Environmental strategy

Pure New Zealand

New Zealand has a wonderfully clean and green environment and we are working to protect and sustain that very special quality.

Qualmark Sustainable Tourism awards

Enviro Gold is Qualmark New Zealand's highest rating for sustainable tourism. Requirements include basic environment practices and completing an environmental review of the business. Businesses that are performing at the top levels will be engaging in activities that include:

• Energy efficiency
• Conservation initiatives
• Waste management
• Community activities
• Water conservation

Some specifics from our practices:

Water

• Our water comes from a waterfall on the mountain which we only have to filter
• We add no chemicals (the water is UV treated only)
• We use our own bottled water in re-usable glass bottles (no plastic water bottles)
• Our waste water is processed and used for irrigation

Chemicals and Pollutants

• We have a chemical-free cleaning regime which also eliminates allergic reactions to household cleaners
• All our garden produce is free of sprays and insecticides

Energy

• Laundry is done in cold water
• Linen is changed daily, but if they prefer guests are invited to determine the frequency of linen changes
• All lights use low energy lamps and all external lights are sensor or time switch controlled
• Insulation includes double glazing and thermal linings to drapes

Packaging and recycling

• We re-cycle all glass, aluminium, tin, paper, and plastic
• Food waste is composted or used for animal food
• Most of our food is grown locally or in our garden
• We use locally processed food (e.g.Otago Olive Oil) to minimise transport of food items
• We make the vast majority of the food served in the lodge so make very few purchases of packaged goods

Our goal to provide guests with a safe and clean environment ensuring we minimise any negative impact on the environment while never compromising on the highest level of guest services