new zealand tour operators association

• Destination partner

About TAANZ

There is no government licensing for travel agents in New Zealand. The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) is a self – regulating trade organisation representing the travel agent, travel broker and tour operator distribution system in New Zealand. TAANZ and its members promote the use of an Accredited Travel Advisor; quality standards, ethical business practices, safe travel, unbiased options and professionalism.

TAANZ works with its members to promote a Code of Ethics and Practice, and to stimulate, encourage and promote the desire to travel. We also work with ServiceIQ to train staff in the skills required for the 21st century – customer relations, selling skills, ecommerce, new technology, the law and the travel industry.

All members must meet strict membership and financial criteria and be subject to at least two financial reviews each year by the TAANZ Bonding Authority. All members participate in the TAANZ Bonding Scheme for the protection of the consumer.

Sale and distribution of travel products is a dynamic marketplace and continues to change to meet the needs of the travelling public. Most TAANZ members are aligned to brands and groups including First Travel Group, Helloworld, House of Travel, World Travellers and You Travel and typically operate from a commercial business premise that customers can visit. Many TAANZ members also utilise the services of travel brokers to reach their customers. Travel brokers operate from home offices and within their local communities offering travel agency services supported by the TAANZ member they are contracted to. Travel brokers must be registered with TAANZ and approved by TAANZ to sell travel on behalf of the TAANZ member agent. Travel Brokers are not TAANZ members themselves but operate to a set of guidelines maintained by their host agent to ensure travellers peace of mind particularly in respect of the handling of customer funds.

TAANZ members enjoy many benefits by being part of the preferred New Zealand trade association

TAANZ Annual Report 2023

TAANZ Constitution and Rules

TAANZ Code of Ethics & Practice

TAANZ Membership terminations

--> Destination Partner – Tourism New Zealand

It’s never been a better time than now to focus on domestic tourism. TAANZ is partnering with Tourism NZ to give you an opportunity to brush up on your domestic selling skills and help your customers explore our backyard.

To discover all the tools and resources you need to sell a backyard holiday to your clients visit Tourism New Zealand’s resource hub for travel agents. Here you’ll find regional information, itinerary inspiration and a partner toolkit to help with your client marketing.

https://traveltrade.newzealand.com/en/campaign/dosomethingnewnz/

You’ll also find the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme, becoming a certified 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist will enable you to gain expert knowledge on how to sell our backyard to your clients. You will be awarded with a certificate and access to 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist logos.

https://onlinemodules.newzealand.com/login/index.php

If you are a business looking for insights, learning and information about Tourism New Zealand’s work in the domestic market, please visit their corporate website

https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/

--> TAANZ Board

The TAANZ Board of Directors

PRESIDENT –  Mr Brent Thomas

Commercial Director – House of Travel Holdings Ltd

DIRECTOR – Jackie Bell

Helloworld Travel Limited

DIRECTOR – Mr John Willson, MNZITT

First Travel Group Ltd

DIRECTOR – Mr Jason Buckley

Director Inspire 2 Travel Ltd

DIRECTOR – Andrew Bowman

Director NZ Travel Brokers

DIRECTOR – Victoria Courtney

Managing Director NZ    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd

--> Membership Facts

Founded: 1962 Full Members – 303 Additional Branch Locations – 80 Total – 383 Allied Members – 72 Number of selling staff employed by TAANZ full members & branch locations – 2,133 Number of Approved Travel Brokers employed by TAANZ full members – 564 Value of travel business written by TAANZ full members – $2.69 billion (Dec12-Oct13)

--> TAANZ Contacts

Secretariat, travel agents’ association of new zealand.

c/o Level 2, Inspire House, 125 Featherston Street, Wellington PO Box 1888, Wellington 6140 Ph:       04 496 4884 Email:    [email protected]

TAANZ administration

Ms Christine Armstrong

Email:   [email protected]

TAANZ BONDING AUTHORITY

Tom leckie, aca.

c/o Level 2, Inspire House, 125 Featherston Street, Wellington PO Box 1888, Wellington 6140 Ph:      04 473 4330 Email:    [email protected]

Shelley Lancaster

DDI:      04 496 4891 Email:   [email protected]

TAANZ AUDITOR

Grant thornton.

Level 15, Grant Thornton House 215 Lambton Quay PO Box 10712, Wellington 6143 Ph:       04 474 8500 Fax:      04 474 8509

ANZ Bank New Zealand Ltd

• The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand – TAANZ

The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) was incorporated in 1962 and today represents more than 90% of all travel agents/travel advisors operating in New Zealand. TAANZ is unique having its own Bonding Scheme and agreement with IATA and its airline constituents through the TAANZ IATA agreement formed in 2011. The TAANZ Bonding Authority has the responsibility for the review of its members’ financial positions and calculating and administering the securities of its members. TAANZ has the enviable position of never once in its history failing to realise the security of travel agents/travel advisors in default.

TAANZ sets and upholds professional standards through a rigorous accreditation of travel agency selling staff and travel agency approved travel brokers.

Its strength is in its ability to offer advocacy, business advice and education to travel agents/travel advisors and their staff. Its focus is on ensuring the customer is at all times attuned to the benefits of using a TAANZ Bonded travel agent/travel advisor.

TAANZ travel agents/travel advisors are responsible for 70% of air sales and more than 80% of total travel sales and employ and contract 3,000 travel industry workers.

Website: taanz.org.nz

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New Zealand Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable New Zealand tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in New Zealand and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 189737 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of New Zealand travel companies & tour operators with 189737 reviews

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,110 reviews for New Zealand tours

The tour guide was exceptional! The accommodations could have been better.

Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

Intrepid Premium

• Excellent - 320 reviews for New Zealand tours

Summer did an excellent job guiding us around and telling us all about her home country.

Summer did a brilliant job in making 12 strangers into a joyous group. Every day was an adventure.

Thrifty Tours

• Excellent - 62 reviews for New Zealand tours

Good trip and famous wiews

Excellent attention!!!

• Excellent - 1,893 reviews for New Zealand tours

Overall, we enjoyed our tour immensely – but with two (2) exceptions. FIRST: The day when the tour began we looked forward to going to an Australian indigenous museum. I believe it was called “Birrunga”. In particular and on the forms required to go on the tour, I highlighted my desire to learn about the Indigenous People (history, pictures, today in society, future and special beliefs). What we experienced on the tour was an Art exhibition by one artist who was very difficult to hear, who could not answer questions about his own people, who did not have handouts so we could understand some native words and pointed to pictures expressing his interpretation of a particular thought. Others on the tour felt the same way. Then we were taken back to the hotel and told the rest of the day we were on our own. SECOND: We were promised a trip to the exotic Whitsunday Island. We had heard from friends and through reading that this was a must for our tour. However, at the last minute (and almost exactly the last minute) we were told the trip to Whitsunday Island had been cancelled and we would receive a refund. Because of the late notification we were unable to make plans for the cancelled day. We tried to fill that day on our own with other excursions, like dinner cruises, etc. but they were all fully booked. And that was an entire day from tour that Trafalgar failed to meet their obligation. In speaking with other tour members who were upset, we interpreted your decision to cancel shocking, disappointing and not in line with the high expectations we had from your statements about the tour. We did not know if the Whitsunday excursion was cancelled because of mechanical reasons, crew problems, ship problems and were left with the impression we were cancelled because of the size of our group (13) and replaced by a larger group. Although you refunded our money for that, our tour day was lost. Not good! SUMMARY: Christin was wonderful throughout. Regarding the Whitsunday cancellation, she showed her understanding of our disappointment. However, as a result of these two issues, with special emphasis on Whitsunday, we feel Trafalgar did not live up to the high expectations you promised us.

Wonderful trip, Hope and Rick were amazing hosts.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tou…

• Excellent - 35 reviews for New Zealand tours

we had a fabulous time! If there would be a complaint it would be that we had a lot more meals and fun than what was advertised. Can't compliment this trip enough!

