the eco adventures ETHOS
OUR Environmental responsibility & Commitment
At Eco Adventures Wānaka, we acknowledge that every journey into nature leaves a mark.
As much as we strive to tread lightly, we recognise that travel—by boat, by foot, or by air—has an environmental cost. But we believe in doing better. That’s why every one of our adventures is designed not only to connect people with the land but to actively give back to it.
We offset the impact of our operations through ongoing predator control, native tree planting, and ecological restoration. Our guides are guardians as much as storytellers, ensuring each visitor becomes a participant in protecting the places we explore.
We can’t undo all the harm, but we can choose to walk a different path—one where tourism helps restore and enhance what it touches
Mou Waho Island Regeneration – Tree Planting Initiative
Planting the Future: How Every Eco Adventures Tour Helps Restore Mou Waho Island
Conservation isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we do, every single day. And nowhere is that more evident than on Mou Waho Island, the jewel of Lake Wānaka and a sanctuary for native wildlife.
Since 2007, every guided trip to Mou Waho has included a special moment: the planting of a New Zealand native tree, grown locally and carefully selected to thrive on the island. It's a simple act with a powerful ripple effect. To date, our guests—families, travellers, adventurers—have helped us plant over 10,000 native trees on Mou Waho.
Why does this matter?
Because these trees are more than just plants—they're lifelines. They provide critical food and shelter for the island’s unique and often endangered birdlife, helping to restore the natural balance and beauty of this predator-free sanctuary. With each new sapling, we’re building habitat, encouraging biodiversity, and creating a richer experience for everyone who steps ashore.
And there's another benefit too: this ongoing reforestation effort helps to offset the carbon footprint of both our business and the guests we host. It’s a rare and rewarding opportunity to not just enjoy nature—but to give back to it, directly.
For many of our visitors, the birds of Mou Waho are the highlight. From the curious buff weka to the melodious bellbird, these encounters stay with people long after they’ve left the island. Knowing that their tree might one day shelter one of these feathered residents? That’s a connection that lasts a lifetime.
At Eco Adventures Wanaka, we believe that tourism can be a force for good—and thanks to our passionate guides and conservation-minded guests, Mou Waho is proof of what’s possible when we all pitch in.
Conservation at Altitude: How Our Heli Hikes Help Protect New Zealand’s High Country
High above the valleys, where alpine tarns glisten and jagged ridgelines stretch toward the sky, you’ll find more than just breathtaking views—you’ll find purpose. At Eco Adventures Wanaka, our Misty Mountains and Alpine Lakes heli hikes aren’t just about exploring remote, untouched beauty. They’re also about protecting it.
In these fragile alpine zones—where few humans venture and native wildlife hangs on—we’re helping to defend the land from predators through ongoing trap line management and pest control. It’s conservation with altitude.
Not just a hike—it's a mission.