Eco by name. Eco by nature.
We understand that the experiences we offer are made possible by the world we live in, and it’s our responsibility to protect and preserve these resources. By prioritising sustainability in our operations, we identify areas we can realistically change, and then we work hard to implement them. We like to think of ourselves as a charter operation that is taking steps to make change that we hope others will follow.
Our Immediate Focus - and quick wins!
Our commitment to the reduction of Single Use Plastics
Goodbye to the traditional burley bag
We have removed what is commonly known as a burley sack ‘onion bag’ from our operation and instead place burley into a purpose-built reusable canister. Imagine if we averaged 3 charters per week, we have removed over one hundred onion bags from landfill per annum
The dreaded ice bag
On each trip, we would use, on average, 4 x 5 kg bags of ice. Each with their own plastic bag. We now purchase ice in bulk, in 2 x 10 kg bags, to reduce our footprint by 50%. We are actively exploring the option of bringing salt water home from trips to freeze, which would enable us to eliminate ice bags in the future.
Our On-board recycling initiative and Guest Education
If it goes overboard, you’re going with it
When you join an Eco Adventures experience, there are a few simple expectations of our guests – nothing goes overboard, and it’s just the start.
We have an onboard recycling system that works for us and our guests. If it’s organic, we will keep it and turn it into burley for our next trip. If it’s recyclable, then we will recycle it the appropriate way when we get back to shore – just like you would at home.
Consideration for operational time and fuel consumption
We can’t wait for electrical outboards and propulsion systems
But in the meantime, we need to work with what we have. So we give a lot of thought to pre-planning our charters to create the shortest routes to the most productive experiences. Where we can we try to minimise distances travelled, and when we need to go a long way offshore, we nudge our speed back a few knots, which drastically decreases our fuel burn.
Our partners and friends at sea
Our Sustainable Practices
Eco-Friendly Tour Operations
We prioritise the environment by using low-impact transportation options where possible, maintaining small group sizes, and limiting our impact on delicate ecosystems. Whether you’re enjoying a fishing charter, exploring nature trails, or an ocean adventure, we focus our operations to leave minimal environmental footprints.
Responsible Fishing Practices
Our fishing charters are guided by principles of sustainable fishing and we abide by the LegaSea charter code of conduct. We strictly adhere to local regulations to protect fish stocks, and we release any undersized or non-target fish back into the water with due care. Our knowledgeable guides also educate you on best practices for catch-and-release fishing and how to enjoy the sport while preserving marine life for future generations.
Support for Ocean minded charities
We support New Zealand charities that focus on ocean and marine preservation. A percentage of every tour booking goes back to these organisations to help them continue their work in ensuring marine sustainability for future generations.
Conservation and Wildlife Protection
Whether you’re spotting dolphins, hiking through protected areas, or relaxing on a beach, we educate our guests on how to respect wildlife and habitats. We partner with environmental organisations to support conservation efforts and promote responsible wildlife viewing. Our team is dedicated to following best practices for wildlife protection to ensure that every animal and ecosystem is treated with care.
Waste Reduction
We are committed to reducing waste in all our operations. We encourage zero-waste practices on our tours, including reusable water bottles, eco-friendly packaging, and minimizing plastic usage. Additionally, we actively support local environmental initiatives that focus on beach clean-ups and habitat restoration.
Energy and Resource Efficiency
From the boats we use to the buildings we occupy, energy efficiency is a priority. We invest in sustainable technologies and practices, including solar-powered facilities and environmentally-friendly equipment. We also encourage our team and guests to make conscious choices to reduce water and energy consumption.