How to Travel More Sustainably in New Zealand: Tips for an Eco-Friendly Trip
New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. If you’re not already environmentally conscious, then you certainly will be after you’ve seen some of the amazing landscapes and wildlife that are well worth protecting. Aotearoa certainly has a way of awakening the inner eco-warrior.
Get a head start on treating New Zealand and the planet with a little more care by following our tips for travelling more sustainably in New Zealand.
Table of Contents
Sustainable Destination and Planning Tips
1. Travel in the Low Season to Prevent Overtourism
The low season offers a sustainable, cheaper and uncrowded travel experience in New Zealand.
Book your trip in June, July and August to save money and help preserve New Zealand.
Check out more benefits of travelling in the low season in our 15 Reasons to Travel in the Shoulder and Off-Season in New Zealand.
© Zhi Yuen Adrift Outdoors - Visit Ruapehu2. Spend Less Time or Avoid Overly Touristic Spots
Many tourist hotspots in New Zealand are only served by small neighbouring towns or settlements.
Avoid spending too long in those small towns to reduce the strain on their infrastructure.
Check out some lesser-visited yet awesome destinations in the 10 Most Secret Places in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Stay Longer to Make the Most of Your Carbon Footprint
It is no secret that your flight to New Zealand will have the largest carbon impact on your trip. Consider extending your stay in New Zealand (or waiting until you can) to make up for the heavy environmental cost of your flight.
Plan a longer trip with the help of our New Zealand in 3 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary and New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary.
Travellers aged 18 to 30 can even enjoy a year here on a Working Holiday Visa.
© DunedinNZLow-Waste Packing Tips
4. Pack Reusable Items
Resuseables, such as food containers, water bottles and tote bags, can help save plastic from going into landfills.
And don’t expect to get shopping bags for free, supermarkets in New Zealand charge you for using their paper bags – so you’ll save money by bringing your own.
By packing your own (and making sure you use them), you’ll help reduce the need for single-use items in your trip and keep your waste to a minimum.
© Unsplash5. Use Shampoo Bars Instead of Your Hotel’s Shampoo Bottles
Shampoo bars are both a great way to save money on haircare and reduce the amount of plastic used.
Plus, this will also help you avoid the use of mini-toiletries in your accommodations that are extremely plastic-inefficient.
© Unsplash6. Take Your Rubbish with You
When hiking in New Zealand, avoid littering by packing a small bag to take your rubbish with you.
Littering not only looks bad but can be harmful to wildlife as animals and birds that get trapped in the litter or choke. It also pollutes waterways.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Recycle.
So what’s the best way to dispose of rubbish in New Zealand? Recycle what you can!
With so many recycling bins in accommodations, on the streets, and recycling collection from homes, there’s no excuse not to recycle plastics (1) and (2), glass, paper and tin!
When you’re travelling for a long time, like backpacking, it might come to a point where you want to get rid of some clothes. Do a clothes-swap with fellow travellers or take your clothes to a second-hand store like the Salvation Army, SPCA or Hospice. For more ways to get rid of spare clothes, head to the 10 Ways to Get Rid of Your Excess Luggage Before You Leave New Zealand.
Most accommodations have a book exchange, where you can leave a book and pick up another one to read.
All in all, recycling helps reduce harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases caused by waste.
Know that aerosol sprays, for example, are not properly recycled in New Zealand, so take them back home where you are more likely to recycle them properly.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Pass On or Return Brochures, Guides and Maps
Travel pamphlets and brochures are everywhere in New Zealand and many of them are super useful.
On departure, what about leaving them behind in your accommodation’s lobby, for example, so they can be used a second time?
© NZPocketGuide.comSustainable Transportation Tips
9. Fly Less; Use Bus, Car or Train
Once in New Zealand, consider avoiding flights so you can make the most of the scenery and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, New Zealand is a country made for road trips with thousands of hidden gems to discover by car, or better, by bus!
Check out our full guides on How to Travel Around New Zealand in an Electric Car and How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand.
