6 Sustainable Experiences in Christchurch
At BeKiwi, we know that sustainable tourism is important to young travellers in our beautiful country, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Here you will find 6 sustainable BeKiwi experiences in Christchurch, Ōtautahi.
- Pohatu Forest Regeneration, Pohatu Penguins
- Wind-powered blokarts, Velocity Karts
- See, touch and feed farm animals, Arion Farm Education Park
- International Antarctic Centre
- Connect with Wildlife at NZ’s Only Open Range Zoo, Orana Wildlife Park
- Plant Trees for Canterbury
Clean and Green New Zealand
New Zealand has a long-established reputation for being clean and green, and tourism in this country is largely shaped by the uniqueness of our environment and culture. We encourage social responsibility and environmental sustainability throughout your time travelling in New Zealand.
At BeKiwi, we view sustainable tourism as empowering local communities and helping to restore the land for future generations. New Zealand offers a top selection of eco and nature tourism attractions which are perfect for viewing New Zealand’s beautiful scenery.
Pohatu Forest Regeneration, Pohatu Penguins
Pohatu is a 1000-acre property with 40% dedicated by the landowners to regenerate the native forests into what would have existed before human arrival. In the stunning (gram-worthy) scenery, you can help to achieve this by planting native plants throughout the property. This is a free experience, and you will be given transport from Akaroa to Flea Bay by 4WD minibuses by an experienced guide who will provide you with commentary about the natural and human history along the way, with multiple photo-stops! Regeneration of native trees will provide food and nesting habitat for our native birds, sequester carbon and stabilise the land. All you need to do is email Pohatu Penguins and let them know you are keen to help!
Check out more here
Wind-powered blokarts, Velocity Karts
These kiwi invented fun machines are unique to New Zealand with a zero-carbon footprint! Harnessing the Canterbury winds, these blokarts are exhilarating, as fast as you want to make them go, easy to learn, very safe and incredibly accessible for all abilities. For the more adventurous traveller, there is a laugh-a-minute electric Driftkart that will challenge the rider to hang their back end out and produce the ultimate drift. This “counter-intuitive” activity provides a fun way for people to explore their inner Drifter.
Complementing their environmentally-friendly offers, Velocity Kart’s Human Foosball arena harnesses people power. This will have a group screeching with laughter as they play this human-sized version of the popular table game, with themselves as the players!
Find out more here
See, touch and feed farm animals, Arion Farm Education Park
Arion Farm Education Park has a commitment to education and focuses on creating a safe place for people to come and see, touch and feed a range of animals farmed in New Zealand. The animals are hand-reared so are very friendly and you will even be able to cuddle the rabbits! Prepare to learn about New Zealand breeds of animals and how these animals contribute to the New Zealand economy.
Only 30 minutes from the central city and 10 minutes from the airport, with prices around $15 for adults, and $6 for children.
Find more out here
Learn as you travel
Experiential learning is an emerging trend and in our globalised world, creating experiences where young people can learn relevant future skills while exploring and travelling, is essential.
Learn more
International Antarctic Centre
Experiences at the International Antarctic Centre have been carefully developed to offer adrenalin, inspiration, education and entertainment. You’ll experience real snow and ice and even survive an indoor Antarctic storm. You’ll learn about life at Scott Base in Antarctica and see what it takes to work on the ice. Hang out with Little Blue Penguins and get close up to a husky. There’s also the exciting Hägglund Field Trip, an awesome 4D Theatre, a massive HD screen, and lots, lots more.
Book now here
Connect with Wildlife at New Zealand’s Only Open Range Zoo
Set in 80 hectares within 15 minutes drive of Christchurch Airport, Orana Wildlife Park provides the ultimate animal adventure. You can meet New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand-feed giraffes, travel through the Lion Reserve, observe kiwi and encounter mischievous kea. Conservation advocacy is a key role for Orana Wildlife Park, so you will walk away from the experience feeling a connection with and responsibility towards the natural environment. Entry is $36.50 per adult, $9.50 per child.
Learn more here
Plant Trees for Canterbury
There are regular community tree plantings around Christchurch for you to get involved in to make a difference to Ōtautahi, Christchurch. These are usually 2 hours long, on community land and are free to join in. Trees for Canterbury also have work to be done at their nursery, which can be a fun-filled and eye-opening adventure. You will work alongside many volunteers potting plants, weeding and doing general duties around the nursery. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about Trees for Canterbury and the brilliant work they do for their community.
Learn more here