Had not travelled with Scenic before however I am now a convert. Totally enjoyed the places we visited and the free choices available. Top class local guides and excellent activities. New Zealand itself is beautiful. We were a group of 40 and everyone was fabulous. Our tour director Sally was brilliant, totally in touch with everyone and very jolly all along. Very professional. Our driver Alan was also excellent, very knowledgeable on all the places we travelled through. What a lot of fun.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,712 reviews for New Zealand tours

Meals along the way were to rushed with having to find place to eat and eat before getting on the bus. Would be better for preorder, have in a cooler on the bus so we can just stop, relax and eat at nice spot along the way. Loved mix of internationals and ages in the group. Hostels were clean and well located. Guide was organized and kept group together and on time. Coordination and information dispensed was not good between TourRadar, Haka Tours and Intrepid. Questions asked kept being referred to be answered by actual guide when on the trip and felt I would have preferred to know what was possible (subject to weather) before arrival as response several times was advised this might not be tour for me.

Some of the hostels were dirty and far from centre, also arrived at hostels too late

• Good - 179 reviews for New Zealand tours
• This operator has no New Zealand reviews

• Excellent - 195 reviews for New Zealand tours

Overall excellent tour, fantastic tour guide, great recommendations and overall great care provided

I had an amazing time, and recommend to anyone and everyone. Do it!

• Excellent - 98 reviews for New Zealand tours

I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. The guide, Isobel, paid very good attention to details and the comfort of her tourists.I felt safe and secure in the bus as Mark's driving was very competent and Isobel was delightful, patient and full of fun, a real people person.She and Mark worked well together, meal times, departure times and other important information was provided well in advance. Good provision was made for frequent stops to allow for toilet breaks and the purchase of refreshments. I liked their attention to time keeping. For me, everything worked smoothly which made the tour relaxed and stress free. I would highly recommend Isobel and Mark.

New Zealand is a land with many places to see. It is a place rich in sites and in history, owing to the fact that two separate cultures have occupied the space. Fortunately our tour director and guide Chantavee was excellent at explaining both the history and providing context to the sites. I did not lower my reading due to the fact that the bus ride just sucked; it was a necessary part of the overall experience.

• Excellent - 355 reviews for New Zealand tours

this tour was just a huge disappointment, this is overpriced, unorganized and leaves you sorry for all the money you spent. of course the sights you will see are amazing, but the tour itself just makes you sad. the guide had absolutely no plan at anytime what was going on, due to this lack of organization, it was always quite hectic rushing from one place to the next. also I made bookings for activities back when I booked the tour itself months in advance, just to realize once I was at the activity it was not prebooked. here it’s advertised as 18-39, which was actually not true, more like an average of 45+. the hostels are not high-end, they are just normal average youth hostels. I did reach out to them on the second day, explaining the circumstances, but sadly did not receive a very constructive answer and no resulting action. honestly, I‘m just mad.

Everyday was different. A well planned out tour giving a rich experience. You want to know what Maori culture is in a short time? This is it!!!!!!

• Excellent - 75 reviews for New Zealand tours

• Excellent - 74,885 reviews for New Zealand tours

We are on the 20 day New Zealand - Australia tour. We do not recommend this tour. This review is sadly because our bus driver, Glenn, said quite a few obviously racist things about Indigenous Australians on our bus ride to and from Uluru. We have been on several Globus tours over the years, and we are very disappointed that Globus employs a company and people with this kind of harmful and backward thinking. On our trip to Uluru on Nov. 15., Glenn told us that Indigenous people are thieves. He said the Indigenous people specifically are responsible for theft in Alice Springs and along the highways. While passing Mount Ebenezer he told us that the Indigenous people are “true communists” and did a bad job running the gas station in the area, which caused the rest stop to close. Glenn then said that someone else tried to open the station again, but the Indigenous people “showed up with spears” and caused the new owner to close the gas station. He actually said, “showed up with spears.” Perhaps Glenn thinks that because it was a bus full of white people he could get away with being overtly racist. But no we are not ok with it. Racism is wrong. On this Globus trip in Australia we’ve had no access to an Indigenous Australian guide to give us a balanced viewpoint. Instead, we were given racist views about a group of people who were not there to defend themselves and add important context. I wrongly presumed we would be given some kind of properly assembled educational information about Indigenous Australian groups directly from Indigenous people, like we received in New Zealand. The “educational” video we watched on the bus to Uluru romanticized the colonization of Australia, depicting the English colonists as heroes and hard workers who earned their right to be here and makes no mention of how these colonists displaced the Indigenous people and basically stripped them of their land and culture. I had to google everything to learn more. This is literal whitewashing of history and distorts the reality of what happened. We are shocked at how blatantly outdated this driver and company are in the changing world.

Gets to the main places but not the best planned tour. Very compressed timelines for the trip, leave you feeling rushed through many destinations. Sometimes not even enough time to eat, or no place. No suggestions or prep from guide. And yet, there's a lot of time on the bus and/or the plane - 5 hour layover for a plane to get to the hotel at midnight. Often felt disorganized - I get everything had just reopened but seems the hotels were often unprepared for us coming, excursions that people had booked for months suddenly unavailable or not booked by company. Couldn't they call in advance, for example, to make sure there's enough food at a hotel dinner??? Tour guide wasn't great

INTRO Travel

• Excellent - 14,813 reviews for New Zealand tours

Die Reise war super und für den kurzen Zeitraum hat man sehr viel von Neuseeland gesehen

It was my first time doing a tour like this with other people who I didn’t know. Our leader (Jess) broke the ice real quick and we all had a great time with her. Loads of stuff to do but it was also really easy to take yourself away for a bit if you needed. I booked onto another tour (Philippines) before this one had even finished because it was so good. Only thing I can suggest is having a different, longer version which includes things like the coromandel, Wellington, Franz Josef etc but couldn’t fault my experience and I am looking forward to coming back!

DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen

• Excellent - 5 reviews for New Zealand tours

• Excellent - 5,455 reviews for New Zealand tours

Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way

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Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) – Representing New Zealand’s Travel Industry

Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ)

Representing New Zealand’s Travel Industry

Business View Oceania interviews Brent Thomas, President of TAANZ, for our Tourism View.

The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) works to represent New Zealand’s travel agents, travel brokers, and tour operators through the promotion of quality standards, ethical business practices, safe travel, unbiased travel options, and consistent professionalism. TAANZ does this through their Accredited Travel Advisor (ATA) certification. As New Zealand lacks an official government licensing program for travel providers, TAANZ takes on the responsibility of ensuring there is a standardised quality of care practiced by agents across the country. The association works diligently with members through the ATA certification towards the continued development and stimulation of the industry.

As the preferred New Zealand travel trade association, TAANZ extends a number of benefits to its members as part of their recognition under the organisation. They include: Professionalism and Standards (active engagement in training, standards, and qualifications), Media (exclusive TAANZ Talk messaging, information and trade-specific opinions), Tool Kit (resources applicable to legal knowledge, consumer analytics, membership specifics, and business development), Traveller Awareness (promotion of travel agents, cooperative advertising, public awareness, and value understanding), Financial Services (to facilitate IATA bonding requirements) Advocacy, Events (yearly AGM and agency summit), Recognition and Reward (National Travel Industry Awards), and Service (membership support and communications). The organisation has a clear Constitution and Membership Rules back by their Code of Ethics and Practice to ensure all members remain dedicated to the cause and conduct themselves accordingly.

TAANZ President Brent Thomas elaborates on the positive effect that TAANZ has had on New Zealand’s travel industry. “TAANZ was formed as a response to the lack of government regulation in New Zealand. We are a self-regulating industry here, so there was a need for travel agents to belong to an organisation that sets some ground rules as to how they should operate their businesses, particularly in financial areas such as the handing of consumer funds. Over time, we have seen just how well the measures we have put in place work. New Zealand now sees very few issues with our certified travel agents, for example, it is stated within our member rules that client funds must be kept separate from the working capital of the business. So protection of consumer funds has significantly improved, which has in turn boosted the confidence and trust customers have in us as an industry.”

