Our Commitment to a Greener Future: On The Point's Sustainability Journey

At On The Point, our unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability is both a passion and a pursuit of excellence here at our Rotorua luxury accommodation. We believe that our journey toward environmental stewardship not only safeguards our planet, but also enhances the experiences of our guests. By integrating eco-friendly initiatives into our daily operations, we ensure that every stay is not only indulgent but also mindful of the world we cherish.

This is an ongoing journey, and by no means are we yet at our destination. We continue to find new ways and practices to do things a little greener. While it might not always be easy, it is certainly rewarding. We bring you on the journey of all that we have achieved to date and hope to inspire you to perhaps incorporate some greener practices of your own.

Our Sustainability Practices

Our sustainable business practices have evolved greatly since our opening in the early 2000s, however, our goal has always been the same: to create a luxurious experience for our guests while protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Lake Rotorua.

Here, we proudly present some of the initiatives we have embraced and continually refine:

Recycling and Food Waste Reduction

One of the most significant, and widely implemented, sustainability practices at On The Point is our commitment to minimising our environmental footprint through waste reduction and recycling practices.

Recycling Practices

Firstly, we ensure to flatten cardboard, sort plastic waste, paper and glass bottles by colour, so that these are separated for recycling ease at the Rotorua Recycling Plant, at least twice a month. Wine bottle caps are also separated for collection too.

We use clear recycling signage, and separate bins, making it easy for these materials to be disposed of correctly. This aligns with our aim to reduce landfill waste and discard of any materials from our property responsibly. Throughout our renovations, we have also ensured that our old paint tins are taken back to Resene for responsible disposal.

We recently changed our supplier to a local company called Volcanic Creamery, which provides us with fresh A2 milk for our guests to enjoy. As this milk comes in glass bottles, unlike regular milk, it makes it easy to recycle the bottles and reduces the environmental impact too.

Our partnership with Nespresso also ensures that every used coffee pod is collected and transported to a recycling depot.

Food Waste Reduction

When it comes to food waste, we follow some more innovative practices. Our food waste is collected on a twice-weekly basis, and is repurposed at a local pig farm to support local agriculture.

We also have an onsite worm farm and compost area to transform all green waste, including pony manure, into nutrient-rich compost, enriching our vegetable garden with fertile soil. Plus with our coffee granules which are recycled into the garden as fertiliser, these are just some of the ways we're promoting sustainable gardening practices.

Nurturing Nature & Animal Welfare

Situated on a stunning piece of land, we consider it a privilege to harness our natural resources responsibly and care for it accordingly.

Our Land

When it comes to maintaining the grounds of our lakside Rotorua accommodation, Rhys, our arborist from Trees R Us, expertly manages our trees, utilising vegetable oil in chainsaws to prevent toxins from entering the land and waterways. This mulch is then repurposed in our gardens, enhancing soil health and reducing waste.

Being set on the edge of Lake Rotorua means our property also features a riparian zone that requires regular maintenance. We conduct weekly cleaning of the lake edge every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, alongside strategically placing rat traps to preserve a thriving ecosystem.

For efficient removal of lake weed, we've constructed an access track ensuring the continuation of our property's natural beauty and biodiversity.

Animal Welfare

On our lovely property, we also care for numerous farm animals, who are definitely a guest highlight, and are registered and receive their required vaccinations.

Of these VIPs, our sheep are shorn twice annually, with the wool repurposed under our fruit trees.

Additionally, we have successfully reared Tui on-site, providing daily nectar to support these native birds and enhance the local wildlife population.

Farm-to-Table Dining

Utilising the space and land available to us, we have organic vegetable and herb gardens, constructed from recycled timber. We've also grown our own micro greens from seed which is another of the ways we provide fresh, flavourful ingredients for our kitchen.

Our chefs incorporate the organic produce from our vegetable garden and fruit trees into exquisite preserves, jams, and desserts for the lodge, ensuring that our meals are both delicious and sustainably sourced.

Additionally, our chooks provide fresh, free-range eggs, for guests to enjoy - there is nothing better than the taste of locally sourced eggs from well-cared-for hens.

Being able to provide meals to the guests of our Rotorua fine dining restaurant, which come from our own supply chain and are crafted from the freshest produce, is one of the practices we are most proud of.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is another key component of our sustainability strategy. Every time a light bulb has blown across the Lodge, Villas and Cottages, it's been an opportunity to switch to energy-efficient alternatives. Now with 95% of light bulbs having now been switched over, we are significantly reducing our carbon footprint.

We have also audited and replaced our heat pumps with newer energy-efficient models, to conserve energy and ensure optimal power use.

Additionally, by installing an electric vehicle charger, with multiplugs, we are able to cater for our guests who visit us using their more eco-friendly vehicles. Plus, with a bus stop nearby, it's easy for guests to opt for a greener mode of transport whilst they are exploring our beautiful corner of the world.

Lastly, we have installed a new ice machine machine. We understand the delight of enjoying a refreshing cold beverage on a warm sunny afternoon, and having this eliminates the need for frequent trips to purchase ice. This not only conserves fuel and reduces emissions but also ensures a seamless supply of ice for our guests!

Water Conservation

Another of our sustainable practices includes our water conservation efforts, which are designed to enhance guest experiences while protecting our precious natural resources.

Whilst Rotorua has recently been acclaimed for having the 'best tasting tap water in the country,' we are exploring the transition to Anew Alkaline water. Produced in New Zealand using renewable plant-based materials, their bottles are designed to be refilled and reused, whilst their water offers superior hydration and health benefits. This choice not only aims to enhance our guests' experience but reflects our commitment to providing exceptional, sustainable amenities. We'll keep you posted on this!

Another initiative currently underway is the upgrade of our shower heads to luxurious rain head models, a transition scheduled for completion during our winter renovation. These showers offer a delightful shower experience while significantly conserving water, embodying the concept of 'sustainable luxury.'

Eco-Friendly Practices

Sometimes the smallest actions can have the biggest impact, and our dedication to these eco-friendly practices exemplifies that ethos.

Our spas are maintained without chemicals, ensuring no harmful substances enter the drains and guaranteeing a pure, natural spa experience for our guests.

We also employ natural deterrents, such as crushed eggshells and a garlic-dishwashing liquid spray, the former to deter snails in the veggie garden and the latter for the roses, ensuring that our methods are both effective and environmentally safe.

A more innovative of our practices is our used cooking oil being sent to Hamilton or Auckland, where it is converted into biofuel for cars, transforming waste into a valuable resource and reducing our carbon footprint.

Let the Journey of Sustainable Practices Continue

At On The Point, sustainability is intricately woven into every aspect of our operations. At our luxury lodge in Rotorua, we are committed to continuous improvement and take pride in sharing our journey with you.

By embracing these initiatives during your stay, you join us in making a positive impact on our environment for future generations to come.

Together, we can enjoy the unparalleled luxury and tranquillity of our magnificent lodge while taking simple steps toward environmental sustainability. 

To learn more about why we are on this journey, visit our Sustainability page.