Eco-travel in Australia and New Zealand
2010-07-02
Australia and New Zealand travel offers tourists the chance to take in some of the world's great natural beauty. However, it's also important that people work to protect that beauty. Fortunately for eco-conscious travelers, some of the best environmentally-friendly resorts are located in these two countries.
Reuters recently contacted vacation experts Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who run a travel website, to provide a list of the best resorts and hotels for eco-travelers. Three of the picks came from Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia's Blue Mountains, a short drive from Sydney, lies the country's first ecologically-themed luxury resort at Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. The owners here own 4,000 acres, but have done their part to keep the wildlife in their natural habitat, and planted 175,000 trees.
The other pick down under was the remote Bay of Fires Lodge and Walk, where accommodations feature green technology like solar panels and hand-pumped showers.
And at Cape Kidnappers on New Zealand's northern island, guests can stay at The Farm, which also works to restore the local gannet bird population.
Australia recently topped luxury travel website Virtuoso's "dream destination" poll, and New Zealand came in third. By staying at resorts and hotels that engage in green practices, travelers can do their part to keep these top locations looking great.
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