KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award
Congratulations to the winner!
KiwiRail Tourism – Interislander and Great Journeys New Zealand – is the proud sponsor of the Environment Award in the 2023 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
We are investing in a sustainable future, including through new Interislander ferries and Great Journeys New Zealand scenic trains, and we are delighted to support an award which applauds the tourism industry’s environmental champions.
Congratulations to Christchurch Airport, the winner of the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award 2023.
Christchurch Airport believes that aviation is critical to people continuing to visit but also that it needs “to pull every lever we can – technological, behavioural, regulatory” to reduce emissions”.
The Judges said Christchurch Airport had a bold vision. “They are at the forefront of airport environmental initiatives globally. It’s clear they're on a journey and bringing others on board too.”
The judges noted Christchurch Airport’s achievement at being the first airport in the world to gain the international airport body’s highest level of decarbonisation.This was followed by a move from carbon neutral to climate positive in 2022.
Other aspects of the airport’s entry that impressed were its commitment to waste diversion from landfill, its recognition of te ao Māori, planting and biodiversity projects and plans for a 400ha solar park.
Tracey Goodall, GM Great Journeys New Zealand presented the KiwiRail Environment Tourism Award to Christchurch Airport at a gala event in Wellington on 7 November 2023. Pictured above (l-r) Kylie Frisby, Christchurch Airport GM of People and Culture, Claire Waghorn, Christchurch Airport Sustainability Transition Leader, and Tracey Goodall.
Read more about the New Zealand Tourism Award winners NZ Tourism Awards
The finalists
We also applaud the achievements of the finalists in this award – EcoZip Adventures and Pic’s Peanut Butter.
EcoZip Adventures, Waiheke Island
EcoZip is an award-winning adventure and eco-tourism business, founded on the concept of ‘commercial conservation’— a successful and sound commercial business able to fund conservation and social initiatives. Advocates for sustainable and regenerative tourism, they have been recognised with a Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand award.
Pic’s Peanut Butter World promotes sustainable tourism practice throughout its operations. It promotes the use of sustainable agriculture practices, uses renewable energy to minimise carbon emissions and have efficient waste management systems. Community focused, they pay the living wage, donate peanut butter to the community and sponsor community groups.
About us!
KiwiRail Tourism encompasses two iconic tourism brands – Interislander and Great Journeys New Zealand, which together have decades of experience delivering epic ferry and rail journeys.
Interislander – connecting people and place
Interislander has been connecting Kiwis and international visitors across the Cook Strait for over 60 years on what is one of the world’s most spectacular ferry journeys.
We are the original Cook Strait ferry, sailing daily between Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Waitohi Picton, carrying passengers, vehicles and freight. Along with the breathtaking views, our customers enjoy locally sourced food and beverages, cinemas, and premium lounges on board our ferries.
In 2025 the first of our two, purpose-built ferries will arrive in New Zealand, followed by the second in 2026. Larger and more environmentally responsible, they will reduce the current fleet’s carbon emissions by 40%, with the potential to increase reductions over time as technology evolves. Find out more on our new ships explainer video, and visit our website - New ferries.
The Interislander journey is known as one of the most enjoyable and beautiful ferry journeys in the world.
Great Journeys New Zealand – Aotearoa by scenic train
Our scenic train journeys have been named among the top train experiences in the world.
Through the connected rail network of Great Journeys New Zealand, passengers travel from Auckland in the North through to Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, experiencing New Zealand’s famous coastlines, unique biodiversity and mountains along the way.
Our scenic rail journeys help drive New Zealand’s regional growth, bringing hundreds of tourists each year to cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and to regions including Waikato, Ruapehu, Manawatu, Marlborough, Kaikōura and the West Coast.
Not only are our journeys spectacular, they are a sustainable option for experiencing the beauty of Aotearoa with fewer carbon emissions than road travel, enhancing the safety and beauty of the country.
Great Journeys New Zealand believes in responsible rail travel.
KiwiRail Tourism’s environmental story
Interislander and Great Journeys New Zealand believe responsible travel should provide many benefits, both to communities and the environments we live in. We are working to support a more sustainable future for our beautiful country and partner with others to help further support a sustainable future.
Our work aligns with KiwiRail’s Rautaki Whakauka Sustainability Strategy. We believe a sustainable business contributes to a vibrant, enhanced economy that works for the environment, society and the economy.
New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment
Interislander and Great Journeys New Zealand have signed up to the Tourism Sustainability Commitment.
Tiaki Promise
Interislander and Great Journeys New Zealand are proud supporters of the Tiaki Promise, a commitment to care for New Zealand.