Our Story
Set at the heart of stunning Waiheke Island, EcoZip Adventures is a certified climate positive, award-winning adventure and eco-tourism destination, offering state-of-the-art dual flying-fox ziplines with a beautiful eco-immersive forest experience.
Dedicated to lovers of nature and adventure of all ages, you’ll enjoy ‘the complete Waiheke experience’ with us, starting first with our ‘Waiheke Highlights’ tour, then riding a series of dual giant flying-fox ziplines, followed by a step back in time beneath the cooling canopy of our regenerating rainforest. Our twin cables make this a unique experience as, unlike other zipline tours, you can fly side-by-side with a friend!
Conservation is at the heart of our business, so while riding our ziplines is undeniably huge fun, and something you can share with friends, family and colleagues, you can do it knowing that by zipping with us you’re directly contributing to the preservation and protection of a beautiful, yet once threatened, piece of NZ rainforest. When you stroll through our forest with your zipline guides, you’ll gain a glimpse of 100% Pure New Zealand, experience our dedication to protecting it, and hear the stories of how this spectacular land has changed and adapted, with first Maori then European settlement.
Join us and experience fun, excitement, laughter and adventure all just a short cruise from the heart of downtown Auckland. We know you won’t be disappointed.
Our roots are in New Zealand’s back country
Back in 2010, we were friends who met occasionally to share a beer and a yarn. Our common ground has always been a passion for the outdoors, particularly hiking in New Zealand’s beautiful backcountry. We also share an appreciation for craft beer. Which may be why the EcoZip story began in a small bar on Auckland’s North Shore, with a big question.
How, we mused, could we introduce the wonderful native forests that surround Auckland, to people whose time is precious, and without the gear or inclination for backcountry hiking? We realised that a zipline was the perfect vehicle with a view. So after some deliberation, and a few more beers, the EcoZip idea was born.
We knew that to deliver the most spectacular experience, our ziplines needed to:
- Have the latest, safest zipline technology
- Provide stunning long-range views, from an amazing location
- Offer dual ziplines – transforming a usually solo experience into a social one
- Transport visitors through stunning, original, native New Zealand forest
- Lead by example to show that a successful business and conservation can naturally co-exist
A hard job. But someone had to do it.
Before we’d even found a site, we had some rigorous research to do. Our investigation took us to Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Utah, Las Vegas and beyond, in our quest to develop the best zipline design, technology and most of all, experience.
The expansive views from our site are pretty incredible, but from your vantage points on our ziplines they’re absolutely breath-taking. Best of all, you can share that beauty and experience with your friends on our unique, dual ziplines – as you zip over our vineyard and then over, and into, spectacular native New Zealand forest.
Safety and safeguarding our forests are second nature around here.
In terms of technology, our ZipStop system – developed right here in New Zealand – is the world’s most advanced zipline braking system.
Our conservation programmes, made possible by our visitors, are successfully restoring and protecting a site of environmental significance and have contributed to EcoZip proudly achieving certification as a Climate Positive business by ekos.
Each of our close-knit crew of enthusiastic, passionate guides brings their unique traits, skills and characters to the EcoZip family. They, and we look forward to welcoming you to EcoZip Adventures on Waiheke Island very soon.
Chris & Gavin
Meet the Team
DevinSafety Systems Manager
Here's everything you need to know about our safety expert, Devin
What is, or was, your first nickname and how did you get it?
Dev-Cat! After watching a doco with a guy called Dave Cat everyone started calling me Dev-Cat
What's your favourite animal?
Tigers, cos' they're very cool cats
When you're not working what are you doing with your downtime?
Listening to music and playing guitar
Who would you least like to sit next to on a flight?
Carol Baskin - she killed her husband!
What's your signature dish, the ones friends and family ask you to cook?
None - they send me for takeaways
RosieZipline Guide
Here's everything you need to know about English-born zipline guide, Rosie, in a handful of questions
Who is you greatest hero and why?
David Attenborough - just because
What's your signature dish, the one your friends ask you to cook?
