Our Story
we foster connection to the natural world
ECO ADVENTURES WāNAKA IS ABOUT CONNECTION – CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE NATURE THAT WE ARE ALL PART OF, TO the STORIES THAT SHAPE US ALL, AND TO EACH OTHER.
Our Commitment
Before us came Chris and Lee who began guiding trips on Mou Waho Island over 18 years ago. The island they encountered had recently had its invasive pine forest felled. Eco Adventures Wānaka entered into an agreement with the Department of Conservation to restore Mou Waho Islands biodiversity by allowing guests to plant native food trees for the birds on every trip. This commitment, which has seen over 10,000 trees planted on the Island to date, is our commitment to leave where we visit better than we found it.
Celebrating Wānaka’s regenerative tourism pioneers
“For over 17 years, guiding company Eco Adventures has been at the forefront of eco-conservation. Founded with a mission to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Wānaka, their Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk has allowed guests to plant native trees on Mou Waho Island, contributing to the island’s ecosystem. This initiative has seen over 9,000 trees planted, providing food for species like the Buff Weka, a rare flightless bird extinct on mainland New Zealand.
The positive impact of these efforts has garnered Eco Adventures significant recognition, including the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s “Heart of the District” Award and a finalist position in the Department of Conservation Awards. Looking forward, Eco Adventures aims to expand their conservation projects, including the installation of additional Wētā Motels to protect native species on Mou Waho Island. Their commitment to regenerative tourism not only sets them apart from competitors but also resonates deeply with environmentally conscious visitors. Eco Adventures continues to inspire stewardship and contribute to the ecological well-being of the Wānaka region.” - Read the full article on Love Wanaka