OUR PASSION FOR PURPOSE
Responsible tourism and guardianship (Kaitiakitanga) are essential to protect New Zealand's pristine landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Māori heritage for future generations.
By travelling thoughtfully, supporting local communities, respecting cultural traditions, and minimising environmental impact, our manuhiri (visitors) can help preserve the very beauty and authenticity that make New Zealand so special. At Kirra Tours, we believe that exploring this incredible country comes with a responsibility to leave it just as spectacular as we found it. To ensure that our operations align with your values, please feel free to read through the standards we hold ourselves accountable to each and every day.
Our Responsibility
As a Qualmark Gold-rated operator, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of responsible tourism in New Zealand. Our role goes beyond providing exceptional travel experiences, we actively work to protect the environment, respect cultural heritage, and support local communities. We minimise our environmental footprint through practices such as reducing emissions, conserving resources, and prioritising eco-friendly or community led operations. We foster authentic cultural connections by working closely with Māori partners and ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation of Aotearoa’s heritage. By embedding the principles of the Tiaki Promise into everything we do, we strive to ensure that tourism in New Zealand remains sustainable, enriching, and respectful for generations to come.
Qualmark Gold
Kirra Tours has been awarded Qualmark Gold Tourism Sustainability Business Award which recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything we do. A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official independent quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. Our practices are reviewed annually, for more information click here.
The Tiaki Promise
Kirra Tours is a signatory of the Tiaki Promise. Tiaki = care for New Zealand, was created through a collective desire to share a connection to the natural world, inspiring and helping visitors to travel safely and conscientiously. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, people have a strong connection to the place around them. Tangata Whenua (people of this land) see nature as something intrinsically intertwined with their own lives. For Māori, every mountain, every river, every tree has a story. Tiaki invites us all to look at the world through this indigenous lens. To form a deeper connection with this place, and to reflect this in our attitudes & behaviours. Pledging the Tiaki promise, means that while travelling in New Zealand, you will;
- Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace
- Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all
- Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind
Your Contribution
As a visitor to New Zealand, you have a unique opportunity to protect and preserve our precious environment by embracing the Tiaki Promise, a commitment to care for the land, sea and culture during your travels. You can contribute to Responsible Tourism by making mindful choices such as reducing waste, respecting wildlife, supporting local businesses, and choosing low-impact transport options. Follow marked trails, leave natural spaces as you found them, and learn about Māori culture to deepen your understanding of the connection between people and place. By travelling responsibly and living the Tiaki values, you help ensure Aotearoa remains a place of beauty and mana for generations to come.
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