What's Happening
< Back to News Index Page
Many Options for Eco-Friendly Accommodation
New Zealand’s reputation for sustainable practice and environmental awareness has prompted growth in eco-tourism as more travellers seek eco-friendly accommodation.
World acclaimed five-star lodges in dramatic natural settings through to self-catering eco-lodges and basic trampers’ huts in the wilderness give environmentally-conscious travellers many options throughout New Zealand.
New properties are constantly gaining Qualmark Green status - the country’s official tourism rating for quality and environmental performance.
A New Zealand-wide group of luxury properties accredited with Qualmark’s highest environmental rating - Enviro-gold - has recently banded together to offer tourists a sustainable travel package.
Exclusive Ecolodges has a list of members who must meet a series of stringent criteria covering both luxury and eco-friendly requirements, which are measured on the standard of accommodation facilities and hospitality of the owners.
The group also puts together "sensible itineraries" for the North and South Islands, which encourage tourists to slow down and enjoy their visit rather than embark on "an endurance race".
In addition five percent of the value of each eco-friendly accommodation booking or sensible itinerary purchase is donated to conservation or community projects within the relevant area.
There are many other eco-friendly choices, from cottages, to farmstays. More information can be found on our media website here.