© THL10. Choose Transport Companies that are Actively Involved in Environmental Initiatives
Support the environment by choosing a transport company that’s making strides in sustainability. We’re big fans of Wilderness Motorhome Rentals, which backs important conservation causes like the Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust (PFHCCT) and Mana Manu Trust. These organisations work tirelessly on predator control to preserve New Zealand’s native birdlife.
Wilderness doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk when it comes to sustainable travel. Their fleet boasts low-emission vehicles meeting European Emission Standards, and they’ve implemented energy-efficient equipment and power-saving techniques to reduce their carbon footprint. They’re also committed to recycling all recyclable materials and using environmentally friendly cleaning products within their own base of operations.
What’s more, all Wilderness vehicles meet New Zealand’s strict self-containment standards (NZS 5465:200), a government mandate introduced to keep camping as low-impact as possible. So, when you choose Wilderness, you’re not just getting a great motorhome; you’re supporting a company that’s genuinely committed to preserving New Zealand’s stunning natural environment.
Learn more about Wilderness Motorhomes‘ sustainability promise.
© Wilderness Motorhomes11. Offset the Carbon Cost of Your Flight
Pretty much every airline offers options to offset the carbon footprint of your flight; however, most are not so transparent and questionable in terms of how much real “carbon off-setting” they actually achieve.
We always recommend looking into your own choice of carbon off-setting.
If you haven’t got the time, we recommend myclimate.org or flygrn.com which offer better options than those offered by most airlines.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Use Shuttles or Buses Instead of Taxis
Not only will using shuttles or buses save you money, but it will also reduce the amount of gas used per passenger.
Most airport shuttles offer quick door-to-door services while most airport buses will get you to the city centre.
Learn more about your airport transfer options in the Cheapest Airport Transfer Options for Auckland Airport.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Use Public Transport
Taking public transport means fewer cars on the road, which means less greenhouse gas emissions. Yay!
There are lots of public transport options in New Zealand, from plane to train. But buses are your largest network here, connecting you to the majority of towns and cities in New Zealand.
Public transport is not only the more eco-friendly option, but it also saves on costly fuel.
Better yet, walk or cycle! For more information on public transport, take a look at our Transportation category.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Non-Stop Flights are More Eco-Friendly
It is no secret that flying direct can save you a lot of time. But did you know that it also results in a lower carbon footprint?
Making your total flight time shorter reduces the carbon footprint of your trip and we’re all better for it.
Check out where you can take direct flights to New Zealand from in A Beginner’s Guide to Getting to New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.comEco-Friendly Tips for Staying in New Zealand Accommodations
15. Pick Eco-Accommodations
Many New Zealand accommodations make a significant effort to offer their clientele a more sustainable stay.
By picking accommodations that positively impact their surroundings, you’ll turn your trip into something good for you and the planet.
© westcoast.co.nz16. Take Showers Instead of Baths
New Zealand’s resources are stretched thin, especially during the busy (and drier) summer season.
By switching from bath to shower, you’ll use up to two-thirds less water and reduce the strain on our limited resources.
© Unsplash17. Hang-Dry Your Towel to Save on Hotel Laundries
Hotel laundries are notoriously heavy on chemical detergent and water usage, so consider keeping your towel for a couple of days.
All you’ve got to do is to hang your towel to dry instead of leaving it on the floor; the housekeeping staff will get the message.
© Unsplash18. Turn Off the Light, TV and A/C in Your Hotel Room
Hotel rooms can be heated or cooled down in a matter of minutes, so there’s no need to let the air-con work all day.
Before heading out, do a quick check around your room and turn off all the appliances to help decrease the power consumption of your stay.
© NZPocketGuide.com19. Close Your Windows When Using the A/C in Your Hotel
Air-conditioning machines have to work extra hard when set in larger spaces… And there is no larger space than the New Zealand outdoors!
Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed when cranking up the A/C in your hotel room. It will significantly reduce your power usage.
