Tourism operators collaborate to connect Nelson with the Abel Tasman National Park

Aiming to drastically reduce the carbon footprint created by multiple operators having to run their own vehicles to link the region to the Abel Tasman National Park and the park’s southern access points of Kaiteriteri and Mārahau - the Better Bus, has been launched by a collective of Abel Tasman Operators, led by Wine, Art and Wilderness.

Supported by the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), the Better Bus closes the public transport gap in the Tasman region while also reducing transmissions across each company and improving road transport and accessibility to the region’s most popular summer destination.

The unique collaboration also helps operators manage staffing efficiencies during the busiest season of the year, and at a time when labour shortages are high.

Initiative lead Zane Kennedy from Wine, Art & Wilderness, commented “the Better Bus has been overwhelmingly popular in its first month of running.

“It’s a valuable offering to the region and is already in high demand by tourism operators, accommodation providers, through word of mouth across the region.”

NRDA Chief Executive, Fiona Wilson added “operators involved are passionate about reducing their carbon footprint to help protect our environment and giving visitors an even better experience while here in Nelson Tasman.

“It makes sense for the environment, and the businesses involved. This collaboration broadens the scope of the region’s Zero Carbon itineraries by providing an everyday Climate Positive transport option between Nelson, Richmond, Motueka & Abel Tasman National Park; and further supports the work our region is doing to follow the path set from the Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy, to be good ancestors."

With a clear goal to at least halve the number of vehicle movements between Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park this summer, since soft launching in November, 10 Abel Tasman based activity providers have already used the Better Bus, including: Wilsons Abel Tasman, Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi, Abel Tasman Kayaks, Abel Tasman Canyons, R& R Kayaks, Kahu Kayaks, Wine, Art & Wilderness, Abel Tasman Centre, Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures, Abel Tasman Charters.

A website with booking portal is currently in construction at www.betterbus.co.nz