6 Reasons to
Choose RD Tours- Exclusive access to Mt Earnslaw, no other operators, no crowds
- Guaranteed Small Groups max 6 people
- Late model vehicles BMW X5 and Landrover
- Experienced Kiwi Guides
- Flexible, adaptable tours for "Your needs and requirements"
- Guaranteed Small Groups 2-6 people
Private Discovery Tours
Environment and Sustainability Policy
We are privileged to live in a beautiful environment. We aim to minimize the footprint of our business and that of you, our guests on that environment. At RD Tours we adopt a holistic approach to sustainability – we consider environmental, social, economic and cultural elements are all integral to our functioning.
We belong to the Sustainable Business Programe Queenstown, and “live the principles of Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga.” Kaitiakitanga – to look after the land, sea, air and living creatures Manaakitanga – mutual respect between hosts and visitors.
To achieve this we:
- Think before we buy – informed buying decisions can help us reduce the amount of raw materials used in manufactured goods, eliminate air and land pollution, cut waste volumes, support local businesses and encourage good employment practices here and overseas. Ultimately this helps stop the destruction of native forests and natural habitats around the world. Where possible we use local suppliers that are carbon neutral or are aiming for a carbon neutral status.
- Think before we use – efficient use of energy, water, office products, fuel and other resources we use to ensure our business reduces our environmental impact.
- Think before we discard – recycling and composting as much waste as possible can help reduce air and land pollution, and reduce the amount going into landfills. We recycle glass, plastics and paper.
- Protect wildlife and natural habitats. We are aware of the sensitive environment that we interact with, off road we avoid crossing waterways where possible and disturbing fragile vegetation on high country trails.
- Educate and grow. Well informed driver guides are a crucial asset to our business success and the visitor experience. We train them and make customers aware of what we are doing and inform them how they can actively participate in our environmental initiatives.
- We commit to legal compliance. Our business ensures compliance with relevant environmental legislation and regulations, and other requirements to which we subscribe.
Current Initiatives Undertaken
- Improving our cultural understanding by attending a workshop on Ngai Tahu values to introduce a more meaningful cultural component.
- Installing water flow restrictors to reduce water pressure for wash down and cleaning of motor vehicles.
- Donating a days labour to wilding pine tree removal in the Wakatipu region.
- Improving our heritage knowledge, through dialog with local historians and find interesting and accurate excerpts from library records. Becoming a member of the Historic Places Trust.
- Contributing volunteer hours as a trustee for the Wakatipu Youth Trust a registered Charitable Trust. The trust provides a Youth Centre in Queenstown and employs 4 Youth Workers to assist local young people in the community.
- Promote awareness of sustainable farming practices in New Zealand. Taking clients to an Organic High Country Station promotes awareness of New Zealand’s ability to produce food by sustainable methods.