Our Commitment to Sustainability

Our Tiaki Promise

New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here is responsible for looking after it. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and future generations.

By following the Tiaki promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

We realise we have a part to play in looking after our backyard. We will endeavour to showcase our commitment to the Tiaki Promise as well as undertake beach clean-ups as a team.

Show your Support by following these Tiaki Promise guidelines

• Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace.
• Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all.
• Respect culture, and travel with an open heart and mind.

Show your support and use the hashtag #tiakipromise, if you would like more info please visit Tiaki website.

Kaitiakitanga

Kaitiakitanga has been described as guardianship or protection.

The basic meaning of ‘take’ is to guard, but depending on the context in which it is used, it also means to preserve, keep, conserve, nurture, protect and watch over. The prefix ‘kai’ with the verb ‘tiaki’ denotes the agent of the action of ‘tiaki’. Therefore, a kaitiaki is a guardian, keeper, preserver, conservator or protector. The addition of ‘tanga’ denotes preservation, conservation and protection.

Seal Kayak Kaikōura has a responsibility for taking care of our beautiful surroundings and natural resources, minimising the environmental impact we leave, and informing staff and customers of environmental and sustainable actions for future generations.

Carbon Zero

We aim to leave as little carbon footprint as possible and invite our customers to help us in this goal.

Here are a few things you can do to support our low-carbon efforts:

• Bring a refillable drink bottle. We offer clean drinking water at our onsite coffee container.
• Use a keep cup for your hot drinks — you might even get a discount.
• Walk or drive to our office if possible. We’ll transport you to the kayak launch in our 14-seater van, reducing traffic and emissions near the coast.

Seal Pup Census

Kaikōura is home to a thriving New Zealand fur seal population, providing unforgettable wildlife experiences. However, in summer 2023, many seal pups were found underweight and emaciated. The Department of Conservation (DOC) began research to understand and respond to the issue, including annual pup census and biometric testing.

We’ve partnered with Dr. Jody Weir, DOC’s Marine Mammal Advisor in Kaikōura, to volunteer our guides each summer and support this important fieldwork. This hands-on involvement has helped us better understand these amazing mammals and contribute meaningfully to their protection.

You may even spot us in the latest Aotearoa series on endangered species — one episode was filmed right here in Kaikōura.

Wildlife

We take our responsibility to protect marine wildlife seriously and aim to be the best kaitiaki we can. Our tours are designed to educate guests on how to support marine life and reduce human impacts.

One area of concern is the little blue penguin, a species under pressure from predators and human activity. In response, we’ve:

• Updated our operating procedures in consultation with the Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue Centre
• Committed to volunteering our time to support and expand penguin nesting areas

We strongly discourage seeking out little blue penguins for viewing. The best way to help is by reducing pressure on them and supporting local conservation efforts.