OUR COMMITMENT
TO SUSTAINABILITY
Protecting the places we love. Supporting the communities we call home.
A SMALL BUSINESS WITH A BIGGER PURPOSE
We're a small family-owned adventure tourism business based in Geraldine, Canterbury. Our canyoning and packrafting adventures take us into some of the South Island's most incredible natural environments, and we believe its our responsibility to help protect these places for future generations.
For us, sustainability isn't about grand statements. It's about making thoughtful decisions, respecting the environment, supporting our local community and continually finding ways to do better.
We're proud to be a Qualmark Silver accredited tourism operator, recognising our commitment to quality, safety and sustainable tourism practices.
OUR CANYONS
CARING FOR KAUMIRA CANYON
Kaumira Canyon is an extraordinary place, and we're privileged to share it with our guests.
As part of our agreement to access the upper canyon through private farmland, we help keep the streamway clean and report any findings or concerns to the local landowner. The stream also supplies drinking water to the community downstream, making it especially important to protect its water quality. It's one of the practical ways we help care for this special environment and the people who rely on it.
The landowner is also actively involved in controlling invasive wallabies, which threaten native vegetation and the habitats that support native wildlife.
Throughout our guided adventures, we share information about the area's natural environment, conservation challenges and historical connections to Māori. Guests may even be lucky enough to spot īnanga, a small native freshwater fish, swimming in the stream. Their presence is a wonderful reminder of the importance of caring for our freshwater ecosystems.
We believe that understanding the natural and cultural history of a place helps visitors develop a deeper appreciation for the environments they explore.
For us, caring for Kaumira means respecting its history, protecting its natural environment and helping visitors understand why this special place deserves to be looked after for generations to come.
CARING FOR TUI CANYON
Tui Canyon, in the beautiful Glentui Reserve near Christchurch, is a native forest environment that we’re privileged to share with our guests.
As a Department of Conservation concessionaire, we recognise our responsibility to operate with care and respect for this special place.
Environmental education is a key part of every Tui Canyon experience. Our guides share their knowledge of the surrounding forest, native wildlife, local ecosystems and the conservation challenges facing New Zealand.
We’re committed to continuing this work and exploring opportunities to contribute further to conservation in the Glentui area.
OUR RIVERS
PROTECTING THE ORARI RIVER
The Orari River holds a special place in our hearts. It’s where we spend time together as a family, exploring, playing and enjoying the outdoors. And soon, it will also be home to our guided packrafting adventures.
We’re proud to be members of the Orari River Protection Group, actively participating in local conservation efforts to help protect and restore this important waterway. We're committed to continuing our involvement and doing our part to protect the river for future generations.
OUR COMMUNITY
GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
Big Rock Adventures owner and lead guide, Koryn, volunteers with Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) and is part of a specialist canyon search and rescue team (Canyon SAR).
Through this work, he contributes his technical canyoning experience and rescue skills to helping people in challenging outdoor environments.
It’s a commitment we’re incredible proud of and reflects our belief that the skills we use in adventure tourism can also make a difference beyond our guided trips.
RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURE TOURISM
We design our canyoning and packrafting experiences to have a low impact on the environment, while still delivering incredible adventures.
We carefully manage group sizes and move through the canyon in a way that minimises our impact on the environment.
Our guides don’t just take people on adventures. They help visitors connect with these incredible places understand why they’re worth protecting and leave with a deep appreciation for Aotearoa’s natural environment.
