NEW ZEALAND

VOCO AUCKLAND CITY CENTRE, AUCKLAND.VOCOHOTELS.COM

Looking to lead the world in sustainable tourism, New Zealand has developed a national sustainability commitment with a goal of every tourism business in the country committing to sustainability by 2025. It involves restoring nature, eliminating waste and showing visitors how to be better travellers when on the island. The newly opened voco Auckland City Centre hotel was designed with sustainability in mind. Along with filtered drinking water in rooms (avoiding plastic bottles), aerated shower heads reduce water consumption, and bedding is filled with 100% recycled materials. For exploring, the hotel has partnered with Wyld Bikes, makers of bamboo bicycles, to help guests get around the city with a minimal footprint.

Hawaii

OLD LĀHAINĀ LŪ’AU, OLDLAHAINALUAU.COM

The appeal of Hawaii is easy to understand—the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific offset by volcanic mountains and lush rainforest. But to travel responsibly there, a destination that’s struggled with overtourism, is to engage with Native Hawaiian experiences. These are activities and experiences that honour Native Hawaiian culture and knowledge. One such is the Old Lāhainā Lū‘au, in Lāhainā, Maui. Unapologetically authentic, this is an evening that adheres strictly to traditional Hawaiian dance and performance. Many tourists come expecting fire play, for instance, which is not Hawaiian. The show, which includes musical performances, is accompanied by a five-course meal of traditional Hawaiian dishes.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA HAIDA HOUSE, HAIDATOURISM.CA/HAIDA-HOUSE

During the pandemic, the peoples of the Haida Nation of Haida Gwaii, in northern British Columbia, developed a pledge for visitors to sign before their arrival in the delicate ecosystem, which is referred to as the Galapagos of the north. “I will respect Haida Gwaii and Haida ways of being during my visit.” The goal: to ensure guests experience the environment and interact with the people in a way that will preserve and protect both for future generations.

A stay at Haida House immerses visitors in the land and culture. Formerly a bear hunting lodge before it was taken over by the Haida Nation, the lodge focuses on cultural and eco tourism, with experiences that include interpretative tours of the area’s carved poles, meeting with artisans, and hikes.