ABOUT US
The Seventh Generation is an ethical business dedicated to the beauty and conservation of our wonderful nature.
THE SEVENTH GENERATION
The Seventh Generation is your local expert guide for Akaroa and the surrounding wildside. Let us bring you on a one-of-a-kind tour that allows you to become a participant in the places you visit and the stories that are told. Visit some of the most historic sites and nature conservation projects in New Zealand. Find out about the locals that are taking on species loss and bringing about an ecological recovery across a whole landscape. Learn about farmers who are placing the environment first and are reaping the economic rewards. We don’t want our tours to be a standard tourist experience, but rather to open up to you a philosophy that is leading a world class conservation operation. You may arrive expecting sightseeing, but you will leave with a new sense of hope and inspiration for the future. The Seventh Generation is an ethical business, grounded on the values of love of nature, love of history, and a love for the future of this earth. Profits from the ticket fees will contribute to the ongoing protection of our natural environment.
OUR VALUES
UNDERSTANDING
We tell stories from the past to create a deep understanding of the present and vision for the future.
EDUCATION
We teach you about what makes this part of the world so special.
CONNECTION
Let us take you to special places to share their beauty and develop a sense of connection.
INSPIRATION
We believe in the importance of telling positive and inspiring stories.
ENGAGEMENT
We offer a one-of-a-kind experience in which you can participate and engage.
Marie Haley
What does the future look like?
Marie is the founder and guide of The Seventh Generation. She was born and raised on Banks Peninsula, as a seventh generation direct decedent of Akaroa’s very first French settler. She grew up on the family farm following in the footsteps of her Grandfather, and his Grandfather before. Early in her life, she developed a love for nature and was immersed in the outstanding beauty of the landscapes surrounding her. From the age of six she knew that she would devote her life to the conservation of native species and protection of the incredible beauty of New Zealand. In her work as a wildlife ranger and wildside coordinator, this dream has become reality. With The Seventh Generation, she wants to share her passion and knowledge with other people to provide a deeper understanding and local connection to the history and nature of her special place.
"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 you to spend the day with me and learn about what makes this part of the world so special! Let me share my place, my tūrangawaewae, with you. As a kaitiaki, a guardian, of this special place in the world."
AKAROA AND THE WILDSIDE
Many people know Akaroa for its 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 firsthand experience of the philosophy behind what makes the project unique.
