Our Guides – Scott’s research at the Orokonui Eco- Sanctuary, Dunedin
Back to Nature Tours looks for guides with great character and knowledge to make sure you have the best experience here. Over the last 20 years we’ve had guides from all walks of life looking after our guests. Scott ‘Scooter’ Forrest completed his first season with us last year and received rave reviews. Originally from…
Sustainability Gives Us Sustenance – Working at the Sinclair Wetlands (Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau) and Sandymount Recreation Reserve
Back To Nature Tours are proud to be affiliated with the preservation of both the Sinclair Wetlands and the Sandymount Recreation Reserve – both Dunedin areas being integral to the conservation of New Zealand flora and fauna. Our philosophy is simple – support local initiatives and bring this story to…
There’s a bit more to our guides – interesting people make interesting tours
The New Zealand Yellow Eyed Penguin is one special little guy. With under 5000 in the wild (a majority living on the Auckland and Campbell Islands) and as little as 250 breeding pairs sparsely dotted along the rugged East Otago Coast, it is a rare treat to get up close and personal with the rarest…
Save Money Booking Our Dunedin Tours
In comparison to other similar tours offered by large cruise ship operators during shore excursions to Dunedin – Back To Nature Tours are a local company that is streets ahead when it comes to value for money. This does not mean that quality is compromised – in fact, the opposite is true. Back to Nature…
Taieri Gorge Railway Tour – A Guest’s Perspective
If your looking for things to do in Dunedin NZ then the Taieri Gorge Railway should be high on your list. Here at Back to Nature Tours, we like to build a relationship with you before, during and after your experience – so if you enjoy blogging why not be a guest on ours? Here’s a guest review from Sharon, a New Zealander who seemed to really enjoy her experience of inland Otago. The Taieri Gorge Railway Tour For travellers wishing to take in stunning NZ scenery whilst also viewing a true slice of both New Zealand urban and farming life – the Taieri Gorge Railway journey is for you. This beautiful and interesting 4 hour, 116km journey runs daily and is a visual delight. Departing from the architectural splendour of the internationally renowned Dunedin Railway Station, travellers have the…
What To Expect During Spring And Summer In New Zealand
In all truth, you can visit NZ anytime of the year and have a pretty special time, however most of our visitors arrive during the Spring and Summer months so what should you expect during these seasons? During spring, the rivers are full of snow melt and lambs are popping out all over the country. …
8 Things to Eat or Drink in Dunedin
If there is one thing that you need to try in New Zealand it’s our Seafood. The fish that swim around our islands are some of the tastiest in the world. These recommendations are based on the Best Fish Guide, a sustainably caught seafood guide created by Forest and Bird. Sadly, some of the best…
Tipping in New Zealand -Not Required!
Recently, our Tourism Minister Paula Bennett went public with her support for tipping, something that has never been part of New Zealand culture. Shortly after receiving a wee bit of criticism she tweeted, ‘Ok not everyone likes tipping. I’m not suggesting it’s compulsory, or replaces wages, or that we tip a %. It’s a meaningful…
Your Ship Has Cancelled a Port of Call – Don’t Panic!
Diamond Princess – Lyttleton Harbour 11th March 2006 Picture the scenario. You’ve been planning a cruise to New Zealand for over a year. All your hotels, flights and shore excursions were booked months in advance. Your meticulous planning makes everything go smoothly. Pre-tour excursions in Melbourne were amazing and boarding was hassle-free. The cabin is…