TAANZ currently supports 221 full (travel agents, travel brokers, and tour operators) and branch (industry suppliers and associates) company members across New Zealand. Having experienced a drop in membership as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Thomas shares that open communication and industry support is now more important than ever. “Membership numbers have lessened by about a third, given that a number of entities have had to close their doors, but the really concerning statistic is that we have lost two thirds of our industry staff here in New Zealand- we have gone from upwards of 5,000 to around 1,500 staff members in the country. That’s a very significant impact from their perspective and for the travel sector as well; it would be a struggle to find another industry that has been as negatively impacted as ours has around the world. So for us, it has become incredibly important to stay in regular contact with our remaining members and support them as best we can. We have focussed heavily on encouraging domestic travel where possible to supplement sector income from our own backyard.”

Mr. Thomas explains that a lack of concrete information surrounding the ease of restrictions has been difficult for the association and its members. “Some of our members have had to hibernate, so to speak, and pick up second jobs to supplement their own income during this time. It’s very difficult for us to provide them with a ballpark date as to when they’ll be able to resume operations, because we just don’t know when it will be safe to open the borders to international travel.”

TAANZ collaborates with Tourism New Zealand as a Destination Partner to boost domestic travel and encourage association members to showcase everything New Zealand has to offer. Tourism New Zealand provides an extensive resource hub for travel agents that covers regional information, itinerary inspiration, and a partner toolkit to assist in client marketing for domestic tourism. The organisation also encourages TAANZ members to take part in their 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. Upon completion of this opportunity, travel agents will become a certified 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist, gain expert knowledge and marketing tools to further encourage New Zealand residents to explore their nation, and be awarded exclusive access to the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist logo.

Moving forward, TAANZ expects a high level of demand from would-be travellers looking to rearrange excursions that have been cancelled due to the pandemic. Mr Thomas shares, “There are four main types of travel we are going to see boom once the border reopen. The first is corporate travel. As an exporting country, New Zealand relies heavily on international business and global trade, and the pandemic has really hampered our ability to do so. If we aren’t out there meeting customers and suppliers soon, those opportunities will simply go to someone else. That could have some really negative consequences for our economy long-term. Next is compassionate travel for things like weddings, funerals, and end of life planning. It’s coming up to two years now that people have been unable to see their loved ones, so this is incredibly important to help heal our global citizens and take care of their mental health. Third I would say is personal travel, and that is for people like luxury tourism participants and perhaps those who want to holiday as part of their retirement. The last travel type we are going to see a lot of is family travel. Parents and their kids have been cooped up in the house thanks to lockdowns and border restrictions, and the strain we see on carers is immense. So they really need some quality family time away from home with their kids.”

New Zealand’s travel industry is likely to undergo significant reformation due to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. TAANZ is ready to help its members facilitate these changes, no matter what they may be, when international travel returns to the country in force. Senior representatives are confident that the future looks bright, and that New Zealand travel agents, travel brokers, and tour operators will continue to benefit from their membership with the organisation as the sector begins to come alive once again.

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AT A GLANCE

What: Peak body organisation for New Zealand’s travel agents and associated sector members

Where: TAANZ is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand

Website: https://taanz.org.nz/

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General Travel                                                               Proudly awarded Inbound Tour Operator of the Year - 2018     

General Travel New Zealand is one of the country's longest established inbound tour operators, with a growing international clientele seeking its highly personalised travel management service. Founded in 1973, the company's depth of experience together with its commitment to provide the best possible quality in service and product development has earned it a solid reputation. Because General Travel New Zealand is privately owned and operated, its principals bring a truly "hands-on" approach to their business. They have a personal and direct interest in meeting, and even exceeding, the expectations of individual travellers and groups of visitors from markets including North America, Australia, Japan, Asia, Europe, South Africa, India and South America. The company's staff is widely experienced and dedicated to ensuring clients are more than satisfied with every aspect of its service. Specialist divisions, employing highly-skilled, multi-lingual staff with intimate knowledge of New Zealand, cater for the range of widely differing needs of the company's diverse visitor markets. General Travel New Zealand is affiliated to recognised tour operator and travel associations.  General Travel's FIT package range is promoted through the "Kiwiway" brand.  

Anna Black,   BCom Executive Director 

Born into the business of tourism, Anna did not actually start her tourism career until after she had her own successful career in investment banking in London (coupled with an over-extended OE for nearly 7 years). However the call of tourism was too strong and after many years of arranging groups of friends to travel to see the All Blacks play in France, Anna decided the inevitable was in front of her.

Starting with General Travel in 2003, Anna has worked her way through operations and administration, learning the different areas of the business to become General Manager and now Executive Director as one of the shareholders.

Email:  [email protected]

Born in Singapore, John and his family moved to New Zealand in 1990 where he started his ‘tourism career’ in earnest, working for a large hotel chain and even owning and running a hotel himself for many years! After joining General Travel in 2001, John quickly became an integral part of the management team and joined Peter Black as shareholder and owner in 2001.

John's considerable experience with Asian markets, and especially during his previous involvement with the hotel chain as Director of Business Development for Asia, was a welcome addition to General Travel. The Asian divisions of the company have continued to grow under his leadership, gaining further international recognition and respect.

Email: [email protected]

Peter J Black,  MNZITT Chairman

Founding director of general travel, today as chairman peter leads the company into an exciting future. peter has always based the development of his businesses on two concepts; to provide innovative quality services and products, and to meet the needs of customers efficiently, competitively and professionally..

One of New Zealand's travel industry pioneers, he commenced his career in 1964 and founded General Travel New Zealand and its subsidiaries nine years later.  In 1980, Peter established World Interline Tours New Zealand to service the specific holiday requirements of New Zealand airline and travel industry personnel.

In 1981, Peter was a founding director and major shareholder of Johnstons Coachlines, which today is owned by a public company and continues to be a leading upmarket coach company throughout New Zealand. General Travel Marketing was launched in 1990 which represents the business interests of international tourism principals in New Zealand. In 2000, Peter was instrumental in establishing the Kiwiway brand which has been introduced to all major international markets, and today offers excellence to a wide range of product, enjoyed by thousands of visitors to New Zealand. Peter is a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Travel and Tourism, a past executive member of the Inbound Tour Operators Council of New Zealand (now Tourism Export Council New Zealand) and was formerly a founding Director of Pacifica Inns and Lodges (Motor Lodges of New Zealand). Today the company is proudly involved in all major world markets. Email:  [email protected]

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ADS Approved Destination status China market PKP – Premier Kiwi Partnership programme (China market) with Tourism New Zealand DOC Department of Conservation Concession Licence Tourism Export Council of New Zealand TIANZ Travel Industry Association New Zealand TAANZ Travel Agents' Association New Zealand (allied) PATA Pacific Asia Travel Association USTOA United States Tour Operators' Association JATA Japan Association of Travel Agents Qualmark Endorsed 'Tourism Export Council Inbound Tour Operator'

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The 10 Best Tour Companies in New Zealand 🏅 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the top new zealand tours.

Touring New Zealand is easy. No matter who you are, what you are into or where you want to go in New Zealand; there’s a tour company in New Zealand ready to show you the way. From companies that specialise in small-group tours for the young backpacker to luxury tours for the mature traveller, you have plenty of New Zealand tour companies to choose from. We go through some of our top picks in this guide to the best tour companies in New Zealand!

While you’re here, you might be interested in browsing some specific tours in The Best 7-Day Tours of New Zealand , The Best 10-12-Day Tours of New Zealand and The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand . Plus, don’t forget to bookmark Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide for even more tips.