© Unsplash20. Use Your Room’s “Do Not Disturb” Sign
Avoid unnecessary cleaning and chemicals by placing the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your room’s door. This way, it will not be cleaned daily.
Some hotels even offer rewards for guests doing this, such as breakfast discounts, for example, which we have noticed at the Rydges hotels.
© NZPocketGuide.com21. Bring Your Own Soap and Travel Soapbox
Instead of using mini-toiletries in hotels that are extremely plastic-inefficient, use your own soap (and reusable soapbox for easy travel)!
Not only will it reduce waste, but it means that you can stick to your loved and trusted brand and avoid any nasty surprises.
© Unsplash22. If Using Hotel Amenities, Take Any Leftovers with You
If you choose to use the mini-toiletries included in your hotel room, take them with you when you leave.
No matter how much of it you have used, it will be discarded by the housekeeping staff and that’d be a shame.
© Unsplash23. Try Backpacker Hostels
It is no secret that having more people in one room creates less of an environmental impact, so what about giving a shot to hostels
You can even book a full room for your whole party and have a holiday-style stay. Plus, you’ll be able to use the communal facilities to cook an epic meal.
Find out more about hostels in A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacker Hostels.
© NZPocketGuide.com24. Use the Free Food Shelf in Your Accommodation
If you are choosing to stay in hostels, holiday parks or holiday homes when travelling, you can help reduce waste and get a free meal at the same time.
Leave your leftover ingredients behind and help yourself to half-full packs of pasta, rice or bread in exchange.
Good for your wallet; good for the planet!
© NZPocketGuide.com25. Follow Your Accommodation’s Green Initiatives
We have gone through recycling bins and exchanging books in accommodations such as hostels, but there are other ways you can be more environmentally friendly in your accommodation.
You’ll notice that New Zealand accommodations have signs everywhere to switch off the lights when you leave a room, which makes sense. Also, when using the washing machines, put in a full load rather than lots of small loads. Or, team up with someone else to wash your clothes and cook meals. This saves money and energy.
If you are using other forms of accommodation like camping, then limit your environmental impact with these 10 Golden Rules of Camping in New Zealand.
The main resources of energy in New Zealand are non-renewable, no matter what Tourism New Zealand wants you to believe. In short, the more we waste, the quicker we’ll run out.
© NZPocketGuide.comEcotourism Activities in New Zealand
26. Choose Eco-Tours
Many New Zealand operators make a significant effort to offer travellers a more sustainable experience, such as Abel Tasman Eco Tours.
By picking tour operators that positively impact their surroundings, you’ll turn your trip into something good for you and the planet.
© NZPocketGuide.com27. Avoid Exploitative Animal Experiences
If you, too, believe that wildlife should not be for sale, choose one of New Zealand’s many ethical wildlife experiences rather than a zoo.
New Zealand has a fantastic array of wildlife that can be seen from a respectful distance in their natural habitat.
Check out some recommendations in the 10 Best Wildlife Activities in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com28. Think About the Impact of Your Souvenirs
Many souvenirs found in New Zealand are not local and have been shipped from all over the world to be packed and transported back to your country.
Pick locally made souvenirs and sustainable gifts rather than, well, plastic tatt.
© NZPocketGuide.com29. Take in the Scenery
Going on a hike and relaxing by the beach are not just some of the most memorable experiences in New Zealand, but they are also some of the most sustainable.
The scenery in New Zealand is, arguably, the country’s biggest selling point, so why not enjoy it without the fluff of, say, a helicopter tour?
© Jack Austin - ChristchurchNZ30. Explore a Destination by Bike
How about taking in the stunning New Zealand scenery by cycling for a day? It will help you stay fit, enjoy the pure New Zealand air, and lower your carbon footprint. It’s a simple yet memorable way to sightsee that will make your trip even greener.
Get inspired by the 10 Best Bike Trails on the North Island and the 10 Best Bike Trails on the South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com31. If You See Some Litter, Pick It Up
Not all travellers and locals are mindful, and some even carelessly litter along the remotest tracks of New Zealand’s pristine national parks.
