Motueka River Lodge

Helping our Environment Here at the Motueka River lodge we feel it is our duty as a business to take responsibility for the potential harm that could be caused by our industry Things we do to lessen our impact on our beautiful country: Food – all food used in our kitchen is either grown in our own garden or purchased from local growers/farmers who have the same ethos as us. We feel buying local helps to cut down on transport, benefiting both the environment and our guests. Our food tastes better – due to it being grown in an environmentally positive way – ie: no chemical and pesticides. And also it is fresher as it has not had to travel to many miles. We are currently planting an organic orchard to further supply our busy kitchen. Beverage – our cellar boasts a large selection of wine. Predominantly NZ wines to cut down on carbon from transport. We also showcase a number of organically grown wines. Heating – Our current heating is by fire, and electricity. The fires are powered by sustainable wood harvested from our wood lot, which is continually being replanted to ensure we do not have to rely on un-renewable resources. Lighting – all lighting in the lodge has been recently upgraded to energy saving light bulbs. We also have locally made “flax oil” candles in all rooms. These are made for another of New Zealand renewable resources. Waste: All biodegradable food waste is collected and mixed with lawn cuttings, garden waste and shredded office waste to generate beautiful healthy compost for returning to the garden. Helping us to create a nutrient rich environment for our vegetables to grow. All packaging waste is separated into recyclable categories and is delivered monthly to be recycled. Cleaning products: as we all know chemicals are extremely toxic and have huge negative effects on our water ways not to mention ourselves. We are proud to use the “ECO STORE” brand in all our housekeeping needs. These products proudly boast that they are chemical free, New Zealand Made and created out of 100% plant materials. Water: New Zealand is a predominantly “green country” we want to help keep it that way. Our guests are encouraged to re-hang towels they don't want washed immediately. We also air dry all our washing to give freshness that is removed when dryers are used. Staff are trained in turning off taps when they are not in use and garden watering is kept to a minimum with bark and moisture holding organics used to prevent moisture from escaping. Flora & Forna Project Protection: We have recently started a project to protect & preserve the Native Forest on our property. The intention is to create a pest-free environment with healthy growth in both bird life and native seedlings. Ideally this will be a sanctuary for both nature and our nature loving guests to enjoy. The first part of our project (commencing in July) is the counting of birds and other wildlife within our boundary. Following in October with trapping for rodents – possum, feral cats and stoats. Counting of the birds will be closely monitored as will the number of pests trapped. Should you wish to join in our crusade you may help by bird counting, or even purchasing a trap!