Stronger connections for a better New Zealand
At Great Journeys New Zealand, we believe responsible travel should provide many benefits, both to communities and the environments we live in. We are working to support a more sustainable future for our beautiful country and partner with others to help further support a sustainable future. Some of the actions we have taken include:
- Working through a waste minimisation plan to reduce single use items and divert waste from landfill.
- We’ve recently expanded our tourism offering, introducing packages and tours helping to support regional communities in Aotearoa.
- We are working with regional operators committed to the best sustainable practices.
Teaming up for conservation
One of the lesser-known rail corridor neighbours along our TranzAlpline route is the humble kiwi.
The Arthur’s Pass Wildlife Trust recently reported finding five kiwi pairs in Arthur’s Pass National Park near the route – two pairs at Klondyke Corner, where the Bealey River meets the Waimakariri River, and three more at Bealey Spur, located across the river from the railway near Cora Lynn.
In November 2024 we proudly hosted a team of 12 Forest and Bird Youth volunteers aboard TranzAlpine for a day of conservation work in the Park. The journey from Christchurch to the Pass was not only scenic but also purpose-driven, as the volunteers assisted with the Wildlife Trust’s trap-building exercise.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Embracing the Tiaki Promise
At Great Journeys New Zealand, we are committed to responsible travel that enriches our communities and preserves the natural beauty of our environment. This commitment is rooted in the Tiaki Promise, an ethos that urges everyone to act as guardians of Aotearoa, New Zealand. By following the Tiaki Promise, we aim to respect, protect, and preserve our country’s natural, cultural, and social heritage. We believe it's not only about seeing new sights, but also about fostering an environment where both land and people flourish together.
Reducing Waste and Recycling
Over the past few years, we have audited waste from our iconic scenic trains—the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific, and Northern Explorer—to better understand and manage our waste streams.
In 2020-21, waste from the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific & Northern Explorer was audited. This helped us understand what made up our waste and what were the priority waste streams to reduce and recycle.
Priority waste streams for recycling onboard are Mixed recycling: Plastics 1, 2 & 5, tins & cans, carboard, paper, glass and food waste. As of January 2024 we are halfway there!
In 2023, we shifted from using soft plastic to recycled paper for our headphone packaging and partnered with suppliers to use transition to recyclable materials forrecyclable food packaging (PET or rPET). These changes are a testament to our dedication to "Protect Nature," ensuring that our operations contribute positively to the environment.
Supporting regional communities
Our rail tours, short breaks and packages aim to support local economies and utilise the services of Qualmark-certified operators, ensuring high-quality experiences that respect local traditions and values, aligning with the Tiaki Promise to "Show Respect" for all cultures.
Initiatives like the tree-planting program with Treetops West Coast not only enhance local habitats but also support sustainable tourism practices by funding conservation efforts through the purchase and planting of native trees.
Additionally supporting regions with promoting customers to visit where our rail travels to. Collaborating with Regional Tourism Organisations and regional events like Garden Marlborough offering a competition to entice manuhiri.
Partnering for a better future
Education and awareness are key components of our sustainability strategy. We aim to inform and inspire our guests about the importance of environmental conservation. Through our journeys and storytelling, we share the rich environmental heritage of New Zealand and the critical role each individual plays in its preservation.
Living the Tiaki Promise
Education and Awareness
We are integrating the Tiaki Promise into some aspects of our customer experience. For example, our tour guides are key educators of the Tiaki principles, enhancing guest awareness about environmental and cultural preservation.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Great Journeys New Zealand, sustainability is a continuous journey. We are always seeking new ways to enhance our sustainable practices and reduce our negative environmental footprint.
We actively engage our customers for feedback through surveys to understand their needs better and innovate solutions accordingly. A prime example of this is our response to customer requests for accessible water refill stations, leading to the installation of a new water station at the Addington Railway Station check-in area.
Join our commitment
We invite our guests to join us in our commitment to sustainability and the Tiaki Promise. By choosing Great Journeys New Zealand, you become a part of a movement that values and respects the unique environment and culture of Aotearoa.
Great Journeys New Zealand aligns with KiwiRail’s Rautaki Whakauka Sustainability Strategy, which reflects the core Māori values of kaitiatanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (care and protect), and whanaungatanga (sense of connection).
A Sustainable Future with Great Journeys New Zealand
Great Journeys New Zealand aligns with KiwiRail’s Rautaki Whakauka Sustainability Strategy and believes a sustainable business contributes to a vibrant, clean economy that works for the environment, society and the economy. These are the central pillars of our strategy, and reflect kaitiatanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (care and protect), and whanaungatanga (sense of connection) respectively.