About Access.ive
Making inclusion the standard,
not the exception.
Access.ive is the leading directory for accessible tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand, for travellers with access requirements, including people with disabilities, and everyone travelling with them. Every business listed here is endorsed by MakingTrax or Adapting Aotearoa. This is not an all-or-nothing approach: what matters is being clear about what is possible, and where the boundaries sit. Endorsed businesses are committed to honest communication, so you can plan with confidence and travel your way. Access.ive is published by Adapting Aotearoa, a programme of MakingTrax Foundation.
The programme
What is Adapting Aotearoa
Adapting Aotearoa is a New Zealand-based programme dedicated to raising the standard of accessible and inclusive tourism across the country. Through training, Access Guides, and a structured endorsement pathway, Adapting Aotearoa works with tourism operators to ensure their experiences are genuinely welcoming. The programme is built on the belief that inclusion is good for business, good for communities, and good for Aotearoa.
The endorsement
What endorsement means
Endorsement is not a tick-box exercise. Businesses that carry the Adapting Aotearoa endorsement have completed training, developed an Access Guide that honestly communicates what visitors can expect, and demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement. When you see the endorsement badge, you can trust that the business has done the work. Some businesses are working towards Adapting Aotearoa endorsement. Their listings say so, and show the badge only once it’s earned.
Higher endorsement
MakingTrax endorsement
The MakingTrax endorsement is reserved for adventure tourism operators. Adventure tourism is a cornerstone of Aotearoa's identity — and safety, integrity, and quality assurance are in the best interest of all visitors and operators. MakingTrax works alongside operators to embed practical inclusion into operations and experience delivery through ongoing advisory, adaptive expertise, and solutions grounded in real-world settings. Businesses carrying the MakingTrax endorsement have demonstrated that inclusion, safety and integrity are genuinely embedded in what they do. Operators are selected directly by MakingTrax advisory. It doesn’t require Adapting Aotearoa endorsement first, and some operators hold both. Adaptive Trips, organised by MakingTrax, are separate from endorsement.
Your experience
Share your feedback
Visited an endorsed business? We would love to hear about your experience. Your honest feedback helps Adapting Aotearoa maintain the integrity of the directory and supports continuous improvement across the sector.
Send feedback to Adapting AotearoaThe people behind it
Jezza Williams
At the heart of Adapting Aotearoa and MakingTrax is Jezza Williams, a wheelchair user, adaptive adventure specialist and a leading voice in accessible and inclusive tourism in New Zealand. He is the creator, director and driving force behind both programmes. MakingTrax Foundation, a registered charitable trust, has been creating meaningful inclusive experiences since 2012, offering advisory for tourism operators and adaptive adventures and bespoke experiences for travellers. As the architect of Adapting Aotearoa, Jezza brings a lifetime of lived experience, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering belief that accessible and inclusive tourism is not just possible — it is essential for Aotearoa's future as a world-class destination.
Backed by a world-class team including:
Together working to make Aotearoa the leading accessible tourism destination in the world.
Are you a tourism operator?
Visit the Adapting Aotearoa website to learn about the endorsement pathway and how to get started.
Visit Adapting Aotearoa