6 Tips for Planning a Tour of New Zealand

• Allow a day or two on either end of your tour  for your travel time to New Zealand, as well as time to get over the jet lag and explore your arrival city
• Pack light : many of the tours are in twin or multi-share rooms where you will not only want to take up a lot of room but be able to keep a track of all your luggage! See our New Zealand Packing List  for more packing advice.
• Use websites like Tourradar to easily compare tour companies. Another advantage of using these websites is that they have standard cancellation policies should your travel plans change
• There will always be optional activities to take part in at an extra cost. Decide on a few of these before your trip departs so you are able to budget correctly
• On a similar note, allow room in your budget for meals , as most New Zealand tours don’t have all meals included – see How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost? for typical food prices in New Zealand
• Virtually meet your fellow tour-goers before your trip by joining your tour company’s Facebook Group (if they have one).

For more advice, see the 15 Tips to Make the Most of Your Bus Trip .

Backyard Roadies

You can’t get more local than Backyard Roadies who formed out of the pandemic showing locals their awesome New Zealand “backyard”. Well, it’s time to show international travellers the highlights too on their variety of New Zealand tours ranging from 10 to 21 days! To add to the “Kiwi” vibe, Backyard Roadies is not only 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, but they go the extra mile to make their guests feel like locals, spending more time at each destination than most other tours. With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

More About Backyard Roadies

Age Range of Passengers : 18-40+-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Boutique hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and some dinners.

Find out more about this tour company on backyardroadies.com .

Best described as a “flashpacker” tour, Wild Kiwi takes travellers aged 18 to 30-something on an awesome adventure around the North Island, South Island (or both) in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with plush leather seats, USB ports, WiFi and more. They pride themselves on small group sizes, so you tend to really feel like a family by the end of your New Zealand tour. While their North Island tours are very decent, their South Island tours hit the most destinations.

Learn more about touring with Wild Kiwi in What is it Really Like to Travel With Wild Kiwi?

More About Wild Kiwi

Age Range of Passengers : 18-30-something-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 18 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and one group dinner per week of travel.

Find out more about this tour company on wildkiwi.com .

G Adventures

The international tour company offers a huge range of tour options in New Zealand. From a seven-day excursion in the North Island to 20+ days exploring the whole of New Zealand , there’s something to suit most travel times. G Adventures  specialises in small group tours , where accommodation in budget-style hostels and lodges is included in the tour rate, as well as most breakfasts and a few other meals along the way. Some usually paid activities are often also included in their tours, such as guided walks, surf lessons, conservation farm visits, a Maori cultural experience and much more.

More About G Adventures

Age Range of Passengers : 18-39-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 20 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : Most breakfasts, limited lunches and some dinners

See G Adventures’ full range of New Zealand tours on Tourradar .

Tour New Zealand with the locally-owned Haka Tours . From adventure tours for young travellers on a budget to premium tours for older travellers and even snowsports tours, Haka Tours just about does it all. While some tours offer more budget options, like staying in hostels and lodges, others are especially for over-30s staying in upmarket accommodations. Either way, passengers get to enjoy breakfasts each morning and the odd dinner. A small number of paid activities are included in the tour rates, from traditional Maori canoe paddling in Abel Tasman to the scenic ferry cruise between the North and South Islands.

More About Haka Tours

Age Range of Passengers : 18-50-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hostels, lodges and hotels Meals : Most breakfasts and limited dinners

Find out more about Haka Tours’ complete offering on Tourradar .

Luxury Gold

Catering to a range of discerning travellers but mostly mature travellers, Luxury Gold offers a way to travel New Zealand in style. There are plenty of activities included in the experience, such as jet boat tours, the TranzAlpine train, kayaking in Milford Sound, a cultural performance in Rotorua, city sightseeing tours and much more. In between the excitement, enjoy stays in luxurious hotel accommodations with many including dinners with wine and a full buffet breakfast.

More About Luxury Gold

Age Range of Passengers : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 40 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Most breakfasts, limited lunches and some dinners with wine.

Compare Luxury Gold ‘s tours on Tourradar .

Flying Kiwi

Offering the ultimate outdoor adventure tours,  Flying Kiwi easily earns a spot on this list of the best tour companies in New Zealand. They are the only tour company taking you to New Zealand’s scenic campsites (with tents included) while giving you the option to hire mountain bikes to make use of the array of free bike trails across the country. If you’re not into mountain biking, no worries; they hit the New Zealand hotspots too for the must-do activities, as well as take you on free guided walks. Many meals are also included in the tour which you’ll enjoy as a group.

Learn more about what it’s like to travel with Flying Kiwi in  The Perfect New Zealand Bus Tour for Active Travellers .

More About Flying Kiwi

Age Range of Passengers : 18-65-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 26 Accommodation : Hostels, camping and cabins Meals : Most breakfasts, some lunches and most dinners.

Compare Flying Kiwi ‘s tours on Tourradar .

“Kings” of the New Zealand touring scene, AAT Kings is a well-established tour company in New Zealand offering tours for a wide age group, from families to seniors to everyone in between. Their tours of the North Island and South Island, as well as national tours, pack in plenty between a significant amount of included meals and included activities that you’d usually have to pay for. While their tours go to some major hotspots and interesting excursions, they never feel “too rushed”.

AAT Kings is also one of the New Zealand tour companies we list in The 5 Best New Zealand Tours for Seniors (Over 40s, 50s & 60s) .

More About AAT Kings

Age Range of Passengers : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 58 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and some lunches and dinners.

Compare AAT Kings ‘ tours on Tourradar .

Active Adventures

For more time in the great outdoors of New Zealand, choose Active Adventures . The New Zealand tour company offers various adventure tours with options catering to hikers, mountain bikers, families or travellers who want to try a bit of everything. Their tours tend to stick to just one of the main islands but ensure that you make the most of your chosen island. What’s more, everything is covered from all meals (except on a “free day”) to accommodation!

For more active tours, check out the 5 Best Hiking Tours of New Zealand: Guided Tours Around NZ!

More About Active Adventures

Age Range of Passengers : 16+-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 14 Accommodation : Hotels, lodges, inns and backcountry huts Meals : All breakfasts, lunches and dinners (except for on the “free day” in the itinerary)

Find out more about Active Adventures on Tourradar .

Kiwi Experience

Choose from two types of tours with Kiwi Experience : flexible hop-on hop-off tours or all-inclusive small-group tours. Either way, one of New Zealand’s longest-running tour companies shows young travellers and backpackers an amazing time around New Zealand. If you’re looking for the “party bus” vibe, their hop-on hop-off tours are famous for it (depending on the crowd, of course), while the small-group tours keep things more intimate with a group of like-minded travellers.

Learn more about Kiwi Experience’s all-inclusive tours in  The 10 Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand or their hop-on hop-off buses in  What is it Really Like to Travel with Kiwi Experience?

More About Kiwi Experience

Age Range of Passengers : 18-49-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 or 30+ Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : None on hop-on hop-off; most breakfasts and some dinners on small-group tours.

Compare Kiwi Experiences ‘ tours on Tourradar .

Intrepid Travel (Premium)

Update: Intrepid Travel’s standard tours are now operated by Haka Tours (see above). This listing refers to Intrepid Travel’s premium offering known as Intrepid Premium. 

Popular for their intimate tours for discerning travellers, Intrepid Premium is well worth considering at your New Zealand tour company. The international tour company offers small-group tours hitting most of the top destinations across New Zealand. Swap busy dorm rooms for twin-share rooms in hotels, motels and lodges. A substantial number of meals are usually included in their tours, as well as a wealth of activities like a Milford Sound cruise, entry to a kiwi house and more. Their premium tours truly are the most inclusive New Zealand tours.

More About Intrepid Travel

Age Range of Passengers : 15-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hotels, motels and lodges Meals : Most breakfasts and some lunches and dinners

Compare Intrepid Premium ‘s tours on Tourradar .

