Charleston, West Coast, NZ – 1 July 2025 — Underworld Adventures (www.caverafting.com), a pioneer in eco-tourism and adventure experiences on the West Coast of New Zealand, is proud to announce it has been awarded the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award, the highest possible endorsement from New Zealand’s official tourism quality assurance body.
This prestigious recognition reflects Underworld Adventures’ unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, visitor safety, cultural respect, and operational excellence. The Gold status is reserved for tourism businesses that deliver exceptional experiences while actively contributing to the sustainability of New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive the Qualmark Gold award,” said Aidan Schurr, General Manager of Underworld Adventures. “It’s a reflection of the dedication our team brings every day. They thrive on protecting the fragile karst and cave environment we operate in, but also in offering immersive, unforgettable experiences that are deeply connected to the place and people. We’ve always taken pride in doing things the right way, and this award is a huge acknowledgment of that.”
Based in Charleston, Underworld Adventures offers a range of guided experiences through the Te Ananui cave system, including Underworld Rafting, walking GlowWorm Tours, and Adventure Caving. The company is known for its small group sizes, low-impact operations, and a strong conservation ethos, providing guests with a rare chance to explore a pristine, ancient cave network in its natural state.
The Qualmark assessment evaluates tourism businesses against a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria, including economic resilience, environmental performance, health and safety, community engagement, and culture and heritage. Achieving Gold status means Underworld Adventures is not only delivering a world-class visitor experience but is also operating at the forefront of responsible and regenerative tourism in Aotearoa.
Schurr adds: “The West Coast is a special part of the world. We want every visitor to leave with a sense of wonder and respect for this environment, and for us, that starts with how we operate. Whether it’s robust safety systems, empowering our team through training and wellbeing support, or maintaining the integrity of the caves we’re privileged to share, we love what we do and we think that comes across to every visitor here.”
The award comes as Underworld Adventures continues to invest in its people, systems, and sustainability practices, including updated training programs, conservation initiatives, and a strong emphasis on supporting local communities.
For more information about tours and sustainability efforts, visit www.caverafting.com
Media Contact:
Aidan Schurr, General Manager
info@caverafting.com
+64 3 788 8168
Copyright © 2026 Norwest Adventurers Limited | Privacy Policy | Photos © Pat Wall, Neil Silverwood, Richard Rossiter | Log in
