Leonie,
This is fantastic. I have just had a read through all the information you put in as part of your project, and I fully believe in its potential to grow even further. Coming from outside New Zealand and with a passion for the authentic, different kind of visitor experience (see my involvement with the Creative Tourism initiative!), I assure you that this is exactly what more and more travellers are looking for, and it's great that you provide so many resources for further reading and information on your website. Hopefully we'll get it to their attention so that each and everyone arrives with a copy of the OrganicExplorer in their hands, and finds it a perfect guidebook as a basis to map out their NZ travel itineraries...;)
I look forward to meeting you soon and discuss ideas with you!
Keep it up!
Elena

The Organic Explorer organisation is a fantastic resource and source of inspiration for New Zealanders wishing to explore ways of living and doing business in an eco friendly manner. I was a newcomer to sustainability, but open to ideas. New Zealand is, paradoxically given the Pure NZ tag, a bit behind the rest of the world - Europe in particular - in business awareness of environmental issues. Hence for people like myself it was difficult knowing where to start or advertise our products to a wider audience. Organic Explorer came at just the right time both as a framework and source of ideas.

One question: as "carbon footprint" becomes an increasingly important consideration I hope there will some tools (information, forum, calculator or whatever) relevant to NZ conditions, to enable businesses to calculate and aim to become carbon neutral.

Leonie..I am so glad we have come along for the ride since your very first contact with us. Organic Explorer has become our biggest direct referrer to our own website, and we have had a season of truly wonderful guests.
We have been running an intimate accommodation place for 12 years in a gorgeous wilderness environment in the marlborouigh Sounds, with an emphaisis on our homegrown organic food and using composting toilets long before they were commonly used.
Your book has been another great additiion AND the newsletters we get regularly which still retain the personal touch even tho you send them out to everyone. Thank you and I certainly hope your work and contribution to celebrating the environment, sustainability and authentic Kiwi holiday experiences is acknowledged in this competition. Best of luck!

The capitalist ethic of competitive individualism has brought the world to a point of environmental, economic and social crisis. Nations compete and war for dwindling resources, cultures clash for productive land and water and all the while the poverty gap grows bigger, as millions become dispossessed, disenfranchised and hungry - a situation threatening long-term and ongoing global instability. In this unsettling context, authentic tourism encounters play an important countervailing role. Getting to know and understand the lives and difficulties of culturally different others is an important step in developing an awareness of global nature of the problems we face, but also of the global potential for bringing about positive change through co-operation and sharing.

I am Leonie's husband, and helped her to put together the Cultural Tourism component of the website and guide. When she first mentioned the idea of Organic Explorer, I have to confess that I had my doubts. I wasn't sure that there was a "market" for what she wanted to do - not sufficient numbers of concerned people in the tourism industry to make it viable. I also doubted also that individuals and business competing for the tourism dollar would be able to see the mutual benefits of a cooperative and inclusive philosophy. I'm surprised and happy that I was wrong. Due entirely to her tireless work and enthusiasm, Organic Explorer has brought together a wide range of tourism operators around issues of economic and environmental sustainability, organic food and a concern for social and cultural relations. In addition, she has been able to connect these small and intimate family-based businesses with an increasing number of conscious and concerned tourism visitors, building a network potential that is very exciting

These visitors are not looking for the pre-packaged information and experiences that strip history and experience of its real and personal content, or present cultural difference as a fancy-dress song and dance routine. They want real stories of real lives lived in the 21stCentury and confronting the issues that we share.

We, like Leonie from Organic Explorer, know that promotion of local businesses, products and destinations are essential to building a sustainable and more 'friendly' community of people here in New Zealand.

Organic Explorer does just that. It allows people to discover those little local 'gems' that we all knew were out there - but just couldn't find in one easy place!

The site is of a fantastic standard and quality - with great photos and easy to read information. And the handbook we got, goes everywhere with us.

A HUGE ...."Well Done" to Leonie for making Organic Explorer happen, and for sharing her vision with the rest of New Zealand and the World.

Mick and Laurie
The HomeGrownMarket
http://www.HomeGrownMarket.co.nz

For Enriching a Boutique Wellness Day Spa, we really appreciate Organic Explorer's focus on allowing visitors to discover New Zealand easily find Organic Destinations and experiences.
Organic Explorer's is for the travelers who are looking for sustainability, organics, wellness, creativity and health with authentic connection.