If you see some litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly. This will help keep New Zealand green and potentially save some curious wildlife from choking.
For more ways to travel more sustainably while in the New Zealand wilderness, check out the “5 Ways to Protect New Zealand’s Forests” below.
© NZPocketGuide.com32. Stick to the Marked Trails and Paths
When exploring New Zealand’s national parks, it is important to stick to the trails to protect rare and fragile ecosystems that thrive off the path.
For example, some large tree species have shallow root systems that can easily be damaged.
A simple step in the wrong spot can take years to repair.
© NZPocketGuide.comSustainability Tips in New Zealand for Food and Eating Out
33. Do Not Be Afraid to Say “No” to Plastic in Cafes
Many cafes and eateries in New Zealand still use plastic straws and utensils. Don’t be afraid to say no to them and use your own reusable alternative (or, you know, simply drink from the cup).
Our team does this regularly, and we never receive as much as a bad look.
© Unsplash34. Eat Local
When travelling, there’s no need to have the same imported treats from home. Try something local!
Fresh locally sourced ingredients are better for the planet. Plus, you’ll hardly regret trying some of the local delicacies. We guarantee it!
Check out some local eats in the 25 Foods You Have to Try in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com35. Try New Zealand’s Vegetarian or Vegan Food
Travelling is a great opportunity to try new things. You may have heard that plant-based food is easier on the planet, so why not give a shot at a vegetarian meal or two during your trip?
You may discover something new and delicious. Plus, it will help reduce your impact in a multitude of ways.
© DunedinNZWays to Protect New Zealand’s Forests
36. Volunteer at Community Planting Events or for the Department of Conservation (DoC)
DOC is the governing body that overlooks the conservation of New Zealand’s forests, amongst other things. You can volunteer to help maintain and protect forests for both humans and native wildlife to enjoy. See how you can volunteer here.
In addition, almost every town across New Zealand has its own community groups that arrange tree planting, pest-trapping and more.
If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can always donate to one of the many conservation organisations in New Zealand, like our local Project Tongariro, where you can adopt a hectare of New Zealand forest.
© NZPocketGuide.com37. Use Designated Campsites and Backcountry Huts
Campsites and huts have the facilities designed for your convenience while having minimal impact on the environment. This is more environmentally friendly than freedom camping.
Check out more in our article: Camping in New Zealand, to learn more.
© NZPocketGuide.com38. Go Hunting for Pests
A bit of a more controversial one, but a more hands-on approach to protecting the forests and their wildlife is by hunting.
Hunt for pests, such as possums, deer, pigs and goats, which pose a threat to vegetation and native wildlife.
See where you can hunt and what to hunt on the DOC website.
If you do not have a hunting license, it’s best to go with an approved activity provider – find out more in our guide to Hunting in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com39. Don’t Light a Fire
Remember what happened to Bambi’s mother! There is a fire ban in all conservation areas. You need a fire permit from DOC to light a fire even 1 km outside of a conservation area.
© NZPocketGuide.com40. Respect the Rules of Walking Tracks
DOC signs in forests will symbolise what you can and cannot do in the protected area, such as mountain biking, horse riding, hunting, etc.
Some walks have stations to wash your hiking shoes. Respect this by using them to stop the spread of disease.
© NZPocketGuide.com41. Check Hiking and Camping Gear for Pests
It sounds crazy that you could accidentally bring mice or ants into a forest, but it has been known to happen.
Pests can be rainbow skinks, ants, mice and rats. Soil and seeds are also pests, so it’s important to clean this off your gear before delving into the forest.
Kauri dieback is an example of a major disease that is killing New Zealand’s native kauri trees, so be sure to use shoe-cleaning stations when visiting any kauri areas. You can learn more about this in Why is New Zealand So Fascinated with Kauri?
