This Content Is Only For Subscribers
International visitors travelling through the West Coast have taken part in hands-on native restoration near Lake Matheson, marking a milestone for the Ōkārito Plant Project.
Six guests from Intrepid Travel, accompanied by a guide, participated in the experience earlier this week. The group included visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
The planting session was the first time the Ōkārito Plant Project has delivered a commercial visitor experience, giving travellers a direct role in supporting local conservation work.
Development West Coast nature economy project lead Zak Shaw, who designed the experience, says the trial shows strong interest from international visitors in regenerative tourism.
“This is a significant milestone for the Ōkārito Plant Project because it shows there’s real demand from visitors who want to actively give something back to nature and the communities they visit,” says Zak.
“The response from international guests confirms that conservation experiences can work as a viable tourism offering when they are meaningful and hands-on.”
The group planted native species grown from eco-sourced seed at the Ōkārito nursery.
Zak says the experience aligns closely with the region’s destination management plan and the growing shift toward regenerative tourism, which delivers positive outcomes for communities and the environment.
Ōkārito Native Plants Trust co-chair Paula Sheridan says the visit was an important step for the project and its member businesses.
“We met the group over brunch at Café Matheson, with classic West Coast weather rolling through,” says Paula.
“As the weather cleared, we shared how the project has grown from a simple desire to give back into a collaborative model involving farmers, businesses, the nursery and our communities across glacier country.”
Paula says it was rewarding to see the visitors’ connection deepen throughout the morning.
“You could see the shift from polite interest to genuine enthusiasm. Once we got planting, they were muddy, laughing and fully engaged, leaving their own small but lasting mark on this place.”
Ōkārito Native Plants Trust co-chair Aaron Smith thanked Intrepid Travel for supporting the initiative.
“We’re grateful to Intrepid Travel for giving their guests the opportunity to experience the West Coast in such a meaningful and hands-on way,” says Aaron.
Intrepid New Zealand DMC destination product executive Gemma Bayliss says the experience aligns strongly with the company’s values.
“This gives our guests a genuine connection with local West Coast communities and the environment,” says Gemma.
The Ōkārito Plant Project recently received national recognition, winning the Tourism Collaboration Award at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards for its community-led approach to regenerative tourism and conservation in South Westland.