Enriching appreciates the opportunity to be part of Organic Explorer and we refer many of our clients to the website.

Katie and Warren at Enriching Boutique Wellness Day Spa

We are in the Hospitality (Accommodation & Food) industry. We are passionate about feeding our guests healthy local organic meals and providing a NATURAL environment for groups to meet, work and relax together. Most groups who stay here are on a retreat, workshop, team planning or gathering.

I would like to add that Leonie has worked so hard to bridge the gap between so many like minded operators locally and nationally. This is the first organisation that we've come across that it doing this ethically; that actually cares about people and our environment. Leonie has integrity, has passion for what she believes in, is extremely professional and efficient to deal with!!

When we go on holidays around NZ we take our copy of Organic Explorer with us and we recommend the guide to all our guests via our notice board.

All the best Leonie with the competition. Sorry our entry is 1 day late.

With kind regards, Lilian & Chris

We farm a small flock of goats and produce organic goat cheese.
Organic Explorer is the most comprehensive and versatile website we have ever come across.
We are very impressed with the hard work put in constantly to update us and everyone else with all the latest developments in organic living and exploring so we can respect and look after this precious planet.

The Organic Explorer book is a real must to have.
Good Luck to Leonie and team for this Geotourism challenge but for us you are the winners anyway.

As the owner of a small organic store & cafe in a small rural community in the South Island of New Zealand I rely heavily on the international and domestic traveler for business Organic Explorer has been fantastic. We have had varied response from travelers on the availability of organic produce etc in New Zealand, with the guide book I am able to show them where they can find organic food on their journey and where the local farmers & produce markets are. Even I used it when I went into Christchurch for a couple of days to find the farmers markets.
Unfortunately the local market is slow to take up the organic thing - we hoped we would be able to shake the scary image "organic" has to the common canterbury farmer type but this is yet to happen. One customer said that he didn't understand what is organic, so I tried to explain it to him as simply as I could but before I finished he announced that "organic - it's guaranteed to be full of bugs!"
Long live Organic Explorer! May it become the travelers bible, not only for the international but also the domestic traveler. "OE" has put customers in touch with us it has also introduced me to other organic businesses and products, my stock range has developed and evolved because of this.
Thank you for a great resource Leonie, I am proud that we were in the first edition of such a groundbreaking creation.
Denise - Nature's Grace organic store & cafe.

Fantastic! A website and guide book that is timely, comprehensive and professional. The inclusive and supportive approach of the Organic Explorer team both reflects, and inspires others to achieve a caring and sustainable tourism experience for visitors to New Zealand. By example, and by the provision of an accessible, well designed service for likeminded people and business, the reality and perception of New Zealand's as a 'pure & green land' is enhanced. Great stuff. Many thanks from Nettie Barrow @ Straw Lodge in Marlborough.

Exciting innovation in responsible living and travel. Can only get better as more come on board.

We've seen the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making this guide so significant to the travellers with conscience (who like a bit of fun and excitement too, as you say!)and if I had half a mind ever to leave fabulous Whakatane, I would know where to go!
Whilst "Green" may not be the first choice of many today, tomorrows' political and global situation will favour sustainable initiatives, and Leonie's book will be listing the significant people with creativity and resources. Interest will grow alongside awareness in these changing times.

Excellent work, Leonie.

Hi everyone,

One of the best tourism publications we have had the pleasure to hold in our hot little hands!!! We run a family owned and operated 4WD safari business throughout the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. Being part of this great publication boosts a sustainable business to the forefront of not only to other like minded businesses but also tourism within New Zealand and worldwide.
Cheers,
Gunthar Rowe
www.wilderness-safaris.co.nz

Thank you for your foresight in creating this opportunity to promote and market eco-friendly products and services. Its a fantastic initative and I'm sure it will be very successful.

What a fantastic website and handbook!

It is so wonderful having people stay at Arborvale Eco Retreat that are so in tune with their surroundings and environment. We look forward to receiving many more guests through Organic Explorer who appreciate the 'natural' thing in life.

