In 2008 we owned a bare paddock. Since then, not only have we built, we have also been establishing an eco-system. We have planted hundreds of native shrubs and trees including flaxes, totaras, pittos, hoharias, manukas, ake-akes and have also planted many deciduous and fruit trees. We have already noticed the increase in bird-life in our property!

We collect rain water off our roofs and have three tanks storing in total up to 85,000 litres. All waste water we use at The Summit Lodge passes through our on-site sewage system which extracts water and feeds it to our plants so no water is wasted. Our plumbing fixtures are all low water use and appliances are rated highly in terms of water and energy efficiency.

Each room has an individual heat pump thus ensuring only rooms that are occupied are heated or cooled, and the wood burning Jetmaster fires in the guest lounge and dining room are both low emission and very efficient. We have already started growing our own firewood on site.

The building is insulated throughout with wool and the polystyrene and plaster cladding provides further insulation. All windows are double glazed.

We recycle as much as is feasible and we compost all green waste. We use eco-friendly cleaning products throughout The Summit Lodge and no harsh chemicals. We encourage guests to use our chemical-free body wash and hair products.

We reduce the loads of washing we do each day by consulting with guests that are staying more than one night about using bed linen for more than one use; we use load efficient cycles when washing and air dry as much as possible.

In recognition of our commitment to the environment and to further enhance the pleasure of your stay, we are endorsed as Kiwi Green Certified, using only eco-friendly products in our cleaning. If you're concerned about the impact of your travelling, we're also able to offer the facility of sponsoring New Zealand native trees through Kiwi Green Regeneration or you may want to plant your own tree in our grounds as a mark of your visit.