I am your guide, Marie Haley, I was born and raised on Banks Peninsula. The seventh generation direct decedent of Akaroa’s very first French settler. I grew up on the family farm following in the footsteps of my Grandfather, and his Grandfather before.
Early on in my life I developed a love of nature and was immersed in the outstanding beauty of the landscapes which surrounded me. From the age of six I knew that I would devote my life to the conservation of native species and protection of the incredible beauty in which I live. My work as a wildlife ranger has fulfilled this passion.
My field work has included three summers on one of the most remote island’s in the world, Campbell Island, three days sail from Bluff and not far from the point in the ocean farthest from land. I worked with Southern Royal Albatross and camped with New Zealand Sea Lions for weeks on end.
As a backpacker I have traveled extensively across Europe and Asia and as a student lived in Idaho, America where I studied American Indian Studies, geography and ecology.
As the Wildside Coordinator, I worked with private landowners and government agencies to protect forest and species such as yellow-eyed penguin and little blue penguins.
I believe that you will be in awe of the spectacular history of Akaroa and my very personal family story. With my passion for the natural environment and personal view of how we can each make a difference in this world, I would love for people to spend the day with me and learn about what makes this part of the world so special!
The Seventh Generation aims to provide a different type of tourism, where the tourist becomes a participant in the place and stories that are told. Offering you a chance to engage rather than be entertained.
Contribute to the protection of the natural heritage of Banks Peninsula and maybe leave asking ‘what can I do, how can I make a change in my own part of the world’.
We don’t want this to be the standard tourist experience, but rather to open up to you a philosophy that is leading a world class conservation operation.
Find out about the locals that are taking on species loss head on and bringing about a ecological recovery across a whole landscape.
Learn about farmers who are placing the environment first and reaping the economic rewards.
The Seventh Generation is an ethical business, grounded in the values of love of nature, love of history, and a love for the future of this earth.
Arrive expecting sightseeing, leave wanting more.
Profits from your ticket cost will contribute to the ongoing protection of our natural environment.
Many people know Akaroa for it’s beauty, for the Hectors dolphins and fish n’ chips. Most people know of the French settlement. But in Akaroa if you delve beneath the surface you will find a rich and complex story of Polynesian voyages and Maori settlement, musket wars and early trade, ferocious battle and bloody conquest, an international race for Akaroa, the romantic willow, Napoleon Bonaparte and Victor Hugo, settlement, struggle, environmental destruction and a new era of inspiring conservation work. Hear the personal stories of the small but vibrant community, the people who make this place truly and remarkably unique.
Learn of the Wildside project, a nationally recognised conservation program that won the 2017 Green Ribbon Award for Community Leadership and the 2017 National Biosecurity Award. The Wildside project is managed by your guide, Marie Haley who will share her first hand experience of the philosophy behind what makes the project unique.