April 3, 2026
There’s something quietly satisfying about seeing an idea move from concept into something tangible.
At our Kaikōura site, that shift is happening right now with our native plant nursery. What started as a simple ambition, to grow and plant more of our own eco-sourced natives, is beginning to take on real shape. Today, we have more than 5,000 trees growing, all propagated from seed collected on the land we operate on.
That detail matters. By sourcing seed locally, we’re ensuring that what we grow is naturally suited to this specific environment. These aren’t just native plants in a general sense; they’re local, resilient, and adapted to thrive here.
The species we’re currently growing reflect that thinking. Kōwhai, harakeke, akeake, kānuka, māhoe and carex might not sound particularly glamorous, but they’ve been chosen for a reason. These are hardy, reliable plants that establish well and play an important role in riparian planting, stabilising soil, improving water quality, and creating the conditions for more complex ecosystems to follow.
In the coming months, we’ll be expanding what we propagate to include five-finger or whauwhaupaku, coprosma, ngāio and pigeonwood, also known as porokaiwhiri. Adding greater diversity is an important next step, helping to build a more complete and resilient native landscape over time.
Our expectation is that over the next 12 months, we’ll propagate around 10,000 trees. Some of these will be planted back into our own land at Kaikōura, contributing directly to the restoration of the environment we operate within. Others will be gifted into community and charity planting initiatives, extending the impact beyond our own boundaries.
A big part of the progress we’re seeing is thanks to one of our team, Andi Easton, who has stepped into the role of Nursery Manager. Andi has brought both structure and energy to the nursery, helping to turn a good idea into a well-run, productive operation.
What’s been particularly enjoyable to watch is the genuine enthusiasm Andi brings to the role. There’s a real sense of pride in the work, and a clear enjoyment in seeing the nursery develop, tray by tray, seedling by seedling. That kind of ownership and care makes a difference, not just to the output, but to the spirit of the project itself. Guiding Andi has been our Site Manager, Tim Callaghan, whose wealth of knowledge has been invaluable.
None of this work is especially complicated, and it certainly isn’t glamorous. It’s steady, practical, and often repetitive. But it’s also exactly the kind of work that underpins meaningful environmental restoration.
For us, this nursery is another step in turning the idea of regenerative tourism into something real. It’s about taking responsibility for the places we operate in, and contributing in a way that is practical, measurable and enduring.
And while 5,000 trees is a great start, what’s most exciting is the trajectory. This is something that will continue to grow, quite literally, year by year.
And that’s when things start to get interesting.
