Awaroa Lodge, Eco-Friendly Luxury
Eco-sustainability and a four star luxury rating are not usually bedfellows: but Awaroa Lodge, based in Abel Tasman National Park, combines the two effortlessly.
Awaroa Lodge has long been known for its unique and tranquil surroundings, its architecture and its quality service, but there is more to this lodge than meets the eye.
Beneath all the luxury is a commitment to the sustainable use of the surrounding environment. The lodge’s eco strategy was formed with the location in mind, with the environment being an important and essential part of the Awaroa experience.
Awaroa Lodge has developed a culture of innovative thinking since it opened in 1991. The isolated nature of the lodge only further enhanced the need for ecological thinking and management.
The management team has developed a unique waste disposal system and organic garden, as well as a pest control programme to increase the native bird population of the area. The lodge is also enhancing the surrounding wetlands in an effort to restore it to its pre-human lustre.
The organic garden reflects the synergy that Awaroa is trying to achieve between man and nature. Waste which was once shipped away is now transformed into compost for the 750sqm organic garden, a garden which produces the nutritious and creative cuisine in the lodge’s restaurant.
This system has been researched and planned, resulting in significant savings in fuel, labour and food costs, while also reducing the impact the lodge has on its environment.
These eco minded actions have not gone unnoticed, Awaroa Lodge is Green Globe 21 accredited, as well as being a finalist in the 2005 Conde Nast Traveller Ecotourism Awards and a winner of the 2005 Eco-Tourism Innovation category at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Recognition is not what Awaroa is looking for. Allan Forsdick, Awaroa Lodge’s General Manager, states; 'Balancing the demands of protecting the environment and those of running a tourism business demands a true partnership between commerce, the community and nature. In New Zealand there is no other lodge of this size in a location like Awaroa, doing what we are doing. There is a real sense that Awaroa is setting new benchmarks and breaking new ground and our guests from throughout the world are incredibly receptive to what they are able to experience.'
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
|
|
www.newzealand.com Pages
|
|
|
Other Sites
|
|
|
|
