As a small, family-owned business, our goal is navigating the complexities of sustainability and renewable practices with creativity and resourcefulness.
Our Kaupapa
We want to become a recognised ecotourism destination in New Zealand, known for sustainable practices, exceptional guest experiences and diverse offerings. We want to drive Awastone towards being a climate-friendly community that thrives in all areas within its cultural, social, environmental, and economic diversity, and recognised as a must-visit destination for eco-adventures and outdoor experiences in our region.
Our family has enjoyed this land and this life for 4 generations, we're not stopping there. We're leaving Awastone, the wider community and New Zealand the ground layers and resources it needs to thrive for many generations to come.
Commited to Sustainability
At Awastone, we are committed to sustainable tourism. We recognise that the term "sustainable" is often overused and misapplied, but for us, it's a genuine commitment, not a marketing gimmick. We don't engage in greenwashing, nor do we claim to be perfect. As a small, family-owned business, we navigate the complexities of sustainability and renewable practices with creativity and resourcefulness, all while operating on a tight budget. Be apart of our sustainable journey, here are some of the steps we take to maintain our commitment to sustainability.
Refrain!!!
In a world driven by consumerism, we champion the principle of restraint. We believe that sustainability starts with mindful consumption. At Awastone, we encourage the idea that "if you don't NEED it, don't buy it!" By reducing unnecessary purchases, we can minimise waste and lessen our environmental impact.
The Garden
Tricia does an amazing job at maintaining Awastones garden where we grow herbs, greens, vegetables, and flowers. These homegrown resources are used in the café, ensuring fresh, organic produce in our meals where ever possible. This not only is better for the whenua but also enhances the quality and flavour of our kai.
Supporting Local
Supporting local businesses is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. By partnering with nearby suppliers and artisans, we reduce transportation emissions and contribute to the local economy. This approach fosters a resilient, interconnected community where small businesses support each other.
Energy Efficiency
We strive to minimise our energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting throughout our facilities. We are also exploring renewable energy options such as solar power to further reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources. Water at Awastone is heated by wood burner... so you can soak in the hot tub with a clean conscience!
Eco-Friendly Products
Whenever possible, we choose eco-friendly products for our operations. From biodegradable cleaning supplies to sustainable building materials, we prioritise options that have a minimal environmental impact.
Buying bulk from our friends at Will&Able means that we have a refill station used by staff, guests and the community.
Waste Reduction
Our waste management program focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling. We have eliminated single-use plastics wherever possible, offer recycling stations throughout our property, and encourage guests to participate in our waste reduction initiatives. Composting organic waste from our kitchen and garden further supports our sustainability goals. We are fighting to get soft plastic recycling bins at Awastone for guests and the community.
Pest Control
Effective pest control is vital for protecting the native birdlife at Awastone. We conduct regular possum, rat, and stoat trapping to preserve the natural habitat and promote biodiversity. This ongoing effort helps maintain a healthy ecosystem and ensures that our guests can enjoy the vibrant local wildlife. This is also why we do not allow pets to stay at Awastone.