Renowned for its spectacular coastal and inland landscapes, high sunshine hours and thriving natural surroundings, it is no surprise that the environment is an integral feature of any holiday in the Nelson Tasman region. And with the region being home to a number of eco-friendly businesses who have a collective passion for protecting and nurturing the environment, nelsontasman.nz saw an opportunity to create a travel itinerary which lets visitors choose a light footprint holiday.

The first of its kind in New Zealand, this 4-day, 3-night Zero Carbon itinerary brings together extraordinary experiences, delectable cuisine, spectacular scenery and comfortable accommodation, and features local businesses that put sustainability at the heart of everything they do. To further show the region's commitment to caring for their environment nelsontasman.nz will offset the travel of visitors within the region if they book the itinerary (or a variation of it) through the Nelson i-SITE. The offsetting of travel is done through Ekos, in the Uruwhenua Forest in Golden Bay.

The itinerary is aimed at conscious travellers who want to explore more, but also care more for the places they visit ensuring the region will be well looked after for generations to come.

Over the past 12-months 16 businesses in the Nelson Tasman region have been working with local organisation Ekos to help measure, reduce, and offset their carbon to become certified as either zero carbon or climate positive.

All the businesses featured in the itinerary have achieved this certification, including New Zealand's first climate positive pub! To receive the certification, businesses must first measure and reduce their CO2 emissions and offset any unavoidable emissions by buying Carbon Credits. This work was inspired by Businesses for Climate Action and their mission to have 1000 businesses across Te Tauihu measure their carbon footprint by the end of 2021.   

“We are so proud of many of our local businesses who are focused on minimising their environmental impact and are taking the initiative to become zero carbon certified, along with the regional collaboration needed to get this off the ground.” says Gisela Purcell, Visitator Destination Manager.

“It is just the beginning to our regenerative economic focus, growing our region sustainably and showcasing us as a region who really care about our environment. We know we are not perfect, but it is one step in the direction of more sustainable travel.”

Claire Keeling from Ekos says “We are thrilled that Zero Carbon tourism can now be celebrated in our region and sought out by holiday makers. It is proof that being a climate responsible business isn't just about doing what is right – it has real and tangible business advantages too.”

For more information, please contact: Donna Adlam, Destination Coordinator at nelsontasman.nz donna.adlam@nelsontasman.nz

For the full itinerary please visit:  https://www.nelsontasman.nz/visit-nelson-tasman/plan-your-trip/light-footprint-holidays/zero-carbon-itinerary/

To read about the wider sustainability initiatives happening in the region: https://www.nelsontasman.nz/visit-nelson-tasman/plan-your-trip/light-footprint-holidays/sustainability-initiatives/