Two bottlenose dolphins leap out of the water side-by-side

Our Premier Partners

Meet the businesses who are proudly supporting Moana Mark research projects

Committing to sustainable practices and marine conservation

When businesses donate $5,000 or more, they become a Moana Mark Premier Partner. Find out which businesses are giving back to the environment, and supporting sustainable initiatives.

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses

A guest stands on the balcony of a Tree House suite at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses in Kaikōura

Inaugural Partner

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is Moana Mark's founding partner.

Their support helps fund three key projects: the Kaikōura Marine Research Laboratory, the Leopard Seal Protection Project, and the Sperm Whale Protection Project.

Visit www.hapukulodge.com

“It was a no brainer for us to support this fantastic initiative. Not only is sustainability at the core of our operations, but supporting the marine wildlife that brings us our guests is just the right thing to do.”

  • General Manager, Emile van der Linde

Find out more

  • Hapuku Lodge is a luxury retreat set on a deer farm at the base of the Kaikōura Seaward Mountain Ranges. Just a kilometre from the coast, it gives guests access to the stunning marine environment that defines the region.

  • Driven by a commitment to sustainability, Hapuku Lodge saw a natural fit with Moana Mark. “Our staff and guests love hearing about the research projects we’re funding. It creates a real buzz,” says General Manager Emile van der Linde.

  • Owner Tony Wilson, deeply connected to Kaikōura, believes in protecting the marine ecosystems that support local biodiversity and tourism. With no research facility in the region, Hapuku helped change that, funding and building a marine office and laboratory to support scientific mahi.

  • Hapuku Lodge contributes $10 for every room night to Moana Mark. In 2024–25, their contribution included:

    Donating over $20,000, which supports sperm whale population monitoring, marine mammal science, and conservation.

Wings Over Whales & South Pacific Helicopters

A sightseeing plane owned by Wings Over Whales flies side-by-side with another of the company's planes, flying over the coast of Kaikōura

Premier Partner since 2023

These family-owned Kaikōura businesses support the Sperm Whale Protection Project through donations linked to their whale-watching experiences.

Visit www.whales.co.nz

“With both companies benefiting greatly from our local environment, knowing we are partners and supporting a not-for-profit organisation makes us very proud as business owners.”

  • Owners Dan & Monique

Find out more

  • Family-run and based in Kaikōura, Wings Over Whales and South Pacific Helicopters are led by husband and wife team Dan and Monique. Their mission: showcase the region’s marine life while educating guests about its importance.

  • With sustainability at their core, Dan and Monique saw Moana Mark as a natural partner. “Partnering up with Moana Mark means that we can not only operate and know that we are educating customers on Kaikouras’ unique and diverse marine life but also the importance of sustainable practices and marine conservation,” says Dan.

    • $1 from every 30-minute whale watching seat (Wings Over Whales)

    • $10 from every whale watching flight (South Pacific Helicopters)

    • $50 per person for flights with onboard marine biologist Dr. Krista

    Their ongoing support directly funds critical research into sperm whale populations in the region.

  • Dan and Monique are excited to see what’s next from Moana Mark, and proud to play a part in protecting the marine environment that makes Kaikōura so unique.

EcoZip Adventures

Two guests of EcoZip Adventures hang on a zipline in the foreground with stunning views of Kaikoura in the background

Premier Partner since 2025

Donations from phone-bungee sales go directly to Moana Mark, and are supported by guest awareness and education initiatives around Moana Mark’s mission. 

Visit www.ecozipadventures.co.nz

“By collaborating with Moana Mark, we can help direct resources toward critical marine science, while strengthening a tourism model that genuinely gives back to the environments that sustain it.”

  • Owner Gavin Oliver

Find out more

  • “At EcoZip Adventures, we offer a uniquely Kiwi blend of adventure, storytelling, and connection to place. From our original home on Waiheke Island to our spectacular new site in Kaikōura, we invite guests to experience New Zealand from a fresh perspective, soaring in pairs on dual ziplines above vineyards, forests, rivers, and mountains, then exploring trails alive with native flora and birdlife. Our work is grounded in kaitiakitanga, so every visitor helps support conservation projects that restore and protect the landscapes we’re privileged to operate in.”

  • Sustainability and regeneration sit at the heart of EcoZip because, says Gavin, “I’ve always believed that tourism should give more than it takes. Operating in two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most remarkable environments comes with a responsibility to actively protect and restore them, not simply admire them from a distance. That’s why we invest in pest control, weed eradication, eco-sourced native planting, and many other initiatives, ensuring every guest visit helps the land heal and thrive. For me, regeneration isn’t a marketing line; it’s a commitment to future generations, to our communities, and to the incredible natural landscapes that make EcoZip possible.”

  • “Partnering with Moana Mark feels like a completely natural step for us, because Moana Mark’s mission aligns so closely with EcoZip’s values. Beyond our shared commitment to responsible, regenerative tourism, a key reason we want to work with Moana Mark is our strong belief that marine research urgently needs greater funding and support. Operating in coastal environments like Waiheke and Kaikōura has shown us firsthand how vital healthy oceans are: to wildlife, to communities, and to the visitor experiences we’re privileged to deliver. By collaborating with Moana Mark, we can help direct resources toward critical marine science, while strengthening a tourism model that genuinely gives back to the environments that sustain it.”

  • “Our support will be multifaceted and create meaningful connections between our guests and Moana Mark. Every time a guest purchases an EcoZip phone bungee to secure their device during their tour, a donation will go to Moana Mark. When guests pick up their bungee, we’ll include information on Moana Mark’s mission, and suggest more ways to donate and make their mark on marine research.”

Exclusive Travel Group

Exclusive Travel Group itinerary to NZ glacier

Premier Partner since 2026

Through its Tiaki Promise to respect and take care of New Zealand, Exclusive Travel Group is partnering with Moana Mark to support vital marine research and conservation around the coastlines of Aotearoa. 

Visit www.exclusivetravelgroup.com

“We’re partnering with Moana Mark because it represents a credible, science-backed approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine environment, while supporting sustainable tourism.”

  • Owner Rob Young

Find out more

  • “We don’t do ‘ordinary’. We craft journeys and experiences to create life-long memories. Each itinerary is meticulously designed, offering exclusive access to extraordinary experiences across the Pacific. We blend exploration and luxury into seamless, tailor-made journeys that awaken your spirit of adventure.

    “With Exclusive Travel Group it's always personal, taking time to understand what matters most to our guests, we shape journeys that reflect their pace, preferences and priorities. Travelling with us is about the freedom to explore, knowing we’ll bring their journey to life with sophistication, heart, and a deep respect for the world we wander.”

  • “We believe in protecting what makes Aotearoa New Zealand special, through sustainable travel practices and giving back.

    “We’re deeply committed to respecting and taking care of New Zealand, the people who live here and those who visit. Our approach is guided by the Tiaki Promise, which encourages travellers to act as guardians of Aotearoa while exploring its landscapes and communities. Our dedication to responsible travel is reflected in our partnership with Moana Mark, supporting vital marine research and conservation around the coastlines of Aotearoa.”

  • “We’re partnering with Moana Mark because it represents a credible, science-backed approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine environment, while supporting sustainable tourism. Partnering with Moana Mark, associating Exclusive Travel Group with trusted marine conservation practices, not only helps to support long-term tourism viability but also strengthens New Zealand’s global reputation as a clean, green destination.”

Ready to make your mark as a business?

Click the link below to donate $1,000 and become a Moana Mark Partner.

Email us to donate $5,000 or more and become a Moana Mark Premier Partner.