Sustainability is driving the success of the future and New Zealand has been a leader for many years. The New Zealand government aims to see every tourism business in the country committed to sustainability by 2025. When planning a trip to this green country (literally), here are several sustainable hotels in New Zealand you can feel good about, on any budget.
Budget $
SiloStay is a unique hotel located 50 minutes from Christchurch in Little River. The property’s isolation provides guests with an inner peace as they’re able to disconnect and relax.
Silos traditionally used for grain have been transformed into sustainable hotel units that are insulated with local wool. Additionally, environmentally conscious features include a boiler system using waste by-product, a planet-friendly waste-water system and LED lighting. Instead of an air conditioning system, guests simply open a hatch for passive cooling.
YHA Franz Josef is located ten minutes from the Franz Josef glacier, backing up to the West Coast rainforest. Expect clean and modern rooms at an affordable price at this hostel. Due to their location, ample opportunities to experience the natural attractions await you. Explore the glacier, relax in the Glacier Hot Pools, spot rare white herons and go on a night time kiwi walk.
YHA New Zealand considers the environment in everything they do and as a result, they work hard to reduce their carbon footprint. By partnering with Enviro-Mark Solutions to become the first accommodation network worldwide to be carboNZero certified, this makes them one of the most sustainable hotels in New Zealand.
Midrange $$
Lochmara Lodge is located on the water’s edge in ‘’must see’’ Marlborough Sounds, Lochmara Bay. Here, guests can experience life without roads and learn about New Zealand’s native flora and fauna.
Day-to-day business practices and the direction of the lodge as an eco-accommodation are guided by nature. The protection and conservation of the natural environment is a core principle. Even more, Lochmara Lodge was awarded the Conservation in Action award for their efforts.
Measures taken to ensure the hotel’s sustainability include fuel efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, glass recycling and composting.
Split Apple Lodge is located in Motueka, New Zealand. Ongoing renovations satisfy the needs of global travelers while also keeping their footprint to a minimum. Expect breath-taking views from every window and revel in the experience of a patio hot tub as the full moon rises or when the day dawns.
Feel good improvements include full insulation, 100% rainwater collection, a chlorine-free spa and magnesium-based pool. Additionally, food is locally sourced and organic, food waste is composted, toiletries and cleaning supplies are nontoxic. And while the lodge uses low energy lighting throughout, you’ll probably spend most of your time exploring outside.
Luxury $$$
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a modern country hotel located on a deer breeding farm near the renowned town of Kaikoura. Luxurious accommodations allows guests to relax in an intimate indoor-outdoor setting and while exploring the maritime landscape.
Kaikoura as a township became the first local authority in the world to become a Green Globe certified community. Hapuku Lodge’s eco-efforts include sourcing over 75% of ingredients locally, with an organic kitchen garden. Responsibly sourced and salvaged timber was used for construction that also includes significant insulation.
The Resurgence is an adults-only resort set on the edge of both the Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. The luxury accommodations feature six stunning ‘Bush Suites’ and four boutique rooms. Lodge dining is farm-to-table, with produce coming from the onsite garden or local area. Guests can enjoy a sunset BBQ on their deck with a glass of New Zealand wine.
National Geographic Traveler named The Resurgence one of the world’s 25 best eco-lodges for supporting the local community and leading local conservation efforts. Also making this a noteworthy and sustainable hotel is their ecosystem restoration, waste minimization and predator control program.
-Jessica Palmer
