Ōkārito Plant Project Featured in The New Zealand Herald for Regenerative Tourism Leadership

We’re delighted to share that the Ōkārito Plant Project has been featured in The New Zealand Herald for its innovative regenerative tourism model that brings local businesses, conservation groups and volunteers together to restore native ecosystems on the West Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The article highlights how the project’s collaborative approach is redefining tourism by connecting visitors and tourism operators with hands-on restoration and environmental stewardship. This recognition builds on our mission to support long-term ecological health while creating meaningful experiences for community and visitors alike.

What Makes the Ōkārito Plant Project a Regenerative Tourism Model?

Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability — it actively improves the natural environment and supports biodiversity, local culture and community wellbeing.

The Ōkārito Plant Project does this by:

• Restoring native ecosystems through eco-sourced planting

• Inviting tourism operators, visitors and volunteers to take part in practical conservation work

• Partnering with landowners, schools and organisations to expand restoration efforts

• Supporting habitat regeneration for native flora and fauna

According to The New Zealand Herald, this model stands out because it genuinely integrates conservation with tourism — creating benefits for nature, people and place.

Regenerative Tourism in Action on the West Coast

The West Coast’s unique landscapes — from wetlands to coastal forests — are central to the region’s identity and visitor appeal. The Ōkārito Plant Project connects tourism directly to the care and protection of these ecosystems.

Visitors and volunteers gain hands-on experience, learning about the importance of biodiversity, ecological restoration and predator control. These real-world conservation activities enrich visitor engagement and foster deeper connections to the land.

This approach not only supports environmental outcomes but strengthens community involvement and creates a shared sense of purpose.

National Recognition and Continued Growth

Being featured in The New Zealand Herald highlights how the Ōkārito Plant Project is leading the way in regenerative tourism. The article brings national attention to a model of tourism that benefits the environment, local communities and the visitor experience.

This recognition reinforces our commitment to growing the project, expanding restoration areas and deepening partnerships with tourism operators, volunteers and community groups.

Read the Full Article

Read the full feature in The New Zealand Herald:

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AS PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD