Conservation
Tourism working with conservation – Bush & Beyond is at the forefront
Bush and Beyond has a long history of being involved with conservation initiatives aimed at reducing predators from conservation areas. Given that New Zealand has a very unique and fragile environment we pride ourselves on walking lightly and respecting the natural environment. It is a huge privilege to be able to experience our unique flora and fauna. Some of our flora and fauna are endemic, which means they can only be found in New Zealand. Think about the Kiwi, Tuatara and Tui which are some well-known examples.
Eminent American biologist Jared Diamond put it perfectly, “New Zealand is the closest we can come to studying evolution on another planet”. New Zealand was the last major landmass on earth to be inhabited by humans. In contrast Australia had its first immigrants approx. 40 – 50,000 years ago. After 80 million years of isolation, New Zealand had evolved into one of the most remarkable and fragile environments on earth, a land of amazing birds and a unique endemic flora. There was only one mammal, the native bat.
The destruction caused by man and introduced predators has affected the flora and fauna of the Kahurangi National Park. Many ancient species are threatened with extinction from introduced predators, such as rats, stoats and weasels. The Blue Duck, or Whio, was once common in streams around the Park. However, in recent years this ancient species has been attacked nearly to extinction. With volunteer-supported efforts to trap these predators, the ducks have begun to breed in safety.
We have a strong belief in the importance of protecting the biodiversity and habitats of New Zealand’s native species.
Our Conservation Guidelines are:
