landing at Nelson Airport includes a bike along the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with The Gentle Cycling Company or a Wine Art and Wilderness guided tour, topped off with a drink at The Free House, and a night at the YHA Nelson by Accents.

On Day two visitors set off to Marahau for a full day trip with Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi and Marahau Sea Kayaks, stopping off at Celcius Coffee in Motueka. Boating, hiking and kayaking trips in the Abel Tasman National Park are offered.

Day three encourages travellers to take the plunge with Abel Tasman Canyons or spend a relaxing time aboard Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures.

Day four follows another night in Marahau with a short drive to Motueka for a jump with Skydive Abel Tasman, then heading back toward Nelson Airport, stopping at a roadside stall for some fresh fruit and a tour of Pic’s Peanut Butter World.

The zero-carbon itinerary is a “great initiative”, says Free House Pub owner Eelco Boswijk – New Zealand’s first climate-positive pub off-setting 120% of its carbon emissions.

Abel Tasman Ocean View Chalets is listed on day two of the itinerary and manager Jared Bosecke says solar panel installation has already offset much of its carbon use.