Back to Nature Tours Takes Syrian Refugee Families on Special Dunedin Tour
Thursday 25 January 2018, 5:43PM
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The good people at Back to Nature Tours took Syrian refugee families on a special Dunedin tour to explore the Otago Peninsula and its wildlife last Saturday, the 20th of January.
Daniel Sela, part-time tour guide at Back to Nature Tours, had invited his Syrian refugee neighbours to go on a tour free of charge in the new year. He had originally asked three families who had settled in the neighbourhood following the Syria crisis, all with 2 adults and 4 kids.
The company had expected only a group of 18, but when Daniel went to pick the families up for the day tour, the number had risen to 27.
'Dunedin is the base for many of the Syrian Refugees coming to New Zealand, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to take my neighbours to some of my favourite spots,’ said Daniel.
‘I've always known the people here are really friendly so it’s great to pass a bit of the Dunedin hospitality onto people that are new to the city.’
Daniel drove a group of 18 followed by two carloads of other Syrian refugees who were keen to experience some of the best Dunedin attractions. The tour was also rearranged to accommodate the extra numbers at Penguin Place, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin reserve.
'They loved the seal and penguins, but it was amazing watching how excited they were with all the rabbits running around,’ Daniel added.
The successful tour was inspired by a conversation between Managing Director Chris Roberts and Daniel during their Christmas Staff Meal. Daniel has worked with Back to Nature Tours for 4 years, who is now a full-time physiotherapist but still does a few touring trips every season.
Back to Nature tours is proud of their involvement in the community as well as in wildlife preservation. They aim to urge more people to fully appreciate our roles in safeguarding and preserving nature and its wildlife, especially in New Zealand.
For professional guided Dunedin tours and specialised Dunedin shore excursions, get in touch with Back to Nature Tours today!