© NZPocketGuide.comWays to Protect New Zealand’s Lakes and Rivers
42. Clean Your Hiking Shoes, Boat, etc.
There are some freshwater pests, more commonly didymo, that have found their way into New Zealand’s waterways.
To clean shoes effectively after a hike walking through water, remove obvious dirt from your shoes; clean with a bit of biodegradable detergent mixed with water, and dry your shoes completely.
Didymo affects insects that are a food source for fish, makes the riverbed slippery, and can be hazardous for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation and recreation.
© NZPocketGuide.com43. Turn Off the Tap When Not in Use
It could be as easy as turning the tap off when you brush your teeth or having shorter showers.
This helps prevent water shortages and means there is less contaminated water that will need treatment.
© NZPocketGuide.com44. Use Eco-Friendly Detergent
Choose washing detergent without phosphates or compounds with phosphorus (P).
This is because these ingredients have excessive volumes of nutrients, which can cause algal blooms, a.k.a freshwater pests.
© pxhere45. Wash Clothes and Utensils Away From the River
For the same polluting detergent and soap reasons discussed above, don’t wash your clothes in rivers or lakes. If you need to wash anything while in the backcountry, wash far away from the water source. Drain the used water in the soil.
For more best practices for camping in New Zealand, see the 10 Golden Rules of Camping in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com46. Use Toilet Facilities
Rather than using the river or lake, refrain yourself from contaminating the lake by using toilets.
Backcountry campsites and huts usually have these facilities, if you’re out hiking in the wilderness.
© NZPocketGuide.comWays to Protect the Ocean in New Zealand
47. Volunteer for Beach Cleanups
Staying by the sea while on your working holiday? Volunteer for a beach cleanup.
Just this simple task for litter picking can stop marine life from getting trapped or choking on rubbish.
Find a beach cleanup by volunteering for The Department of Conservation (DoC). Or look out for community events, for example, Sustainable Coastlines.
© US Air Force48. Support Ocean Conservation Organisations
International and New Zealand organisations work to protect the oceans on a large scale, such as WWF New Zealand and Project Jonah. The WWF establish marine protected areas, promotes sustainable fisheries, protects the endangered Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins, and protects the southern ocean.
You can support their work through donations.
© NZPocketGuide.com49. Don’t Buy Souvenirs That Exploit Marine Life
You might want to buy some pretty souvenirs for your family back home, but buying items that exploit marine life supports bad practices.
Avoid items like coral and shark accessories. For some souvenir ideas, try these.
© Malcolm Lidbury (aka Pink pasty) on Wikipedia50. Eat Sustainable Seafood
Now, this is a tricky one, as it’s not always obvious where the seafood comes from. Unsustainable fishing methods and “food fads” have contributed to a serious decline in fish populations.
Seafood is a big thing in New Zealand, as Kiwis love their “fush n’ chups”, oysters and crayfish.
To make better choices, you can: pick seafood low on the food chain that needs fewer resources (basically, not swordfish, shark and tuna), pick species that grow quickly, and check the labels in supermarkets to see how the seafood was harvested/fished.
For a full list of seafood to eat and avoid, check out Best Fish Guide.
© NZPocketGuide.com51. Visit a Marine Reserve
Marine reserves are basically like national parks of the sea. They are protected areas that can be used recreationally for diving and snorkelling.
The first marine reserve in the world was established in New Zealand at Cape Rodney in 1977. However, this has only grown to 44 marine reserves, which is less than 1% of New Zealand’s waters.
By visiting marine reserves, it helps them become more successful and increases the chance of other marine reserves being established.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Ecotourism and Travelling Sustainably in New Zealand
That’s it for our official list of tips on ways to travel more sustainably in New Zealand but is by no means the end of our eco-advice! Check out these other guides for the eco-conscious traveller:
- Voluntourism in New Zealand
- NZ EV Rental Guide: Hiring an Electric Car in New Zealand
- WWOOF vs HelpX
And don’t forget our general NZ tips in the 30 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand and The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2025])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
