Embeds Support For Native Forests Into Their Business

Tourism is a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy, but travel can leave an impact on the very places visitors come to experience. Learn how Wendekreisen Campervan Rentals is mitigating parts of their impact by embedding ongoing support for communities and nature into their business.

Tourism is a vital contributor to our economy. In fact, according to recent data from Stats NZ, it’s New Zealand’s second-largest export earner. And it supports livelihoods across the country, directly or indirectly employing one in nine New Zealanders.

But the landscapes, biodiversity and experiences that draw visitors here are also impacted by travel – including via emissions and pressure on infrastructure, natural resources and fragile ecosystems.

For award-winning, family-owned campervan rental and manufacturing business Wendekreisen Campervan Rentals, this awareness underpins their commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

One action they’ve taken is incorporating funding for native trees into their booking system – something that Managing Director Sascha Warnken says has become a “cornerstone” of their sustainability efforts.

Part of a community leaving a lasting legacy

For Sascha, showing his children he’s made a conscious effort to support positive change has been another key driver behind many of Wendekreisen’s sustainability initiatives.

The business has taken a number of steps to reduce its environmental impact, such as establishing a locally based manufacturing facility and prioritising the use of long-lasting materials across its campervan fleet.

Supporting native forest restoration through Trees That Count felt like a logical next step, Sascha explains – helping to mitigate some of the negative impacts generated by campervan travel while also enabling positive outcomes for the communities and places their customers visit.

“We like how practical and tangible it is. It’s long-term and we can see the progress the projects we support are making,” says Sascha.

“We’ve become part of a community of changemakers,” he adds.

Turning rental bookings into meaningful investment

Each Wendekreisen vehicle hire funds native trees, with the number of trees increasing with the length of the booking.

This contribution is highlighted in every booking enquiry, so customers can see how their trip supports on-the-ground restoration efforts across the country.

“Trees That Count makes the process easy and rewarding,” says Sascha.

“You know exactly where your support is going. And it stands out as one of our most meaningful investments in New Zealand’s future.”

A commitment to be proud of

Supporting New Zealand’s native forests is something that gives Wendekreisen’s staff and customers alike a genuine sense of contribution, says Sascha.

“Customers often comment on the fact we fund native trees. It adds credibility to our brand promise and reinforces why they choose Wendekreisen. And our staff feel proud sharing this part of our story.”

He adds that their commitment also strengthens the business’s reputation as a responsible tourism provider, adding weight to their Qualmark Gold Award.

Join businesses like Wendekreisen helping people and nature thrive

Whether you’re looking to give back to the landscapes your business depends on, like Wendekreisen, or mitigate negative impacts from across your supply chain, Trees That Count makes it simple to take meaningful steps toward your sustainability goals while helping people and nature across New Zealand thrive.

Right now, more than 1,600 businesses of all sizes are part of a community driving lasting change by funding native trees.

Together, we’re enabling science-backed restoration projects across the country to carry out critical work – whether that’s improving the health of freshwater ecosystems, enhancing fragile habitat for nationally treasured species or strengthening community resilience against weather events.

Learn more about how your business can take action here