In a groundbreaking move for the adventure tourism sector, Outback New Zealand’s Nomad Safaris is set to create a new off-road experience. The Queenstown-based 4WD tour operator, known for over three decades for its bespoke tours, has revealed its latest investment: a fully electric Yutong 25-seater bus.
This marks a monumental first for both Queenstown and New Zealand’s adventure tourism.
David Gatward-Ferguson, co-director of Nomad Safaris says ” For years we’ve wanted to take people into a UNESCO World Heritage area without creating any emissions whatsoever.”
“It’s been our life’s work to reduce our carbon emissions and now finally we can walk away with this legacy, showing younger people that it is possible.”
While the company’s commitment to sustainability isn’t new, five years ago, they introduced two Teslas to their fleet, marking a revolutionary step in adventure tourism.
We’ll be the first private commercial user to have one of these buses in New Zealand. No-one is starting, so how can anybody follow?” says David
However, innovation comes with its price tag. The Yutong E7 coach, crafted in China and set to land on New Zealand’s shores in half a year, carries a cost of $458,000. In comparison, its diesel counterpart stands at $176,000. This venture has been made possible with the support of the Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF), overseen by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Replacing the traditional diesel coaches, the e-bus is projected to cut down carbon emissions by a staggering 17,702 kilos annually. This also translates to an impressive annual saving of over $49,000 on diesel expenses.
Yet, challenges persist. The South Island currently lacks commercial bus charging stations, prompting the company to invest in a $30,000 charger.
Louise Murphy, the lead of the Low Emission Transport Fund says ” The project is a great example of what the Low Emission Transport Fund is for, enabling early adopters and first-movers to get innovative projects off the ground, and eventually to encourage more organisations to follow suit.
“Outback New Zealand’s Yutong electric coach is the first we’ve co-funded. To meet requirements, it has a higher wheelbase to operate on different road conditions, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how it goes, particularly in low temperatures.” she says.
With the growing trend of eco-conscious travellers and the awareness of the environmental impact, Louise says “We hope to see more bus and coach operators taking up these options, and it’s projects like this that will help make the case for them to do so.
“David has been persistent and tenacious in getting the coach on the road. As with many ‘firsts’, it’s not always easy to make happen, but he’s been determined, and we’re pleased to see it reach this stage.”
