Welcome to the True Travellers Society Daily Podcast! It’s Thursday, October thirty-first, and today we’re celebrating bold steps in sustainable travel that are changing lives, supporting communities, and preserving our planet. Stick around for inspiring stories about award-winning sustainability leaders, authentic cultural adventures, and a unique winter tradition that brings travelers closer to nature and local history.

First up, Rotorua’s Te Puia in New Zealand has been named Supreme Winner at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards. What makes their achievement remarkable? Te Puia underwent a bold transformation after the pandemic, focusing on meaningful engagement with both local and international travelers. This iwi-led partnership, featuring the New Zealand Māori Arts and Craft Institute, has not only rebuilt its team to nearly two hundred employees but placed sustainability and cultural preservation at the core of its operations. Their initiative supported the local community, pro