GOOD Awaits: The Regenerative Tourism New Zealand Podcast

Mou Waho Island

Sharing conversations and stories of those who imagine a better way forward, the GOOD Awaits podcast will be a platform of collective discovery about regenerative tourism in NZ. Co-hosts Debbie Clarke and Josie Major are setting out on a journey to discover what regenerative tourism looks like in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Tourism has suffered tremendously through the global pandemic, and … Read More

GOOD Awaits: New Zealand Awaits Partners with GOOD Travel

Native Bush

A new partnership committed to regenerative and sustainable travel! In September 2020, Debbie Clarke, Founder and Owner of New Zealand Awaits, teamed up with Josie Major and Eliza Raymond from GOOD Travel to collaborate in a 48 hour Tourism Design Challenge. The focus of the team, co-led by Debbie and Josie, explored how to define and measure regenerative travel. This … Read More

10 Reasons to Join a Women’s Trip

woman in front of memorial bra fence

Have you noticed the growing popularity of women-only trips? Around the globe and in New Zealand more and more women are signing up for women’s trips as a way to explore, to connect with a new place or people on a deeper level, or to give themselves a well deserved break in the company of other women. The pandemic has … Read More

Examining Travel on Earth Day during COVID-19

It’s Earth Day today in New Zealand, and I’m reflecting on how my actions as a tour operator directly contribute to the imminent climate threat we’re all facing. I have time now, ‘thanks’ to COVID-19. It’s uncomfortable to sit with these thoughts, and to own my role in what is undeniably the greatest threat to humanity. So far I’ve no … Read More

Lesbian Adventure Travellers Explore New Zealand

When lesbian adventure travellers Stephanie and Ziadee contacted us, they’d already planned a lot of their 9 day trip around New Zealand. They only wanted help with two days when Ziadee would be on her own while Stephanie jetted off to Australia to catch a concert. “You’re going to Australia overnight to see a band, while you’re touring New Zealand?” … Read More

Kim and Karenza Win a New Zealand Honeymoon

Join us in congratulating Kim and Karenza on their New Zealand Honeymoon win! As nature, food, and wine lovers, this honeymoon is a perfect fit for them. We’re so thrilled they’ve won our honeymoon package. They will travel to New Zealand in September to enjoy all the special features of this prize giveaway. Kim and Karenza have been together 5 … Read More

Is New Zealand a Gay Friendly Travel Destination?

I don’t know about you, but when I’m planning a trip anywhere, it’s the first question I ask. Is the destination gay friendly? Will we be welcome there? It’s also the question I always get from LGBTQ travellers considering a trip to New Zealand. “Is New Zealand a gay friendly travel destination?” Absolutely, I tell them! We’ve met almost all … Read More

A self drive discovery of New Zealand

By Deb B. Have you ever thought to yourself, I just need to get away, clear the head and immerse myself in nature’s beauty? I am sure that you have at one stage or another. After a long three years without much self time out, I decided on the spur of the moment to contact Debbie at New Zealand Awaits … Read More

LGBT Americans – Move to New Zealand!

  Good morning America. As a New Zealand born naturalized American, I’ve woken up this morning wanting to believe it was all just a nightmare. But it’s not, so rather than tell you how I’m feeling about this devastating election outcome (because if you’re reading this blog on moving from the U.S., then we share the same feelings) I thought … Read More

Doubtful Sound Wilderness – Rain or Shine

There are few places on earth that are so easily accessible, yet so wild, as Doubtful Sound. Rugged, remote, and lush with rainforest, this sound will take your breath away. Whether it’s pouring rain, or brilliant sunshine, Doubtful Sound never fails to deliver. Spending an overnight in Doubtful Sound with Chris from Deep Cove Charters, a local who has spent … Read More