Tourism has moved toward more meaningful and engaging experiences in recent years. Tourists want more than just a sightseeing experience—they want to interact with nature. Through physical activity, holistic adventure tourism promotes spiritual, emotional, and environmental well-being while fulfilling this emerging demand. Social Nature Movement (SNM) in New Zealand leads this industry by providing modern tourists with engaging outdoor experiences.
Holistic adventure tourism combines physical discovery with personal development and environmental awareness. People use this method to reconnect with nature, escape city life, and find significance in their journeys. Social Nature Movement leads this trend with exhilarating, enlightening tours. By combining outdoor activities with education and sustainability, SNM has redefined nature exploration.
With a love for nature and a desire to connect people with the environment, Chris Lacoste founded the Social Nature Movement in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 6, 2018. With over two decades of outdoor education expertise, Lacoste wanted to create a firm that guided outdoor activities and promoted environmental appreciation. SNM provides creative, immersive nature experiences that foster personal development and environmental responsibility.
Social Nature Movement has become a prominent tourism company in New Zealand since its founding. This rise is due to SNM’s unique adventure tourism concept, which combines physical exercise with environmental responsibility and personal well-being. Social Nature Movement soon separated itself from other outdoor adventure firms by offering immersive, educational experiences. SNM became a Duke of Edinburgh Accredited Award service provider in 2019 for its outdoor education work with kids. SNM became New Zealand’s sole provider for SUPKids the following year, teaching kids stand-up paddleboarding safety and environmental awareness. SNM also received the Qualmark Silver award for tourist quality. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused problems and disrupted the company’s services. Despite this, SNM continued to deliver safe and engaging experiences by adapting to health standards.
Social Nature Movement expanded and innovated following its success. In 2021, the firm launched Bethells Boogie, a marine cave boogie board excursion. Like many others offered by SNM, this exercise was meant to challenge and educate people. SNM’s WorkSafe Adventure Activities registry also includes Coasteering, Sea Kayaking, and Rafting, assuring strict safety standards. SNM expanded its reach by partnering with the Coast-to-Coast Multisport Race and KiwiRail.
In 2022, SNM had five countrywide storage sites to support its growing operations and services. The firm spent almost $400,000 on equipment to accommodate more people and ensure safety and quality. Nature-based events from the Social Nature Movement suit diverse interests and fitness levels. Participants on the Bioluminescence Kayak Tour kayak over bioluminescent waters at night, a spectacular experience. Bethells Boogie, boogie boarding through sea caverns on New Zealand’s rocky coastline, is another highlight. Stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts can take the Lucas Creek Waterfall SUP Tour to secret waterfalls and the Browns Island Kayak Tour to a historic and beautiful island. Stargazing and Wild Kiwi Bird Tours by SNM let visitors experience New Zealand’s wildlife and night sky. These educative and awe-inspiring experiences deepen respect for nature.
Social Nature Movement leads outdoor education and corporate services. A highlight of SNM is the Duke of Edinburgh Award for its youth development program. Participants push themselves in outdoor activities to develop leadership and personal development in this program. Customized business team-building activities from SNM go beyond corporate retreats. These programs inspire participants to take risks and interact with nature to create trust, communication, and collaboration. SNM also offers school camps and outdoor education programs to supplement classroom learning.
Social Nature Movement’s effect extends beyond outdoor adventures. The firm promotes sustainability and environmental consciousness in all its actions. SNM uses eco-friendly methods to minimize its ecological impact. All SNM adventures and tours also benefit local communities and the environment. This entails conservation initiatives or educating individuals about natural environment preservation. SNM’s involvement with the Tourism Industry Association shows its commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Social Nature Movement is revolutionizing New Zealand adventure tourism and influencing the tourist sector. The company’s unique outdoor experiences, which combine physical exercise with personal development and environmental awareness, have inspired other companies and organizations. SNM participants imply that their time in nature helps them reconnect with themselves and appreciate the environment.
Chris Lacoste’s innovative leadership made the Social Nature Movement successful. Outdoor education in high school sparked Lacoste’s love of nature. After years of outdoor education and tourist experience, Lacoste earned a Master of Arts in Transcultural European Outdoor Studies. He has taught secondary school, polytechnic, and outdoor centers. His diversified expertise allows him to lead SNM, emphasizing experiential learning and personal growth.
Chris Lacoste’s leadership philosophy is that adventure is about reconnecting with oneself, the environment, and physical exertion. His approach to outdoor education stresses experiential learning—using nature to educate people about themselves, their boundaries, and their potential. SNM’s objective to improve lives through meaningful outdoor experiences is rooted in Lacoste’s philosophy. His emphasis on unique and immersive experiences has made SNM a firm that delivers fun activities and creates a lasting connection with nature.
Social Nature Movement has transformed outdoor adventure tourism in New Zealand by combining physical exercise with personal development and environmental awareness. SNM offers unique adventure activities and educational programs to help people learn about themselves and nature.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
