Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Otago

Sherwood Queenstown

8.1

Very Good

From $116

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Ranked among the world's top ten most sustainable hotels by Expedia, Sherwood Queenstown repurposed a former motor lodge with an eco-conscious ethos. The hotel aims for zero waste, grows up to 40% of its produce in on-site and nearby gardens, and composts all green waste. It is powered by solar energy, supplemented by renewable sources, and diverts significant amounts of waste from landfill.

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

Hostel in Glenorchy

8.3

Very Good

From $45

$

Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This retreat is actively working towards regenerative tourism. Their EcoScapes accommodation are passive 'low energy' cabins. They utilize solar power with battery storage, have electric vehicle charging points, use electric gardening equipment, and have implemented heat pumps in communal areas for efficient heating. They also encourage guests to donate to a local native nursery to offset carbon.

Millbrook Resort

Resort in Arrowtown

9.1

Excellent

From $316

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort has a dedicated Environmental Group and a 'Greener Stay' program that reduced carbon emissions by over 28,000kgCO2e in 2022. It composts over 36 tonnes of food waste annually for resort grounds, maintains its own vegetable garden and orchard, and actively recycles soap and plastic bottles.

The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments

Hotel in Queenstown

8.8

Excellent

From $255

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

The Rees Hotel Queenstown is Qualmark Gold certified and has won the SKAL International 'Sustainable Tourism Award | Urban Accommodation' multiple times. They have implemented numerous environmental initiatives including energy conservation measures, water-efficient fixtures, grey water reuse for irrigation, and in-house recycling management. The hotel also has an apiary, plants native trees, and partners with conservation trusts.

Questionnaire

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Bicycles provided to guests

Electric car charging station(s) available

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Wastewater is reused after treatment

Recycling bins in guest rooms

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Azur Lodge

Resort in Queenstown

9.8

Excellent

From $796

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Azur Lodge holds a Qualmark Gold rating, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. They focus on connecting with local suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint, maintain a native garden with composting, use energy-saving LED lighting, and support local conservation efforts.

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

Hotel in Queenstown

8.7

Very Good

From $266

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has a Qualmark Gold Sustainability rating and is part of Accor's global sustainability project Planet 21. They have eliminated single-use plastics, implemented rigorous recycling and reusing policies, and work to reduce water and energy use. The hotel partners with local initiatives for native vegetation planting and participates in a soap recycling program.

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Hotel in Queenstown

8.0

Very Good

From $175

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside holds Gold status with Qualmark and has an active environmental policy and programs. The hotel has eliminated single-use plastics, switching to bamboo products and large dispensers. They have implemented initiatives to minimize food waste, conserve water and energy, and engage with the local community on environmental initiatives.

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Resort in Queenstown

8.4

Very Good

From $153

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa participates in Hilton's Travel with Purpose strategy, aiming to halve environmental impact and double social impact by 2030. They have implemented a food waste dehydration program, diverting approximately 200kg of food waste weekly for composting and use in local conservation projects. The hotel also has an on-site solar power system and participates in the Soap Aid program.

DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown

Hotel in Queenstown

8.3

Very Good

From $130

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown is an eco-certified property that participates in the Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award program. Along with Hilton Queenstown, it is guided by Hilton Worldwide's Travel with Purpose strategy to drive responsible tourism. The hotel has implemented an environmental challenge for team members and tracks environmental impact through the LightStay system.

Olivers Central Otago

Bed & Breakfast in Clyde

9.5

Excellent

From $191

$

Bed & Breakfast Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Olivers Central Otago aligns with the NZ Tourism Sustainability Commitment, focusing on waste, water, and energy reduction. They contribute a significant sum yearly to the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust for native tree and plant projects and invite guests to make donations. Food scraps are composted, and their heritage buildings have been authentically restored in consultation with Heritage New Zealand.

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Hotel in Dunedin

9.2

Excellent

From $130

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel is an eco-certified property participating in the Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award program. As part of the Distinction Hotels Group, it adheres to a sustainability policy focused on improving environmental performance, reducing energy consumption and waste, and implementing recycling initiatives. The hotel also participates in The Hotel Weka recycling program for used toiletry bottles.

The Carlin Boutique Hotel

Hotel in Queenstown

9.1

Excellent

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This boutique hotel is noted as an eco-certified property that participates in the Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award program, measuring its impact on the environment, community, cultural heritage, and local economy.

Pen-y-bryn Lodge

Lodge in Oamaru

9.4

Excellent

From $305

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability Questionnaire

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

LED lighting throughout the premises

Electric car charging station(s) available

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery Collection

Hotel in Queenstown

8.5

Very Good

From $220

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

As part of the Accor group, this hotel is likely to adhere to the company's Planet 21 sustainability program, which focuses on reducing environmental impact. Specific initiatives for this location would need to be confirmed.

Ebb-Dunedin

Hotel in Dunedin

9.3

Excellent

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Ebb-Dunedin incorporates full-height double-glazed windows for solar heat and light, uses recycled concrete, and features biophilic architecture with an atrium garden for carbon capture. The hotel uses double insulation, natural timber joinery, non-toxic, low-VOC paints, and upcycled materials for furniture. Its café emphasizes local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, and the hotel uses pour-over coffee to reduce plastic waste and collects coffee grinds to prevent sewage system issues.

Driftaway Queenstown

Resort in Queenstown

9.3

Excellent

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This holiday park was designed with sustainability as a core principle, aiming for carbon zero and running on 100% renewable energy. It utilizes 58 solar panels, an innovative heat recovery system for water heating, and provides EV chargers for guests. Recycled materials are also integrated throughout the property.

Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa

Lodge in Queenstown

9.2

Excellent

From $365

$

Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This lodge is situated within a BioGro-certified organic vineyard and winery, with all vineyards farmed organically as of 2024. It operates an on-site worm farm and compost system for organic waste, provides complimentary tap water to reduce plastic bottles, and uses recycled plastic bedding and locally sourced, plant-based amenities.

Eichardt's Private Hotel

Hotel in Queenstown

9.1

Excellent

From $779

$

Info Categories

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Boutique-style Hotel

Luxury Hotel

Kamana Lakehouse

Hotel in Queenstown

8.6

Very Good

From $234

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel operates with a 'Less waste, less harm' sustainability plan, providing New Zealand-made refillable bathroom amenities and focusing on food waste minimization. It has achieved a Qualmark Silver Sustainable award and uses bedding and pillows made from recycled plastic bottles.

Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown

Hotel in Queenstown

9.7

Excellent

From $402

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hulbert House is on a journey to zero waste, providing guests with aluminum water bottles and avoiding plastic packaging. The lodge sources organic produce locally, offers electric car charging, and uses reusable and recyclable products. They also support local charities and are part of Booking.com's Travel Sustainable program.