Eco-vision
We recognise that guests to Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses may travel great distances to experience the spectacular scenery and maritime activities of Kaikoura. Our aim is to nurture this unique environment, restoring it through planting native trees, re-introducing native birds, and being sustainable in our operations.
In 2002 Kaikoura, as a township, was the first local authority in the world to become a Green Globe certified community. In addition, nearly every local operator has a green mission threaded through their operations, caring for the environment which brings tourists from all over the world.
At Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses, we share the travellers’ appreciation for the environment. We continue to make refinements to our day-to-day operations and are proud of our efforts to enhance the local environment by planting native trees, encouraging bird populations with plant varieties that support them year-round.
In our efforts towards making NZ tourism sustainable, we have committed to planting at least one New Zealand native plant for every booking. As of November 2012, we have planted close to 15,000 NZ native plants and trees. By planting, we create a long-term carbon sink offsetting a proportion of carbon produced by travel and our operations. Just as important, we help replenish the local vegetation and thereby support the native bird populations, which include rare and endangered species.
Beyond tree planting, our eco-efforts include:
We conserve water and heat, and employ alternative energy resources. Our water supply comes from a private well. We filter all grey water and use it to water the gardens, deer paddocks and trees we plant. Low-flow toilets and shower heads were installed in all rooms to reduce water consumption. All rooms have significant insulation; HR1 grade insulation and double glazing. In 2009 we added an outdoor lap-pool, which is heated entirely by solar power. We also use energy efficient light bulbs throughout the lodge and accommodations.
Timber used in construction and interiors are responsibly sourced, and although we include some imported timber these are mainly recycled and salvaged timbers.
When dining at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses you can be confident that we are sourcing as much as possible of our ingredients and products from local farmers and purveyors with whom we often have a direct relationship, tracing meat and vegetables to the farm gate. Organic ingredients are preferred. We also offer fair trade organic coffee and teas, and our wine list features only New Zealand wines.
The kitchen garden, managed by our chef, we are growing seasonal vegetables and herbs on site and reducing carbon miles associated with transporting produce.
We compost use bio-degradable cleaning products and toiletries and have conscientious recycling and waste-management policies. Our aim is to reduce, recycle and compost. Along with Kaikoura's continually improving facilities and goal of becoming a zero-waste community, this process will continue to improve. We currently compost all kitchen waste including waste meat and proteins.
We offer special eco-packages for guests interested in enjoying a selection of Kaikoura’s greener activities, while minimizing their environmental impact and personally contributing to the local environment.