More About the Best New Zealand Tour Companies

That’s it for our list of the best tour companies in New Zealand. For more New Zealand tour companies to compare, check out these alternative listings:

• The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand
• The Best National Coach Tours in New Zealand
• The Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand

Finally, don’t miss a thing about planning the perfect New Zealand bus trip by checking out our Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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The A to Z of travel memberships and communities

At Tourwriter, we believe there is power in numbers. Being part of an organisation or community will help you and your tour operator or travel business become more connected, empowered, and informed. We love the wonderful work that these organisations are doing in creating spaces for members of the travel industry to collaborate, learn and grow – and we’re sure you will too.

There are hundreds of these organisations, dotted all over the world. When it comes to finding and deciding which one is right for you things can start to get a little confusing – there’s just so many to choose from!  Some of these organisations are exclusive and niche and some are broad and inclusive. It’s up to you to know what will work best for your travel business, so have a read through our list and see if any stand out.

Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

This association services over 1000 members from across the globe with a unique focus on tour operators in the adventure travel industry. Not only do they offer their members excellent events, they also have a huge line up of educational opportunities that we LOVE!

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

A member driven organisation, ASTA provides resources, events and networking opportunities as well as researching and advocating for the industry in government. ASTA also offers training programmes and a verification system to help your business grow.

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)

This association was established over 70 years ago and is the leading travel association in the UK. They aim to provide advice and guidance to their members as well as the travelling public and are notably concerned with promoting and upholding responsible tourism, both in the United Kingdom, and abroad.

Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)

With over 1000 members across Australia, ATEC is the primary organisation for representing the interest of Australia’s $40 billion dollar tourism industry. Offering events, education, awards, and connections to their members, this association is a must for Australian tour operators.

An organisation that exists to promote and market the USA as a prime travel destination. Brand USA has representatives located across the world, all working together with embassies and tour operators to drive inbound tourism to the United States.

Coach Tourism Association (CTA)

As well as offering marketing opportunity to their members, CTA also facilitates networking and education opportunities to their Coach Tour Operator members.

Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO)

Representing Tour Operators and Wholesalers supplying travel product for Australians travelling to domestic and international destinations. This association regularly lobbies government on licencing, GST and consumer affairs issues, on behalf of their members. 

Cruise Lines International Association

The global trade association for the cruise industry offers membership to travel agencies and individual agents. Utilising their strong relationship with both cruise lines and the wider travel community, this association is perfect for those tour operators wanting to attract more customers for their cruise tours.

Destination Canada

Brace yourself…this website is huge! With separate microsites for travellers, travel agents, tour operators, business event planners and media, Destination Canada is a mecca when it comes to promoting the country and what it has on offer. For tour operators and travel agents, this organisation works hard to help upskill you in all things Canada, offering resources, training and other learning opportunities.

European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)

Creating tourism that is accessible and beneficial for all is a much-needed venture. Fortunately, there are some fantastic tour operators worldwide who are doing just that! The Europen Network for Accessible Tourism aims to help the ‘frontrunners’ in this area share and learn from each other as well as collaborate to ensure tourism continues to become more accessible. This is a great way to boost the visibility of your organisation, as well as learn about the industry and the ways you can continue to offer excellent travel experiences to your customers.

European Tour Operators Association (ETOA)

Europe’s leading trade association for tour operations and suppliers based in Europe. Currently, this association is over 900 members strong and runs a fabulous calendar of events, workshops, seminars and networking meetups for its members.

Fáilte Ireland

The national tourism development authority for Ireland, Fáilte Ireland exists to promote and sustain Ireland as a high-quality tourism destination. As well as marketing the country to travellers, this organisation works to support all businesses that form part of the visitor experience including tour operators, hospitality, accommodation and transportation. As well as providing research and industry news, Fáilte Ireland also works with its partners to upskill and train them to continue promoting the country as best they can.

Faith Travel Association

Associated with NTA (National Tour Association) the Faith Travel Association serves the faith-based travel market, helping tour operators, travel agents, destination and travel suppliers give their clients a wonderful journey that is just as much about the spirit as it is the body. Members receive access to the FTA member directory, resources, and marketing opportunities. A great way to grow your business in this space. 

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council contributes towards establishing and managing global sustainable tourism standards, provides certification for tour operators as well as a whole lot of valuable resources when it comes to investing in sustainable tourism. Their global conference brings together industry professionals from many sectors, to discuss key challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism.

Golf Tourism Malaysia (MGTA)

This not-for-profit works hard to promote Malaysia as ‘Asia’s best-kept secret’ when it comes to golfing holidays. As well as working to bring more golf-loving tourists to the country, MGTA also works to promote Malaysian Golf resorts and works closely with tour operators specialising in this niche.

Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA)

The name might be a bit of a mouthful, but this fabulous community does a stellar job of connecting members of the hospitality industry to share, collaborate, and inspire one another.

A network dedicated to educating LGBTQ travellers and connecting them with businesses that will support their journeys. One of our very own, Cultural Italy are proud members of this fantastic organisation.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

This association hones their efforts towards fostering partnerships between organisations, government departments and industry leaders throughout Canada with an effort to support and grow indigenous Tourism in the country.  

International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)

A slightly more niche membership organisation, IAGTO exists to educate and provide opportunities for their members, who collectively control over 87% of the golf holiday packages worldwide.

Japan Association of Travel Agents

This association recognises the opportunities that tourism brings to all aspects of Japanese culture, economy and international relations and therefore focuses on promoting and improving the experiences of tourists to and from Japan. This organisation has over 1100 active travel business members and encourages the sharing of information and collaboration amongst its members as well as offering resources and activities for members to use and participate in.

Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO)

KATO describe themselves as ‘the driving force behind Kenya’s Tourism’ and work hard to ensure that Kenya’s tourism industry is well represented through the world-class services offered by their member tour operators.

Latin America Tourism Association (LATA)

Set on promoting and stimulating the growth of the Latin American tourism industry, LATA has become the authoritative voice in the UK for Latin America Travel and Tourism. This fabulous organisation has created a hub of collaboration and learning for its members with regular networking events, as well as encouraging their members to provide high-quality service and consider sustainable travel and business practices.

Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI)

The Maldives is such a beautiful destination, however, one that is immensely susceptible to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. MATI is a not-for-profit, dedicated to protecting and promoting the tourism industry – by promoting environmental protection. MATI works with all parts of the tourism industry as well as government to communicate the issues that are affecting the tourism industry and to focus on fixing them. If you are part of the tourism industry in the Maldives this is one to join!

National Tour Association (NTA)

The leading association for businesses that serve customers travelling to, from and within North America. With a unique mix of both buyer and seller members, this association services over 2000 members across North America.

Ohio Travel Association (OTA)

Although this may seem like a very niche market, Ohio’s tourism is a $43 billion industry and the OTA does an excellent job at promoting it and ensuring that it continues to grow. Becoming a member of OTA will certainly help to grow your travel business, with the organisation providing weekly resources, running workshops and hosting networking events. The OTA also works closely with the government and decision makers, acting as an advocate for the Ohio travel industry.

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

Founded in 1951, this not-for-profit association has been commended for acting as one of the catalysts for the tourism boom in the Asia Pacific. PATA works with tour operators, hospitality provides, airlines, and government organisations to increase sustainable growth and enhance the quality of tourism in and out of Asia Pacific.

Pure Life Experiences

Pure Life Experiences is one of the world’s leading communities for promoting their collection of hand-picked experiential travel designers. A Pure Life membership gives tour operators access to their annual conference, with opportunities to attend workshops, network, and collaborate with the leading minds in exclusive, high-end travel. The Pure Life guest list is open to the public and known as a directory for luxury, experiential travel. Therefore, a membership to Pure Life Experiences is a valuable asset for a tour operator to have.

Québec Aboriginal Tourism

Working hard to preserve and support the rich aboriginal culture in Québec, the Québec Aboriginal Tourism Association does an amazing job highlighting all the area has to offer and ensuring that tourism is thriving. This association works with their members and other organisations to increase the growth of this tourism sector as well as offering marketing, educational, and networking opportunities to its members.

