In the heart of Fiordland, a remarkable journey of conservation and connection unfolds through Pure Salt Charters. Founded by Maria Kuster and her partner Seán Ellis, this unique social enterprise transforms maritime tourism into a powerful platform for environmental stewardship and personal discovery.

Words Lucinda Diack

Fiordland is a realm of unparalleled natural grandeur. Its U-shaped valleys, dramatic mountain ridges and archipelago islands create a land and seascape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. For Maria Kuster, her connection to Fiordland began unexpectedly. A German backpacker who arrived with no intention of staying, she found herself captivated by the region’s untouched wilderness.

As humans, it is in our nature to find and build connections. For Maria, this connection comes first and foremost with ‘place’ and the grounding impact that nature has on our wellbeing, our sense of self and most importantly the role we can play in conserving and positively impacting the natural landscape around us to allow it to continue to give for generations to come.

Alongside partner Seán Ellis, Maria’s dream is to see Fiordland’s Dusky Sound, one of the most intact ecosystems on earth. A dream they are actively contributing to with M.V. Flightless, their 27-metre ex-Navy expedition vessel that has been repurposed as a spacious home away from home in Tamatea Dusky Sound.

Seán and Maria’s journey to M.V. Flightless and their social enterprise Pure Salt Charters wasn’t a singular, pre-planned event. Both individually pursued passions that led them to the sea and ultimately work as commercial drivers, skippers, guides, and even engineers. ‘If you are driving boats, you want to know how they work,’ says Maria.

Maria laughs as she describes M.V. Flightless as a ‘floating bach with all the toys. We have kayaks on the top deck. There’s paddle boards right there. All the fishing gear to go and play with … beanbags, an extensive library, diving gear, scuba gear. And of course concessions with the Department of Conservation for people to head into the bush and interact with the many tracks available.’ There is also hunting, open-water swimming, photography, history, and the list goes on, allowing you to tailor your trip to the weather, mood and interest on the day.

‘There is something for everyone. Often someone will come for the fishing, for example, and get lost in the history of it all. No one ever leaves just having dived into one activity. There is room for everyone.’

While conservation is deeply embedded in the operation – such as collaborations with the Department of Conservation on island restoration projects, conducting underwater cleanups, biosecurity initiatives and pest eradication – what sets them apart is their commitment to creating meaningful experiences. The impact of time aboard M.V. Flightless has proven to extend beyond the charter with many past clients returning as volunteers on the Tamatea Restoration Project or getting involved in conservation projects in their own backyard.

‘It is the ripples of impact that we are proud of,’ concludes Maria. ‘To know we have clients who came fishing with us years ago and haven’t thrown away a single fish frame since because they learnt how to use every part of the fish; to witness people in all their different ways connecting with themselves and place, creating a sense of guardianship is what keeps us going.’

Their passion runs deep and by blending adventure with education – and their active participation in conservation – their commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of Fiordland will be felt for future generations.

 

Beyond Tourism

More than merely a tourism venture

Seán and Maria view Pure Salt as a way for Kiwis to connect with and appreciate their own backyard. Early on in their endeavours the couple asked the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries how they could help, and are now active participants in preserving and improving our natural landscape.

Their Tamatea Islands, Blue and LEARNZ charters see volunteers from all walks of life step aboard M.V. Flightless to undertake pest eradication, the laying of traps, underwater cleanups, tackle biosecurity projects and more, directly addressing the ecological challenges facing Fiordland.

‘The conservation task doesn’t just fall on DOC,’ says Maria. ‘We are proud to be part of a community who are taking an active role in looking after the place we call home, the soil we walk on and the waters we play in. If everyone was to look after what surrounds them, no place would have anything to worry about.’