Traveling New Zealand and Discovering it’s Circular Economy
When travel finally opened up again we knew exactly where we wanted to go. A place that valued community and nature by putting these principles at the forefront of creating economic growth. New Zealand was and is a beautiful country that promotes small businesses and sustainability in order to preserve and grow its community.
When we arrived in New Zealand, their biosecurity was incredible and it became immediately apparent that their environment and community preservation are prioritized over the global community. New Zealand is an island nation with protected plants and wildlife species like no other place in the world. Flightless birds like the Kiwi would be extinct by an invasion of outside predators, the same with many of the indigenous plants.
Both the kiwi bird and the fruit are natives of New Zealand.
The Tui
The takahe is a flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand
New Zealand’s flora and fauna differ from every other large land mass on earth due to its long isolation and uniqueness as a country able to eradicate all introduced mammals from the environment. The isolated species living here were affected dramatically around 800 years ago when humans from Polynesia settled in New Zealand. Not long afterward the first Europeans arrived and both, with the help of introduced pests, began to deplete species around them. They brought with them a multitude of mammalian pests. Still chewing the life out of our New Zealand bush, these pests are bringing about a grim ending to an almost inconceivably long history of a unique and beautiful life.
Our first stop was Wellington, the capital city, which we found to be very similar to San Francisco from its overcast weather to its city aesthetic. First, we went to Zealandia Ecosanctuary which was an amazing natural park dedicated to the protection of the birds of New Zealand. ZEALANDIA has a vision to restore this valley to the way it was before the arrival of humans. With its 8.6km fence keeping out introduced mammalian predators, birds such as the tūī, kākā, and kererū, once extremely rare in the region, are now common sights around central Wellington. Other vulnerable native species such as tīeke, hihi, little spotted kiwi, and tuatara remain thriving safely in the sanctuary.
Zealandia Overstory
Zealandia Lake
Wellington is the home to many small businesses and like the environment, local businesses are endorsed and supported by the community and government. Some of our favorites included Lonely Lingerie, Karen Walker, Stolen Girlfriends Club, and much more. One of New Zealand’s best out of any we have ever tried is their coffee. Not only do we love it but they are well known globally for it. Our favorites in Wellington were Evil Twins Coffee, Pour and Twist, and Collective Coffee Shop. The food was remarkable and with almost 100 % guarantee of Gluten Free options for my daughter who is Celiac. All menus had ingredients that were locally sourced.
Colombo Winery Cheese Plate
Bike Ride Between Poppies and Colombo
We then left the amazing Naomi Hotel and road-tripped to Auckland taking many stops along the way. Our first stop was the coastal north island wine region of Martinsville. We stayed in a lovely small boutique hotel called the White Swan. The best way to go to the vineyards is via bike! Martinborough is quite small, creating the perfect wine and bike experience. We rented bikes from Green Jersey Bikes and went to Poppies, Moy Hall, and Colombo wineries. We were fortunate to have a wine tasting given by Poppy herself and really got to understand the passion for sulfate-free wine and the grapes that are the best in the area.
Mount Ruapehu
We then traveled north taking a quick stop for a hike around Mount Ruapehu (a volcano) with a beautiful waterfall. Then continued on to Karapiro Tui Cottage, an Airbnb hosted by Mary the plantation owner and Kiwi bird enthusiast. Staying here was the most amazing experience of the quiet nature, cooking outside, and low-key energy. The location was in the country but close to amazing experiences like Hobbitanago, Glow Worm Kayaking, Mt. Maungatautari, and a Polynesian day spa in Rototora.
Piha Beach
We finally ended our tip in Auckland where we stayed in Herne Bay which was a very walking distance to coffee, breakfast, shopping, and the ocean! While in Auckland we went to the Botanic Gardens, ASB Classic, the town of Piha. Piha is on the far western side with gorgeous black sand beaches and tons of walks, hikes, swimming spot and great food.Our favorite neighborhoods to walk around were Herne Bay, Ponsonby, and Mission Bay. We ate at Lucky 8, Dear Jervois, Duck Island Ice Cream, Andiamo Eatery, and Odettes Eatery. We also stopped by Aukland’s Karen Walker location but also discovered other small retailers such as Superette, Saben Purses, and Ruby. Our Favorite Coffee places were Allpress Coffee and Orphan Kitchen.
Overall our experience in NZ was phenomenal and we felt a real strong sense of community as well as people so connected to the country creating a strong sense of respect and responsibility. The emphasis on a circular economy is what we want to continue to enhance in our business model. Below you will find many looks that we feel resonate with the New Zealand aesthetic.
