Essence of Earth Sea and Sky |
Earthsong
embraces strong conservation ethics
Earthsong
Lodge has been created in harmony with our unique sustainable environment
to provide a luxurious retreat for those who seek to experience
one of New Zealand's best island wilderness regions.
Earthsong Lodge - history and position in the environment
Great Barrier Island has a rich human history dating back a thousand years to the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe. In November 1769 Captain James Cook, was the first European to sight the island. A tough pioneering history of logging and mining on Great Barrier Island has taught the local community valuable lessons about respecting the environment. Today, over 60% of the island is protected as conservation estate or reserves for future generations to enjoy.
Great Barrier Island, the fourth largest island in New Zealand, has only a small population, which survives without reticulated power or water. The pioneering spirit and conservation ethic are strong, where many residents choose to extract their power from the sun, wind and water and in so doing have a built up an enviable reputation in the field
of alternative energy.
Much of this island is a treasured sanctuary for many native plant and rare bird species. Specific varieties of flora and fauna are genetically unique as a result of evolving on the island in isolation from the rest of New Zealand.
These environmental values were a strong influence in choosing Great Barrier Island for the location of Earthsong Lodge as a sustainable eco-tourism accommodation lodge and hotel. Earthsong blends harmoniously with the landscape |
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Earthsong Lodge
is uniquely positioned on Great Barrier Island. Created on the remnants of an
early pioneering family farm that had become unproductive, the lodge is nestled
below a ridge-line and blends harmoniously with the landscape.
Earthsong
Lodge has a programme of actively planting native trees to encourage the re-establishment
of native forest and the return of native bird species. To date, more than 300
native trees and plants have been planted in the Lodge grounds. A further six
acres of lodge grounds has been set aside to protect the regenerating native broadleaf
forests. A pest eradication programme is in place to eliminate introduced predators,
which imperil the survival of many New Zealand endangered birds and reptiles.
This has resulted in the return of native bird species which feed on the nectar
of trees in flower and assist in the natural process of pollination of flowers
and distribution of tree seeds. Among the birds now returning to the lodge forests
include kaka (native parrot), tui, fantails, silver eye, kereru (New Zealand Pigeon),
pateke (brown teal duck), shining cuckoo, grey warbler, morepork (New Zealand's
only native owl), banded rail, and black petrel.
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Earthsong Lodge is eco-friendly - A Sustainable building project
The lodge walls are insulated with straw-bales made from the leftover stems of harvested wheat grain. The use of straw in construction, reduces the amount of carbon monoxide pollution when this otherwise waste product is disposed of. Straw bale building uses less lumber than the construction methods most prevalent today.
The straw bale insulation is thermally efficient and energy conserving, optimizing solar gain for heating i.e. the lodge is super energy efficient (cool in summer/warm in winter). The plastered straw bale walls are finished with a breathable silicate colouring which allows for the exchange of fresh air through the walls providing a healthy and environmentally safe living space. Insulation is further enhanced in the ceiling cavities which are insulated with natural wool fibre insulation, a product of the New Zealand wool industry. The lodge has oiled and waxed polished wood floors using renewable forest-grown timbers. The timbers used for all window and door joinery were recovered and recycled New Zealand Rimu wood from a demolished factory. Power saving and energy usageThe extensive use of solar panels for electricity production allows Earthsong Lodge to minimize the use of fossil fuels. Solar panels are also used to heat the lodge water supply. The passive solar effect of the straw bale construction of the lodge reduces the amount of energy required. Throughout the lodge lighting is provided by long-life, low energy light bulbs which use 80% less power consumption than standard lighting. Energy consumption is further reduced by the installation of low energy electrical appliances.Rain water is collected from the lodge roof and supplies the needs of the lodge. Caring for the environment
Earthsong Lodge has an aerobic waste water treatment plant for the processing and cleaning of effluent and waste water. This 'biocycle' system treats all the effluent produced by the lodge to a level where it is then used for crop and tree irrigation. Organic waste is composted for subsequent use in the lodge gardens. Non-organic waste is sorted for recycling at the community recycling station. Eco-friendly cleaning products are used exclusively at Earthsong Lodge to eliminate the risk of phosphate pollution. Earthsong Lodge is a smoke-free resort.
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Earthsong
Lodge supports the International Slow Food Movement
With the rich vibrant produce of the South Pacific, Chef Trevor Rendle is inspired to explore the romance of regional cooking and offers guests the opportunity to savour the finest taste sensations prepared in the time-honoured way. These wonderful flavours, along with a convivial atmosphere, bring Earthsong guests together as friends and dining becomes a very memorable and special experience. |
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actively promotes and features the use of organic foods. The lodge organic gardens
grow many heirloom vegetables conserving the heritage of the past and contributing
to the defense of the world's bio-diversity. Earthsong Lodge also sources much
of its produce from local island suppliers. Organic fresh fruit, vegetables and
eggs are sourced from local producers. |
Size of Earthsong Lodge
Earthsong Lodge is a small luxury lodge providing accommodation for up to six guests. Because of its small size, guests can enjoy the environment of a luxury lodge promoting sustainable tourism with minimum impact on the land.
Earthsong Lodge - and the local Island communityEarthsong Lodge promotes Great Barrier Island as a destinational experience to both domestic and international travelers, emphasizing the unique wilderness island environment. Earthsong Lodge supports the Great Barrier Island Health Trust. This is a vital community
service for this recreational destination. In 2010 Earthsong Lodge hosted 2 Charity Winemakers Dinners and raised an impressive $2254 for the new ambulance service on Great Barrier Island.
Earthsong Lodge is committed to the local community and encourages guests to experience the island eco-tourism ventures. The eco-tourism operators promoted by Earthsong Lodge have high conservation ethics and offer their clients low impact environmental experiences designed with sustainable tourism in mind. By providing financial support in this way, Earthsong Lodge guests contribute to the local Island fragile economy. This, in turn, has created an enhanced awareness of the advantages of eco-tourism by the successful tourism adventure operators.
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Earthsong Lodge is proud to be a member of Lodges of New Zealand the premier group of luxury lodges |
International movement promoting biodiversity and protecting traditional cuisine culture |
Independently graded 5 star by Qualmark and described as exceptional among the best in New Zealand |
Enviro Gold is Qualmark's highest award for sustainable tourism |
A group of 5 star accommodation offering unique and quintessentially New Zealand adventure packages and itineraries |
An Exclusive Collection of New Zealand Luxury Accommodation and Services |
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