Asian food... or curry... I make a good curry
What's the funniest thing you've heard on tour?
I say 'incredible' a lot. It has the other guides all rolling with laughter
What's your greatest achievement?
Going to Antarctica, travelling the world and getting my BSc Hons in Zoology.
When you're not at work what do you do with your leisue time?
Outdoors stuff, yoga, rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding. Oh! And cooking!
KaylaZipline Guide
Here's everything you might want to know about zipline guide, Kayla
What is, or was, your first nickname?
Katmiss because I was obsessed with The Hunger Games as a kid and was pretty good at archery too.
Is there a food you detest, and if so why?
Yams. I just don't understand why they exist!
Which city, or country, has impressed you most and why?
Santiago in Chile - the Andes mountains are incredible.
What's your greatest achievement outside work?
Writing and directing a short film that's been accepted in to a film festival
Who would you least like to sit next to on a long haul flight, and why?
Myself! I'd be getting up to go to the bathroom every hour!
HarrySenior Zipline Guide
Here's everything you need to know about senior zipline guide, Harry
Can you do any impersonations, and if so who?
Steve Smith, the Aussie cricketer. I just stand and smile!
What's the funniest thing you've heard on tour?
'Is it compulsory to wear pants?'
What's your greatest achievement outside work?
Becoming national archery champion
What's your favorite animal and why?
Got to be dolphins - imagine getting to just swim and play all day
What's your signature dish, the one family always ask you to cook?
They're usually most pleased if I am nowhere near the kitchen!
DavidWaiheke Highlights Guide
Here's everything you need to know about David, driver-guide on our Waiheke highlights tour
What is, or was, your first nickname?
'Woodie' - nothing to do with Toy Story, so ask me!
Got a favourite animal?
Tuatara, because it's both an awesome reptile and a beer!
Have you got a favourite comic-book character?
For the hair alone, which I don't have, it has to be Marge Simpson
Number 1 favourite food?
A staple– and arguably the most famous, and addictive - hawker food in Penang, Penang Assam Laksa
Can you impersonate anyone famous?
No, but I do get mistaken for John Malkovich quite often
DavideSenior Zipline Guide
Here's everything you need to know about Italian-born senior zipline guide, Davide
Who is you greatest hero and why?
My Grandma! She celebrated her 90th birthday ziplining!
What's your favourite animal?
Spiders, because they're just amazing
What's the most humorous thing to happen to you on tour?
A lady thought zip 3 was a powerline. At the end of the second zipline she commented "I haven't seen the third zipline but I got close to the powerlines!"
What's your greatest achievement?
Learning new languages and travelling the world
Signature dish, if any?
Pasta or risotto - I'm Italian!
StaceyOperations Manager
Everything you might want to know about our Operations Manager, Stacey, in just a handful of questions:
What was your first nickname
'Space at tea' and I've got no idea why!
When you're not working what do you like to do?
Dancing, I've entered a few ceroc dance competitions. Plus I love hiking round Waiheke, it's such a beautiful island.
Where are you going to explore next?
Not too far afield - I want to get to know New Zealand's South Island.
What food do you hate most?
Anchovies!
TimSite Supervisor
Everything you might want to know about Site Supervisor, Tim, in just a few questions:
When you're not at EcoZip what do you like doing?
Anything outdoorsy, but especially scuba diving, fishing, snorkling, hiking and hunting.
Who would you least like to find in the seat next to you on a long-haul flight
Monty Python's Mr Creosote (if you haven't seen it google it!).
Who is your biggest hero, and why?
Sir Peter Blake, for his courage, commitment and adventurousness.
What's your greatest achievement?
Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
TrentSenior Zipline Guide
Everything you might want to know about zipline guide Trent in just a few questions:
What's the best thing about working at EcoZip?
Getting to zipline all day, while hanging out with the awesome team we have here.
When you're not working what are you doing?
Outdoors stuff, like mountain biking, motocross or swimming.
Favourite Animal?
White Rhino
What's your number 1 favourite food?
Beef Jerky
When you cook your signature dish is?
Mashed potatoes and gravy.