Well done Leonie - such an awesome tool to let the world know that New Zealand has plenty of wonderful 'green' things to see, do and stay.

Good luck!
Nick & Michelle

Organic explorer has been incredibly well received by travellers staying at my Wellington Guesthouse.Its added another dimension to the possibilities for customised experiences catering to individual tastes. Its a wonderful pioneering book and website and all praise is well deserved in my opinion.So easy to have a good idea and just talk about it, taking the step to make it a reality is deserving of praise and it will only get better.Constructive criticism and participation will make this project that Leonie has started blossom and will spread to other countries and lead to very creative energy that will be shared by many.

I think organic explorer is a fantastic resource for new zealanders and people from all over the world who either wish to come and visit new zealand and have a 'green' experience, or for those who are simply looking for inspiration and an opportunity to network with like minded people. We have the booklet in our cafe and it is frequently referred to, as is the website. It is wonderful to be a part of a nation (and international) movement toward a cleaner, greener future

Tena koutou [ greetings to all]As an organic property located in the heart of the Whanganui National park, Organic Explorer has provided us with exposure to those who actually get what we are trying to do.
With our focus on both the social and economic aspects of our tiny community here along the Whanganui River the guests who have stayed with us have appreciated the opportunity Organic Explorer has given them to more easily find places to stay which match their level of consciousness in a world gone crazy.
Kia ora and thanks Leonie
Annette and John

Tena koutou [ greetings to all]As an organic property located in the heart of the Whanganui National park, Organic Explorer has provided us with exposure to those who actually get what we are trying to do.
With our focus on both the social and economic aspects of our tiny community here along the Whanganui River the guests who have stayed with us have appreciated the opportunity Organic Explorer has given them to more easily find places to stay which match their level of consciousness in a world gone crazy.
Kia ora and thanks Leonie
Annette and John

Tena koutou [ greetings to all]As an organic property located in the heart of the Whanganui National park, Organic Explorer has provided us with exposure to those who actually get what we are trying to do.
With our focus on both the social and economic aspects of our tiny community here along the Whanganui River the guests who have stayed with us have appreciated the opportunuty Organic Explorer has given them to more easily find places to stay which match their level of consciousness in a world gone crazy.
Kia ora and thanks Leonie
Annette and John

Thank you Leonie for formulating such a comprehensive handbook for people who really care about the environment.
We offer eco-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation on the Coromandel Peninsula and have received very positive feed back from International guests who have found us through being listed with Organic Explorer.
The handbook is an easy access to information and product.

As hosts we really enjoy having guests to stay who appreciate our earth brick home,the organic produce we serve, the peaceful bush surroundings and the contribution we make to sustainable tourism in New Zealand

Well done Leonie on setting up Organic Explorer and making ourselves aware of others who have the same dreams!!
I'm always intrigued by clients who will ask at the end of a tour if they can take home our organic muffins so they may have them for breakfast.
We support local business's providing local foods and produce whenever possible and it's site like Organic Explorer plus the book that make the public aware of other sources.

Cheers Will

At last something to cater to visitors who support sustainable tourism, thanks for all the hard work Leonie, it's an excellent book/website!

Hello Leonie,

Having recently returned form living in Singapore I wanted to rediscover New Zealand and have a Kiwi summer. I found the Organic Explorer to be a excellent resource as I travelled around NZ. It was great connecting with people who are walking the talk and making a difference. Also after 3 years of eating imported food I was concerned about my health and the Organic Explorer made it easy for me to find fresh organic in season NZ grown produce.

While I have noted that the Organic Explorer is developing a profile in New Zealand and has been mentioned in a number of NZ publications, how do you intend to develop an international profile? That is, I know from my own travels through Asia that sometimes it was hard to find out about eco-tourism experiences that were suitable for my tastes. While the backpacking network is great, what a 20 year old likes to experience is very different to a 40 year old (well it is for me). Yet at the same time I'm not intersted in the commerical resorts. So how do you intend to get the word out international?

Regards Sue

This is a really innovative project eith lots of potential benefits to local people and Aotearoa.
I have one question: How will you attract to your website visitors that are not already concerned with these issues?

