Eco Camping- staying sustainable in Aotearoa's outdoors
Published 04 April 2022
Eco Camping - staying sustainable in Aotearoa's outdoors
By Anna Worsey, Volunteer, Sustainability Trust
Aotearoa has some of the best camping spots and tramping trails in the world. Who doesn’t want to get out and enjoy them?
Often while we’re on the road our good sustainable practices we’ve gotten used to at home can slip out of mind. Read on to see how you can enjoy our natural environment while also protecting it.
Where are you camping and how are you getting there?
Stay local. We’re lucky to have so many epic spots right on our doorstep so why not choose somewhere close by to minimise travelling long distances.
Driving? If you do want to explore further afield try carpooling with a bunch of friends or use public transport if it is an option.
Choosing your final destination is important. Plan ahead and book a campsite or hut so you know what facilities will be available to you. DOC has campsites and huts all over the country which are reasonably priced and have good facilities.
Freedom camping? Check out the freedom camps available around Aotearoa.
What are you bringing with you?
Plan ahead! Decide what you are going to eat and bring staples from home to save you buying on the road, which reduces packaging and can save you money.
Can you make it yourself? Recently we came across a camper who brings flour, sugar and salt from home and makes his own tortillas at camp to reduce his plastic waste - legend!
Is weight a concern? Lightweight backcountry food often comes with unwanted packaging. Prepare something at home and bring in a reusable container or bag. You could get experimental and dehydrate your favourite meals at home.
Water- avoid buying plastic water bottles on the road by bringing your own bottles or drum and fill up along the way. Find a refill station here. If you are concerned about the safety of the drinking water, water purification tablets are a good option (if not always the tastiest).
How are you washing your dishes or your hair? Consider what products you are using and whether they will harm the waterways. Biodegradable dishwashing soap is available at our EcoShop.
Invest in reusable cutlery, bowls, cups etc. If space is an issue opt for collapsible bowls and cups and avoid opting for single use options.
What are you taking away?
Aim to leave with nothing but a great experience and some good stories!
Plan how you are going to deal with rubbish and waste. Have at least two separate bins or bags for waste and recycling, then bring them home or check the local council’s website to find a nearby recycling centre.
Don’t ignore food waste! If you’re in a vehicle use a sealable container/bin for food scraps, then either take them home to compost or find a host to donate waste to at Share Waste. You could even take a bokashi bin with you for on the road composting!
If you’re tramping, plan ahead and avoid bringing foods that will result in extra scraps. Bring a resealable bag for any food waste so you can bring it home without ruining everything in your pack.
Take EVERYTHING with you when you leave. New Zealand is seeing considerable amounts of camping equipment dumped at campsites- often still in usable condition or at least fixable. Purchase good quality equipment that will last and don’t get lazy. If you carried it in, you can carry it out.
‘Pack in, pack out’ ‘leave no trace’.
Who/what else is sharing your environment?
Wildlife- protect the local wildlife by learning about what plants and animals are around you, and consider what effect you being there will have on them.
Should you start a fire? A campfire can be a signature part of camping in the outdoors but it is not always the most responsible. Check for restrictions first and do not burn anything but firewood.
Educate yourself- Who are the local iwi for the area you’re planning to enter? Look up the history and Māori culture of your destination, consider and learn from how they treat the environment and how you too can be a good kaitiaki.
Ngā mihi to Anna Worsey (Sustainability Trust Volunteer) for researching and writing this awesome piece.