The concept of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Ecotourism at Tai Poutini Polytechnic was initiated in 2002 to develop the West Coast’s ecotourism potential.   In 2003, a Certificate in Ecotourism was offered, and a Diploma was added in 2004.  In May 2004 a grant from the Development West Coast enabled a feasibility study.  Since then, Tai Poutini Polytechnic has added a range of short, intensive programmes covering specific aspects of ecotourism. 

During 2006 the range of services provided by the Centre of Excellence in Ecotourism expanded into marketing, research and industry development. In the past year it has undertaken research on tourism operator training and human resource requirements, and instigated the first annual Ecotourism in NZ Conference.  The brand Ecotourism NZ was developed in November 2006 to describe the range of services that the Centre of Excellence in Ecotourism provides. 

In 2011 Ecotourism NZ has developed a business services group with the objective to support the development of nature-based tourism experiences in New Zealand by improving the business performance of our client’s tourism operations.  We specialise in adventure tourism, ecotourism, nature tourism and outdoor education.

Members of the team include highly skilled outdoor education and management staff from Tai Poutini Polytechnic and contractors to Ecotourism NZ and Tai Poutini Polytechnic.