I was a tourist in 2001 independently traveling around 'Clean Green' New Zealand. I was surprised by the tourism activities easily available. They seemed to be large operators catering for large volumes of consumers being shown iconic New Zealand in a superficial manor. Quantity rather quality was the overriding principle. For me these experiences where incredibly unsatisfying and left me longing to find a 'real' New Zealand.

I discovered the'wwoofing' network (Willing Workers On Organic Farms)and was introduced to a completely different way to travel in New Zealand. Being able to really experience NZ life and feel life in NZ soak into me was a revolution.

I am now a resident of Coromandel and create ceramic sculptures using local clay and sawmill waste to fire them. My process is almost carbon neutral. I have used Organic Explorer to find accommodation and cafes on my recent travels and on enquirey was please to find as an artist I could become a part of this on-line community. Since my listing I have received more visitors to my sculpture garden, more sales, have met like minded environmentally aware people and made new friends from around the North Island. Being a member of this community encourages me in my individual pursuit and inspires me to be an ambassador for an environmentally sustainable future.

I am very grateful to Leonie for having the courage to create this directory. Organic Explorer helps to promote environmental awareness, makes available quality information for tourists to make an informed choice and enables independent local eco-tourism providers reach this expanding market and become truly sustainable.
Best of luck with The Geotourism Challenge Leonie.
Regards
Tim Holman
www.timholman.com

Hi Leonie,

Do you offer special services to female tourists? I didn't find a specific reference on your organisation's website, but maybe you got something. If this is not the case, is there anything on the cards for the future, or has there been no demand for it so far, or are there others doing this already in New Zealand?

I'm not so much thinking of tips on safe travel, because New Zealand is a pretty safe country to choose for a holiday, and any standard travel guide like the Lonely Planet would cover this. I rather thought, that offering access to tailor-made accomodation or tours for women could offer good scope for innovative expansion into a worthwhile niche. Couldn't this be a "natural" expansion for your existing strategy of "mindful" tourism?
Robert Haas

At Ora Ora Eco Wellness Resort we fully support this application in recognition of Organic Explorer's unique provision of useful information for travellers who are looking for sustainability, organics, wellness, health - all the aspects we are offering at Ora Ora Eco Wellness Resort.

It is adorable for enthusiastic Leonie and family to have started this project on a financially unsustainable basis - as a matter of interest in the principles, and we do not only wish them a long term success but also a winning position for the Geotourism Challenge !

It is essential that we make every effort to save our planet: It's the only place where we can get organic chocolate and wine.

Organic explorer goes the extra mile and we highly commend them for their inovative aproach and wish them all the best.

Hugh and Pauline, Tangowahine Farm and rural retreat

We have a small organic blueberry farm which we bought 4 years ago. When we bought it the main income was derived from exportation of the blueberries. We felt this was ridiculous and decided to try to increase the local tourist market (from Wellington 30min away) as well as the traveling enviro-tourists. Organic Explorer has helped us to do that and this year we are officially not even having to supply the local shops, every one of our berries is going directly from the fields into the mouths of our customers. The customers love it because they get to swim in our pristine swimming hole, eat organic treats in our cafe and then pick until their hearts content. Organic Explorer has helped to establish us on the map and we thoroughly support the vision that has created Organic Explorer. Our global foot print is much smaller now as we are attracting the day trippers who would previously been traveling 1 hour for a day in the country (Wairarapa) now only travel 30 minutes and we have developed a local demand that has allowed us not to have to export.

Kia Ora Leonie,

As an organic baker of German origin, here are my two 'buns" worth of thought.

I read your entry and one little thing came to my attention, which might enhance your standing further (I understand you can change the entry until closing time?).

Because only insiders will know what Organic NZ (magazine) stands for, but you don't elaborate on it. Obviously you don't want to distract from the main topic, that is Organic Explorer.

Yet in my understanding Organic NZ isn't just another organic magazine, it got an impressive organisation in the background and a degree of history and longevity to it, hardly surpassed by any others around the world.

I would have thought, that pointing the "frontrunner" status for this out somewhere in your entry in one or two sentences might add a bit of kudos and would be helpful, acceptable and probably fair too (after all you spent quite some time with the magazine). And it wouldn't harm Organic NZ either I guess.

Just a thought :-)