Regional Tourism Organisation New Zealand (RTNZ)

Regional Tourism Organisations in the New Zealand market and promote their region to potential visitors, both domestic and international. RTNZ exists as a place for RTO’s to collaborate, engage and share resources with one another. They also work on behalf of the RTO’s with government and other organisations to regulate the industry.

Safari Link

Founded in the late 90’s, this association connects Safari operators, camps, and lodges from across the globe. Their directory is home to over 5000 businesses, all of whom use this association as a marketing channel for increasing brand awareness to travellers looking on taking the plunge into a Safari expedition.

This is a non-profit organisation that works with inbound tourism companies in South Africa. Their goal is to help these organisations produce tourism services of the highest quality, become more sought after and more well known!

Signature Travel Network

A cooperative for travel professionals. Signature Travel Network strives to help tour operators drive sales, grow their businesses, and promote their brand. As a member, you will have access to training programmes, technology solutions and marketing to promote your brand.

Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA)

SYTA is ‘the voice of student & youth travel’ and have created a worldwide community of travel professionals focussing on youth travel. Becoming a member of this great organisation will affirm customers of your expertise in youth travel.

The World’s Leading Ground Operators (TWLGO)

Ground operators play an important role in bringing together the travel experience for your customers, particularly for those in the cruise industry. This independent organisation works to promote quality in this often forgotten area of tourism. Member Ground Operators are hand-picked based on recommendations, making TWLGO the world’s top selection of Ground Operators.

The International Ecotourism Society

Becoming a member of this worthy organisation will set your business up with plenty of networking opportunities with other likeminded members of the travel industry and provide you with some excellent ecotourism resources. If you need more convincing about why joining TIES is a good idea let them convince you for themselves.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)

TECNZ is an organisation that represents the interest of New Zealand inbound tour operators and works to help them achieve sustainable growth. They provide their members with a link to vital New Zealand products and services and have excellent networking and collaboration opportunities.

Traveller Made

Traveller Made is a community for luxury travel designers to promote their offerings to potential new customers. The community is invitation only and they also host the annual Luxury Travel Industry Awards; a prestigious event where tour operators and suppliers can be recognised for their success.

Travelers Against Plastic

This is less of a tour operator membership organisation and more or an outreach initiative, but an important one nonetheless! Travellers Against Plastic is exactly as the name suggests, an organisation dedicated to educating and promoting waste reduction during travel. Take the pledge and support the initiative to contribute towards this important cause and demonstrate to your potential customers that you are committed to being part of the change. 

With tourism being the UK’s third-largest employer, UKInbound saw a need for an association to represent and advocate for the inbound tourism industry. This is definitely one to join and make the most of if you are part of the inbound industry in the UK.

United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA)

Founded by a small group of California based tour operators who were concerned by the number of tour operators declaring for bankruptcy in the 70’s, the USTOA now represents and provides security to some of the biggest names in USA travel.

Virtuoso is a luxury network, connecting travellers to the world’s best travel advisers. With a portfolio of more than 17,500 advisors, Virtuoso is well established as the go-to for travellers seeking luxury travel. This membership organisation is a fabulous way to align your business with prestige and get fresh new prospects exploring your offering.

Wellness Tourism Association (WTA)

Although wellness tourism is not a new industry, it is growing, and the Wellness Tourism Association aims to promote, support and regulate this industry. WTA members are held to a high standard and are marketed as such. The member hub also offers networking and marketing opportunities that will help you to grow your business.

Wendy Perrin

Wendy Perrin is a travel expert with over 25 years of experience. Her online community and forum wendyperrin.com provides travellers with tips, advice and recommendations to help make their next trip extraordinary. Wendy is most notably recognised for her WOW list , a collection of tour operators, activities and other services from the tourism industry that she and her team have hand-picked to promote to their followers .

We are Africa

This one is slightly different to the other associations we have mentioned, but we felt it was definitely worth including! We are Africa is an annual event focussing on rebranding tourism’s ‘best-kept secret’ to be part of the international luxury tourism space. Designed by the people behind Pure Life Experiences, We are Africa is a must-attend event for travel businesses in Africa looking to grow.

World Indigenous Tourism Alliance

Sustainability isn’t just about protecting planet Earth. It’s about protecting the communities and cultures that inhabit it. The World Indigenous Tourism Alliance focusses on connecting local Indigenous cultures with the travel industry to help support authentic, meaningful indigenous tourism development, and support indigenous peoples seeking empowerment through tourism.

World Food Travel Association

Much more than just a directory of great restaurants, cafes and bars. This association works with both hospitality, government and other travel organisations with a mission of creating economic opportunities for the businesses they serve while also celebrating food and beverage and the special memories that it brings to travellers.

Become one of XO Private’s preferred travel designers and your travel business will be promoted to travellers looking for their next luxury escape. XO Private has become the ‘one stop shop’ for travellers looking for inspiration for their journey.

Young Travel Professionals

This organisation has chapters located throughout the world and hosts regular networking events. They recognise that young travel professionals are “the future of the travel and hospitality industry’ and strives to provide a community for them to collaborate and grow!

Zicasso connect travellers with the world’s best in boutique travel agencies. All members are hand-picked and becoming a member comes with considerable benefits including extra coaching to help you maintain the world leading creativity and expertise you are known for. We also love the fabulous recognition they give to smaller luxury tour operators.

Learn more about why you should join a travel association – and delve a bit deeper into our favourites!

How can joining a luxury travel community open doors for your travel business?

Want to learn more about how the travel industry works?

How does the travel industry actually work?

Who are the key players in the industry, where do they all fit together and how does the industry actually work?! There’s no doubt that the travel industry is a confusing space to wrap your head around so we’ve broken it down for you in this easy new resource.

Travel designers- meet the influencers you should work with.

Understand the role travel influencers play in the industry and why tour operators should be following, interacting and collaborating with them. Explore eight global travel influencers who are inspiring travellers daily.

Tourism news websites you can trust

In the tourism industry it can be hard to differentiate the reliable travel news sources from the not-so-trustworthy ones. In this blog we summarise the top travel news websites that tour operators, travel agencies and DMC’s should pay attention to.

How to set your team up for success when introducing new software

Making changes happen is hard. Especially when it is something that will create a significant impact on the way you work, like new software. We discover what change management is and how it can assist you, your leaders and your team in creating new processes that will make you more successful in the long run. Is it time for a change?

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Home » New Zealand Travel Blog » Tour Safety in 2023

Tour Safety in 2023

• Before you visit NZ , Kiwi Tour Guides , NZ Safe Travel , Popular

MoaTrek’s priority is to provide the safest possible travel environment on our small group tours. We’ve taken the best industry and government advice to create our Safe Tour Operating Protocols to keep travellers, staff and our business partners safe.

Here’s an overview of what we’re doing, for the peace of mind of our travellers.

Safety First

We are members of industry groups such as the New Zealand Tourism Industry Association and the Bus & Coach Association as well as being a Qualmark Endorsed business which means we have access to the best industry safety advice and practices for tour operators, ensuring our operating standards match the best practices for tour operators.

Safe Tour Operating Procedures

Our comprehensive set of safe tour operating procedures and checks performed before and during every tour includes coach sanitisation, guest and guide health, on board hygiene equipment, 24/7 emergency support and contingency plans for any outcome.

These standards follow the latest recommendations and standards of the New Zealand Ministries of Health & Transport, World Health Organisation and relevant New Zealand Tourism Industry Groups. Our Kiwi Guides are all trained in these procedures and we allocate extra duty time before each tour to ensure our comprehensive list of pre-tour checks and preparation is completed to the highest standards.

