Australasian Ecology Tours New Zealand & Australia Nature Holidays NZ Study Programmes Eco Tourism

Birding, natural history, botanical & educational travel New Zealand & Australia

Nature & bird watching holidays, study programmes in New Zealand

About us

The concept of a holiday in a naturally diverse and unusual country abroad appeals to most travellers. There is always much to learn about a new country: its history, the culture of its people, the natural environment and the distinctive characteristics of the plants and animals that inhabit it, which sets it apart from any other country on the planet. Therefore it seems appropriate that the itinerary of a journey to a different country should allow some scope for learning. The study abroad environmental education packages for overseas students, and the nature, birdwatching and botanical tours for overseas visitors, have been developed by Nature Quest with just this in mind.

Background

Nature Quest New Zealand was established in 1988 to provide natural resource study tours using New Zealand's natural heritage as a medium. Since 2001 the company has also operated in Western Australia and Tasmania.

Nature Quest New Zealand Ltd aims to :

provide study tours and nature tours concentrating on one or more aspects of Australasian ecology
provide greater insight for participants, into the fragile nature of the ecological communities constituting Australasia's natural heritage, and through lectures, discussions and field study enable participants to gain an increased understanding and greater appreciation of Australasia, its ecology, and threats to its sustainability
educate participants to respect and care for the natural heritage.
provide custom designed birdwtahcing and nature tours for individuals

Mark Hanger was a principal in the formation of Nature Quest New Zealand and continues to be a director today. A graduate in Botany from Otago University, Mark was prior to this employed with the National Parks and Reserves Service in Otago for 7 years, his work concentrating on interpretation of the natural and cultural environments to the public. Along with a professional involvement in conservation since 1979 Mark has had an equally long private interest in and concern for conservation. A member of the Catlins Forest Park Committee for two terms until its abolition with the formation of new conservation boards, Mark has been on the Otago branch committee of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society for 17 years. Mark has a private re-vegetation project near Dunedin, that has been underway for nearly 16 years.

Ecology Tours in Australia and New Zealand

Nature Quest New Zealand Ltd operates throughout the main islands of New Zealand. The company has also operated botanical study trips and general nature tours in Western Australia and Tasmania since 2001.

Nature Quest New Zealand Ltd has operated under a nationwide concession with New Zealand's Department of Conservation since 1998, and prior to that held regional concessions and permits for Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Westland, Fiordland, Southland, Otago, Tongariro National Park and Wellington in the decade prior. The company is also a current holder of a concession with CALM ( Department of Conservation and Land Management ) in Western Australia and a concession with Parks Tasmania.

Philosophy

In New Zealand we are very fortunate to live amidst a treasure trove of natural wonders, that are also a living natural history museum.

To carry on business in such an estate is indeed a privilege, a privilege which carries special responsibilities.

We feel we must :

operate in a manner which is not to the detriment of the very environment we gain an income from
ensure we convey only well researched, accurate information on ecological communities and biological systems to participants
encourage and develop, in participants, a respect and care for the natural environment.
only employ tour naturalists who are dedicated to, and enthusiasts for New Zealand's unique natural heritage
we believe in a maximum of just 13 persons with each naturalist, thereby enabling ready access to the naturalist for participants.

Educational Value

So many tours throughout Australasia are transport means between one feature/area and the next with the emphasis on how quickly one can get there. While still ensuring the logistics are very well organised, this is secondary on all Nature Quest trips to providing itineraries/programmes that enable each participant, not to see as many areas as possible in the shortest possible time, but to learn as much as possible at a comfortable pace, about segments of Australasian ecology.

Cornerstones of this are detailed information booklets, specially prepared for each departure, consisting of background ecological information, and species lists for areas visited. A copy of one such booklet is included with this application. Secondly all vehicles carry a comprehensive natural history resource management library, and as a matter of course evening lectures, slide and video presentations are shown during the trip.

Environment Policy

At Nature Quest New Zealand Ltd we :

support the use of the natural environment provided the operation does not impinge in a significant way on the environment
support qualitative use of the conservation estate in New Zealand and Australia. An unspoiled, uncrowded natural environment is one of the most memorable facets of NZ for our participants. To date too little thought has been given to the impact of an increasing number of visitors on the natural estate
strongly believe all commercial users of the natural environment should contribute to the maintenance of the natural estate.

enlarge

© Nature Quest New Zealand Ltd 1988 - 2010 | Founded 1988
PO Box 6314 Dunedin, New Zealand | Tel: +64 3 489 8444 | Fax: +64 3 489 8444
Email: nature@naturequest.co.nz

website by digitise