Innovation

Envy Experiences is leading the way in eco-tourism at Fiordland National Park. They are changing how people explore Piopiotahi Milford Sound with a simple motto: "Take only pictures, leave only footprints." Their tours are climate-positive and aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Based in Te Anau, they offer personalised trips through Milford Sound while minimizing environmental harm. What makes Envy Experiences unique is their focus on responsible travel and fighting climate change by using only electric vehicles for transportation, cutting down on carbon emissions. This eco-friendly mode of travel allows guests to explore the beautifully rugged terrain of Fiordland with minimal disturbance to the tāngata whenua environment. This business innovation creates a significant carbon reduction from traditional tourism and directly contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action). This helps protect the stunning Fiordland landscape for future generations.

Envy Experiences is a local business that boosts the regional economy and supports job growth. They hire local guides who know and love Milford Sound, making the tours more meaningful. They prove that sustainability can be luxurious and beneficial for both people and the planet. Nigel said, “By hiring local guides who call this place home, we create authentic, meaningful experiences for our customers."

Inspiration

Nigel and his family are seasoned veterans in Te Anau's tourism industry, owning and operating a local motel for over 20 years. They started Envy Experiences to offer travelers a sustainable way to see Milford Sound. Nigel said, "I grew up in Southland and want to share its beauty in a sustainable way."

Nigel has been committed to sustainability his whole life, and it has become a key value in his business ventures. At his Motel, Nigel was one of the early adopters of Qualmark, a certification that helps travelers make informed decisions about the quality and sustainability of tourism services in New Zealand. This passion has inspired him to be the first in the area to adopt electric vehicles for tourism activities. Nigel explained, "We want to show that electric vehicles can work well in tourism. The barriers are not insurmountable, we just got on with it."

Beyond the environmental initiatives, Nigel is a staunch advocate for community involvement, understands the significance of investing in the local area, and strives to highlight Fiordland's rich cultural heritage. Nigel said, "We're local and want to help our community grow. We want to show off Fiordland's culture and history while creating jobs."

Nigel's efforts to launch Envy Experiences show how eco-friendly tourism can help local communities, and he hopes to inspire others to do the same.

Overall impact

By offering climate-positive Milford Sound tours, the company has mitigated the environmental footprint associated with tourism. Nigel has demonstrated that eco-tourism is a growing and profitable industry, and there is demand for clean and green tourism experiences.

With the help of Great South (Southland Regional Development Agency), Nigel has achieved a significant milestone in becoming certified climate-positive through EKOS, a New Zealand-based company that specialises in carbon management and sustainability services. Nigel said, “Great South were key for us becoming certified as climate positive, they helped us precisely calculate our footprint and understand how we could reduce and offset it”.

Over the last five years since the business's inception, including a break due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Nigel has made over 500 round trips to Milford Sound in the Tesla. Each trip is ~220 kilometers, resulting in ~110,000 kilometers of travel in an electric vehicle instead of the traditional petrol rental car that is typically used. This has resulted in immediate reductions in carbon emissions, mitigating almost 20 Tonnes of carbon to the atmosphere.

In the long term, Envy Experiences sets a precedent for responsible tourism practices, and the company influences the industry and encourages other businesses to prioritize sustainability. Over time, this cultural shift towards eco-friendly tourism will lead to broader environmental conservation. Envy Experiences sets a great example of blending environmental care with business success and shows that making money and protecting nature can go hand in hand.

Business benefit

Envy Experiences was born as a sustainable tourism company built around the luxury eco-tourism value proposition. By offering climate-positive Milford Sound tours, the company has attracted environmentally conscious travelers and differentiated itself in the competitive tourism market, opening a new segment in Te Anau for eco-tourism. This strategic decision has resulted in revenue from previously unfulfilled demand, which is growing as people become more environmentally conscious. It positions Envy Experiences as a pioneer in sustainable tourism.

The innovative approach has opened new markets and created expansion opportunities. Envy Experiences has garnered attention from environmentally conscious consumers, facilitating growth and expansion opportunities. With the recent purchase of two additional Teslas to expand its fleet and range of services, Nigel plans to offer trips from new destinations such as Queenstown, requiring additional staff to operate and creating job opportunities. Nigel said, “We have tested the concept and believe we are ready to take the next step in expanding our operation.”

This indicates the company's commitment to meeting growing demand while maintaining its eco-friendly ethos. As more travelers are drawn to the unique and responsible travel experiences offered by Envy Experiences, Nigel is prepared to grow the business further to meet emerging market trends.

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Social and environmental benefit

Envy Experiences makes a real difference in protecting the environment by introducing eco-friendly tours of Piopiotahi Milford Sound through climate-positive eco-tourism. This ensures that the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park remain untouched and unpolluted. Nigel said, “At Envy Experiences, we are committed to leaving these beautiful landscapes as nature intended them”.

Envy Experiences strongly emphasises employing locals, which has had a significant positive impact on the community. Their dedication to sustainability has boosted morale and staff retention in Envy Experiences, the motel business, and brought a sense of pride among employees who appreciate being part of a company that prioritises environmental responsibility.

Nigel's commitment to sustainability, environmental care, and community engagement highlights the power of innovative business approaches in generating positive impacts for society and the environment. By balancing economic success and social and environmental responsibility, the company is a model for responsible tourism that prioritises the well-being of both people and the planet.

Interview

Nigel Humphries, Director