Footprints on the sands of time: minimising the impacts of commercial sea kayaking companies on the New Zealand environment

Abstract

A major challenge in achieving long term sustainability of the New Zealand tourism industry involves operators actively protecting and enhancing the natural, built and cultural environments in New Zealand. International visitor numbers to New Zealand are growing around 5% annually, with similar growth being experienced in the commercial sea kayaking sector. This research identifies the perceived environmental impacts of commercial sea kayaking from an operator's perspective, and identifies actions that companies are implementing to minimise those impacts. Sea kayak operators are aware of a wide range of impacts on the natural environment, involving biodiversity, pollution, erosion, natural resources and visual impacts. Actions are being implemented in areas such as waste minimisation, energy efficiency and transportation to minimise those impacts. However, with increased awareness of the issues, greater stakeholder involvement, and participation in voluntary initiatives for sustainable tourism such as the government funded Sustainable Tourism Charters, the environmental performance of sea kayak operators could be improved. Implementing actions now will add value to New Zealand's 100% PURE brand, and help protect and enhance the environment for future generations.