Get the eco wanderlust

Everyone likes to think that they are environmentally friendly, but when it comes to travel, it’s less of the eco-warrior, but more of the eco-wanderer, as Geraldine Forrester discovers.

There are a number of countries now that make a point of promoting their eco-tourism and more tour operators dedicated to this are popping up by the day, and countries are taking more of a responsibility for he effects that tourism are having.

New Zealand recently topped the bill as the most eco-friendly country in the world, which is no wonder  – the environment is stunning to say the least with lush greenery, crashing waterfalls and stunning mountainous regions – it’s no surprise that New Zealanders are rightly proud of their country and have learnt lessons from other countries, thus protecting their greatest asset.

Unfortunately, if you’re travelling from the UK, there really only is one way to get there and that’s by air – but you can justify this by making sure you cancel out your carbon footprint and by doing your homework you can find some great places to stay that aren’t part of the major hotel chains and are more mindful of their environmental output. The best by far is Lime Tree Lodge in Wanaka which is set in stunning countryside and lesbian run – a prefect combination, particularly if you aren’t quite ready for roughing it in eco-camps.

If education and playing a more integral part is your bag, then you could try one of the many discovery and educational tours on offer. The French Pass Sea Safaris & Beachfront Villas Wildlife discovery tour offers the chance to swim with seals and dolphins. You can view the rare King Shag, Penguin, Fluttering Shearwater, Australasian Gannet, Terns, Gulls and Shags. Not only that but you can learn about Maori and European history.

The best thing about this kind of holiday is that you are not just an observer – you get involved with wildlife conversation programmes which involves developing marine reserves by supporting local field and bird counting trips and the dusky dolphin research and orca project.

Eco-tourism is more than cleaning beaches in Clacton – it’s about making a difference and enjoying yourself at the same time, and no doubt gaining some great life experiences – which is more than can be said for a package holiday to Sitges!