New Zealand - A Conscious Journey in P.E SNOW

Conscious Travel: P.E SNOW in Wānaka, New Zealand

How to Tread Carefully this Spring Snow Season

Spring is in full throttle, and for the snow enthusiasts among us who love transeasonal skiing, the mountains in Wānaka are something to write home about. While travel is officially back, it’s not entirely back in the way we once knew it. Where once, we’d book a trip and head off without a second thought, we’re now thinking more consciously about why, how, and where we travel. With the international border to New Zealand recently open to Australian travellers, it’s also a time to pause and reflect on how to tread carefully as we collectively ramp up tourism.

Obviously when considering how to reduce your individual carbon footprint one of the easiest ways to cut back on emissions is to fly less often. However, with international travel by Australians projected to increase by 360.8 per cent in 2022-2023 to 8.28 million departures, we need to consider how we might make our trips more sustainable and regenerative. In order to prevent further damage to the environment, and future-proof those ecosystems and local environments we’re coveting right now, it’s never been more important to consider where you go, what you pack and what you plan to do when you get there.

To put things in perspective, climate change is already having an effect on New Zealand snow sports. Locally, the New Zealand Alps have lost a third of their ice snowpack since 1977, snow lines are rising, winters are shorter, and the past decade is the warmest on record. Fortunately, Destination Queenstown, Lake Wānaka Tourism and Queenstown Lakes District Council, working with Kāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation, have come together to create a destination management plan that maps a pathway to regenerative tourism by 2030. And while the rollout out of this plan will ensure a clear pathway to successful travel in the future, today it’s all about making small steps that will have a big impact.

Here's how we can consciously discover some of New Zealand’s favourite ski resorts.

1. Mindfully connect with the Tiaki Promise
Consciously connect with the area you’re about to visit. Read the Tiaki Promise. Essentially, it’s a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian while you’re there, protecting and preserving one of the most magnificent homes on the planet.

2. Ditch the single use cup
Finally, a souvenir you can utilise! Grab a Wānaka keep cup along the way and divert your share of single-use cups from landfill while you’re on the road. It’s a small but important step which we’re pretty well versed with on home soil, so keep going with it as you venture further afield.

3. Leave the mountains just like you found them
The mountains are beautiful, but it’s important to remember that we’re just here to visit, so whether you’re skiing or trekking, leave no trace. For visitors to Cardrona, this is a landfill-free mountain, and they need our support to keep it that way. Everything in their cafes/restaurants comes in recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging. And if you're taking your own lunch, take away any rubbish with you. Just remember - pack in, pack out!

4. Contribute to Conservation
One of the reasons you visit New Zealand is because of the sheer beauty of the place. Before you embark on your journey, do your research and consider contributing to a foundation, trust or registered charity that supports the ongoing conservation efforts in this magnificent country.

5. Travel in the off season and shoulder season to prevent over-tourism
NZ is incredible whatever the weather, but the off season (June-Aug – winter! Skiers and snowboarders rejoice!) and shoulder seasons between Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November) are when the crowds of tourists are getting smaller.

6. Stay longer to make the most of your carbon footprint
You’ve made it this far, consider staying longer to make up for the environmental cost of your flight. If your airline offers a carbon offset option, opt in, and of course, direct flights where possible will result in a lower carbon footprint.

7. Seek out local experiences
Local guides and programs that give back to the community are a good way to ensure your travel dollars are injected into the local community. New Zealand also has a number of operators offering sustainable experiences. By choosing experiences that positively impact your surroundings, you can turn your trip into something worthwhile for you and the planet. Do your research before you go!

8. Consider a sustainable travel agent
If you’re time poor, or you just want to ensure your accommodation and experiences are as eco-friendly as possible, a sustainable travel agent will ensure the environmental and social impact of your stay is a priority.

9. Purchase sustainable clothes where you can
At P.E Nation, we are continuing our journey to circular fashion, valuing sustainability and protection of the planet. When you’re packing for spring skiing, consider our Century Hoodie in Silver Mink (the ultimate extra layer), Dynamic Leggings 2.0 in Black (who needs thermals when you’ve got these), Primary Trackpant in Summer Sky (because, oh so comfy after a day on the mountain), and the Advocate Jacket in Apricot Sherbet (perfect for keeping you warm while you’re wandering Wānaka). See our sustainability edit for the full collection.

SHOP THE SUSTAINABILITY EDIT

We’re all on a journey – and in this instance we’re on both a literal journey to the snowfields of New Zealand and a journey to sustainability. As we prepare to embark on our latest travel adventure, we’re sharing all aspects of the journey with you.

Unpacking the Snow: Packing with Claire Tregoning

When it comes to packing there are a few key pieces P.E. Nation Co-founder and Creative Director Claire Tregoning won’t leave home without:

P.E NATION SNOW

From Summit to Full Send.
Get Ready for the Northern Snow Season.
A Collection for every High-Country Adventure.
Half-Pipe to Heli-Skiing. On-Slope to Après.

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Conscious Travel: P.E SNOW in Wānaka, New Zealand