MoaTrek is committed to being New Zealand’s leading small group tour operator and as part of this we are required to meet the following independently audited operating and safety standards:

Qualmark Approved Tour Operator New Zealand Bus & Coach Association Department of Conservation Concessionaire Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand

Furthermore, we adhere to and follow the latest travel advice issued by the New Zealand government.

See more about Qualmark here.

24/7 Backup and Support

Out on tour our Kiwi Guides are always in control but they’re not alone. The MoaTrek office is staffed seven days a week and in an emergency is available to support our guides 24 hours a day. We’re there to support our guides and help our guests in any way needed.

Another wonderful resource is Healthline. This is a New Zealand government service provided free of charge for anyone, Kiwis or visitors, with medical questions. The practical implication for us on tour is that we have 24/7 phone access to professional health advice if we need it, reassuring for us and our travellers.

Small Group Travel

Recent years have given us even more reasons to love small group travel. Smaller groups mean more distancing, less exposure to people during a tour and the nature of visiting all the “off the beaten track” spots we love so much, means most of the time we’re far away from groups and crowds of people.

Our Travellers Responsibility

Everyone plays a part to make our tours safe and this includes you, our travellers.

We ask all our guests to ensure they are fit to travel, to follow our Kiwi Guide’s requests and instructions at all times on health and safety guidelines.

By taking part in our tours, guests acknowledge that there is still some risk.

We encourage our guests to take the following simple steps to ensure everyone is safe:

• Wash your hands
• Sneeze into your arm
• If you’re not feeling well let your guide know
• Hand sanitizer will be available for all guests
• Our guides carry extra PPE equipment, including masks and MoaTrek has contingency plans for every foreseeable scenario

You are not required to wear a mask on our coach but you certainly may choose to wear a mask if you wish.

One of New Zealand’s Most Experienced Tour Operators

MoaTrek first began operating tours in New Zealand in 1971 and is established as the country’s leading Small Group Tour Operator. Our people, both on the road and behind the scenes, make up one of the most experienced tour operating teams in New Zealand. Through the decades we’ve operated tours in all kinds of conditions and circumstances and have gained a wealth of experience.

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Tourcare guidelines.

TOURCARE GUIDELINES FOR TOUR OPERATORS

Travel is a vital part of human experience. It expands our understanding of people and cultures exponentially. Re-establishing confidence in tourism is crucial for the industry, the destinations and communities visited, and the traveling public.

The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), the European Tourism Association (ETOA), and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) established public health guidelines designed specifically for tour operators.

The well-being of every traveler has always been a priority. To manage risk appropriately, tour operators have supported and implemented procedures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, increasing the level of safety for passengers, employees, and local communities visted. It is in the interests of operators and guests to restore and maintain confidence in travel. To this end, agreement to comply with health protocols must be a pre-condition of participation in group travel.

These guidelines are intended to promote tour operations that complement public health instructions and support such in-house protocols that may be in force within the supply chain. Sanitization procedures are consistent with prevailing public health advice, and as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Travel is a shared experience. Passengers, tour operators, and suppliers need to take reasonable and sufficient precautions and comply with the  procedures and health protocols, such as proof of recognized vaccination and testing, required by local and international health organizations. These guidelines are intended to be a living document, subject to appropriate modification as needs evolve.

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A travel vacation should not only be an unforgettable experience, but offer solid peace of mind. That’s why USTOA created a consumer protection fund which protects consumers who book with our Active Members.

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Self-guided tours and packages

Easy Hike Routeburn Track, New Zealand

By EasyHike

On an independent tour in New Zealand, you’re in the driver’s seat.

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The tour company assembles a detailed travel agenda that’s exactly to your tastes and then lets you enjoy the freedom of a self-guided holiday.

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Vote for your favorite adventure tour operator!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour, they'll have something for you, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to rafting and kayaking. Which adventure tour operator would you most like to book with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winning tour operators will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour,...   Read More

Best Adventure Tour Operator Nominees

Photo courtesy of Todd Mintz

Adventure Canada

Equipped with a fleet of small-scale cruise liners, Adventure Canada has mastered the art of both Arctic and Antarctic excursions. Across Canada, the Northwest Passage voyage highlights the idyllic beauty of Nunavut, while those hoping to spot polar bears in the wild should spring for a Heart of the Arctic expedition, with both featuring highly educated naturalists and archaeologists aboard the ship.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Mayr

Aurora Expeditions

A pioneer of Antarctic travel in the 20th century, Aurora Expeditions has evolved into a force within the industry that offers trips all across the globe. Polar voyages are particularly popular, with options ranging from the shores of Antarctica to the High Arctic, while other cruise routes include Costa Rica, Scotland, and Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours specializes in small group adventures with a focus on the American Southwest, Alaska, and western Canada. Guests enjoy fully customized touring vehicles with enlarged viewing windows, free Wi-Fi at most campsites, and the myriad benefits of insider expertise, like the best spots to photograph a sunset or favorite local restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Kirstie Mullikin

Explorer Chick Adventure Co.

From snorkeling around the Galapagos to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Explorer Chick’s curated tours span five separate continents — and each one is crafted specifically by women, for women. Founded in 2014 by Nicki Bruckmann, this adventure company provides ample opportunity to explore gorgeous landscapes and forge new friendships all across the globe.

Photo courtesy of GomezDavid / E+ Getty Images

Frontiers North Adventures

While northern Canada may not be the most easily accessed region, Frontiers North Adventures is perfectly equipped for making your dream excursion come true. In addition to polar bear safaris and beluga whale watching, the company's Northern Lights and Winter Nights excursion offers an opportunity to catch one of the planet's most stunning natural phenomena in real life.

Photo courtesy of G Adventures, Inc.

G Adventures

Launched in 1990, G Adventures has earned acclaim for their wide array of high-end tours and strong commitment to positive social impact. Whether it's hiking in Iceland or biking in Vietnam, each trip is designed to reflect the company's G for Good philosophy, a concept that seeks to benefit all people and communities visited during a trip.

Photo courtesy of HX & Espen Mills

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has earned widespread acclaim for their lavish cruises, with destinations ranging from the frigid depths of Antarctica to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. For wildlife lovers in particular, the company's Galapagos expeditions shine a spotlight on the rich biodiversity of the archipelago, while a Svalbard voyage is perfect for spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.

Photo courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

Toronto-based Intrepid is a treasure trove for small-scale sustainable tours, with more than 100 countries available to visit. With itineraries like lemur-spotting in the rural depths of Madagascar and cultural immersions across the Middle East, this storied adventure company is perfect for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe.

Photo courtesy of Journeys International

Journeys International

Journeys International builds private and group trips to a variety of worldwide destinations, centering each adventure around the individual's or groups' travel goals. Each party is assigned an adventure specialist who makes personalized choices of locations and activities to include in the experience. All journeys are designed to give every person involved a special and unique trip of a lifetime.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins, Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Greenland are just a few of the dazzling destinations frequented by Lindblad Expeditions, a storied tour operator that's been working in tandem with National Geographic since 2004. While warm weather destinations span from Baja California to the Amazon, the company has earned abundant acclaim for their immersive Antarctic expeditions focusing on native wildlife amidst stunning scenery.

Photo courtesy of KenCanning / E+ Getty Images

Maple Leaf Adventures

The spectacular beauty of Canada is on full display with Maple Leaf Adventures, a small-ship cruise operator that's been in the business since 1986. While the bulk of their itineraries focus on showcasing locations across western Canada, gastronomes can also join in on the fun with a curated Craft Beer Cruise or Wines And Islands excursion across British Columbia.

Photo courtesy of Karin Watkins MT Sobek Photo File

MT Sobek has been a leader in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys around the world. Each one is designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like multi-adventure, family adventure, wildlife and safari, adventure cruising, hiking and trekking, cultural discovery, and rafting and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beginning as a small-scale rafting tour company back in 1972, Nantahala Outdoor Center has expanded far beyond just the rivers of North Carolina, operating tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi River. Though their scope has expanded on an international scale, the company still excels at domestic adventure, showcasing the incredible rafting opportunities across the Southern United States.

