Kaitiakitanga – Caring for our place
As a sustainable holiday park in Russell, kaitiakitanga — guardianship of our environment — is at the heart of everything we do.
We are proud to be Gold Qualmark accredited, recognising both the quality of our guest experience and our commitment to sustainable tourism in Aotearoa.
For us, sustainability isn’t just a philosophy — it’s something we actively work on every day.
A more sustainable way to stay
When you stay with us, you’re choosing a holiday that treads a little lighter.
In Te Ao Māori, we look to the tōtara — tall and strong — as a symbol of guardianship. In the same way, we aim to protect and nurture our little piece of ngahere (forest), ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
We also believe in sharing this journey. By providing our guests with mātauranga (knowledge), we hope to inspire and support your own path in kaitiakitanga and conservation — both during your stay and beyond.
We are committed to:
- Supporting New Zealand as a world-class sustainable destination
- Making meaningful changes that benefit our environment and community
- Respecting the history and cultural heritage of our region
- Protecting native wildlife, marine life, and ecosystems
Measuring what matters
This year, we took a significant step forward by measuring our carbon footprint through the Carbon Trail programme, a regional initiative led by Northland Inc.
For the first time, we now have a clear understanding of where our environmental impact comes from — including:
- Energy use across the park
- Waste generated through our operations
- The goods and services we purchase
This allows us to focus on the areas where we can make the biggest difference — turning insight into real action.
We’re committed to tracking this over time and continuously improving how we operate.
Protecting our natural environment
Set within 14 acres of native bush in Russell, Bay of Islands, our park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including some of New Zealand’s
rarest species:
- North Island brown kiwi
- North Island weka
- Fernbird
- Pāteke (brown teal)
We actively protect this environment through ongoing predator control programmes, working with specialist partners and operating our own trapping systems.
Recognised for sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability has been recognised through a number of industry awards, including:
- 2025 Sustainable Commitment Award
- 2022 TIA Sustainable Innovation Award
- 2019 & 2021 Predator Free NZ Award
How we reduce our impact
Many of our sustainability initiatives happen behind the scenes — but they all contribute to a more responsible way to stay.
Accommodation & infrastructure
- Use of reclaimed and renewable building materials where possible
- Energy-efficient lighting and ongoing conversion to solar
- Sustainable greywater systems
Everyday operations
- Recycling and composting systems across the park
- Biodegradable cleaning products
- Laundry sun-dried wherever possible
- Water and energy conservation practices
Responsible sourcing
- Supporting local suppliers
- Reducing waste through smarter purchasing decisions
- Encouraging sustainable supply chains
Regeneration & conservation
- Native planting and habitat restoration
- Garden mulching and composting
- Opportunities for guests to plant trees and contribute to regeneration
Working together
We’re proud to work alongside organisations and initiatives that support conservation and sustainable tourism, including:
- Project Island Song (Corporate Member)
- Birding New Zealand
By collaborating with like-minded organisations, we’re contributing to a wider effort to protect and restore our region.
The Tiaki Promise
Tiaki means to care — for people, place, and culture.
We are proud to support the Tiaki Promise, helping protect Aotearoa for future generations.
We invite our guests to be part of this journey by taking a few simple actions during their stay:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
- Separate and recycle waste using the bins provided
- Reduce food waste where possible
- Conserve water by keeping showers short and using water mindfully
- Respect and protect our wildlife and natural surroundings
Stay with purpose
When you stay with us, you’re choosing more than just accommodation.
You’re supporting a holiday park that is actively working to reduce its impact, protect its environment, and create a better future for tourism in New Zealand.