Photo courtesy of REI Co-op / REI Adventures

Adventure travelers have long turned to REI to outfit their travels; with REI Adventures, they’ll also find more than 100 fully curated experiences across the United States. These active travel itineraries might involve cycling near Zion National Park, hiking through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, kayaking at Point Reyes, or enjoying a weekend of backpacking close to home.

Photo courtesy of Stubborn Mule Travel

Stubborn Mule Travel

A perfect fit for all ages, Stubborn Mule Travel has curated a wide variety of itineraries designed specifically for traveling families. Destinations span across five continents, and as an added bonus, the company also offers unique itinerary stops based off of the interests of each individual guest.

Photo courtesy of 104kelly // Getty Images

Thomson Safaris

Best known as the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has earned worldwide acclaim for its abundant natural beauty — a quality that Thomson Safaris has been highlighting for more than 40 years. While there’s no going wrong with a classic safari, the company also offers food-focused tours and even plane excursions, each one led by a team of expert local guides.

Photo courtesy of Urban Events Global Team

Urban Events Global

Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Ghana, Dubai, Greece, and Jamaica. They can also plan a custom trip itinerary for you.

Photo courtesy of Ren Fuller // Women High On Adventure

WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel works with women guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavaria. 

Photo courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Beth Peluse / Zephyr Adventures

Zephyr Adventures

Equipped with a roster of trips that span from strenuous mountain hikes to e-biking excursions, Zephyr Adventures offers a diverse range of options for your next getaway. For a glimpse into the beauty of coastal New England, the Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure is a top choice, while those who prefer a more laid-back itinerary can spring for the Czech Republic Breweries and Walking Adventure.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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You can still climb Mount Everest. Here’s how to do it responsibly.

New rules are changing the Everest Base Camp hiking experience, aiming to protect the Himalayas’ Sherpa communities and help trekkers make a more positive impact.

Rising to 29,032ft on the border between Nepal and Tibet, Mount Everest — known as Sagarmatha by the Sherpa people of Nepal — has held an almost mystical allure for climbers and hikers since it was first summitted by New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

But 2024 marks a significant moment in the story of the world’s tallest mountain. As mountaineers gather in Nepal for the start of the spring climbing season, they face a raft of new rules and restrictions.

Introduced by the regional government, the new Base Camp Management Procedure is intended to improve safety, support local communities and shrink the mounds of rubbish building up on Everest. From wearing mandatory GPS trackers to carrying their faeces down the mountain, climbers have more to consider than ever before.

However, only a tiny fraction of travellers to Everest actually visit the summit. Most trekkers set their sights on surrounding Sagarmatha National Park, the Everest viewpoint at Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp — the tent village used by mountaineering expeditions, perched at 17,598ft beside the Khumbu Glacier.

Offering a fascinating insight into the world of high-altitude climbing, Base Camp is the only place where hikers will be affected by the new rules for mountaineers. Here’s what you need to know to visit Everest responsibly.

What’s changed at Everest Base Camp?

Trekkers can still end the two-week Everest trek with a day trip from Gorak Shep to the mountaineers’ tent village at Everest Base Camp, but those who wish to stay overnight may find it harder to arrange. The new rules ban commercial enterprises at Base Camp, including the bakeries and massage tents that used to cater to day-trippers; you may still be able to get a cup of tea and a bite to eat, but don’t expect luxuries.

Can I get to the summit?

Climbing Everest is a more serious undertaking than trekking to Base Camp. Around 600 people complete the perilous ascent every year, but it requires months of preparation, support from a mountaineering agency and fees of over £80,000. If you join an expedition, the team will guide you through the new climbing rules, including where to get hold of the faeces bag provided by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.

How do I support local people?

Many of the new rules for mountaineers are designed to benefit Sherpa guides and porters, and trekkers can play their part on the hike to Everest Base Camp, too. Since April 2023, it’s been a legal requirement for trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park to hire a licensed Nepali guide through a trekking agency, which provides much-needed employment for Himalayan communities (the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal has a list of registered agencies). Hiring local porters and staying and eating in village teahouses, rather than camping, will also provide work for Sherpa people.

Question prospective trekking agencies to make sure guides and porters are being fairly paid (at least $21 (£17) per day for guides and $18 (£14) per day for porters) and protected by insurance to support their families in case of accidents. Poverty is a big issue in the mountains and some porters still tackle the trails in flip-flops due to the unaffordability of hiking gear; make sure your hired team have appropriate clothing and footwear.

Another option is to travel with a responsible international operator. Intrepid and Exodus are two major travel companies that use local guides and porters and have established programmes to train the next generation of mountain workers in Nepal.

Before you trek, visit the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) in the capital’s traveller hub neighbourhood of Thamel to learn more about responsible trekking. Visit again at the end of your trek to donate any unwanted gear; it will go to porters who need it.

How do I protect the environment?  

Climate change is causing glacial melting and flooding across the Himalayas. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, take a bus and hike to the trailhead at Lukla, rather than flying from Kathmandu. It adds six days to the two-week Everest Base Camp trek, but will bring income to villages off the main trail.

Regardless of which route you’re trekking, try to stay in lodges that heat water and generate electricity using solar power or water-powered generators. If travelling independently, look out for this equipment as you enter villages. If joining an organised trek, mention to the agency that lodges that have taken sustainability measures are your preferred accommodation.

What can I do to help reduce overtourism?

In 2023, nearly 60,000 people visited the spectacular sweep of mountains, glaciers, Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages covered by Sagarmatha National Park. Although the park covers 443sq miles, most trekkers follow a well-established trail to Base Camp, via Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Periche or Pangboche and Gorak Shep. You can spread the economic benefits of tourism by breaking your trek at smaller villages and guesthouses, rather than the busy main overnight stops.

Also investigate quieter trekking routes. There are many rewarding alternatives or add-ons to the Everest Base Camp trek inside Sagarmatha National Park, including the dramatic hike to the jewel-like Gokyo Lakes and the challenging Three Passes Trek, linking three breathlessly high, prayer-flag-strewn mountain passes rising to 18,160ft at Kongma La.

Is there specific mountain etiquette?

Most Sherpas are Buddhist, so treat prayer flags and other religious objects with respect. Ask before you take photos of people, remove your shoes before entering homes or monasteries, walk clockwise around stupas and avoid pointing your feet towards people or images of Buddha. Locals dress modestly, so trekkers should do the same — shorts and T-shirts are fine for walking but avoid revealing outfits. Public displays of affection can also cause embarrassment.

Begging is common on the trails. If you want to help, donate to a local charity or approach schools or community centres rather than handing out gifts that won’t make a lasting difference. Books, stationery, toothpaste, toothbrushes and unwanted trekking gear are useful items to donate.

What can I do to protect the trails?  

Stick to them. It’s important that trekkers always follow established paths rather than hiking through undergrowth, and avoid shortcuts between switchbacks, as these can increase erosion, destabilising the slopes. Also be careful to respect nature while out in the wilderness. Don’t pick flowers, crush plants or feed wild animals that you see on the trails. It’s best to stay a fair distance away from the local wildlife, as animals can carry diseases and feeding them might make them ill or change their natural behaviour.

How can I clean up Everest?

Avoid bringing single-use plastic packaging and plastic bags onto the trails. Don’t drop litter while hiking; consider bringing an empty canvas bag so you can gather up any rubbish you find on the trails and transport it back to Lukla, which has a government-backed rubbish-removal service. Carry toxic spent batteries from equipment such as torches or GPS devices back to Kathmandu.

Throw-away plastic water bottles are the bane of the Himalayas; it’s far better for the environment to carry a reusable bottle and purify your own water with a filter pump or chemical purification tablets. Use proper toilet facilities wherever possible; if you have to go while out on the trail, dig a hole well away from water sources and fill it in when you’re done.

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