Conscious comfort
The Bay of Plenty is not only known for its stunning scenery, but also for its commitment to sustainability. Many accommodation providers have embraced the ethic of kaitiakitanga - the Māori principle of guardianship and protection of the land. And some have completed The Green Room programme, which promotes a net-zero carbon and regenerative future.
To help you plan the ultimate green getaway, we’ve curated a list of eight environmentally-friendly accommodation options in the Bay of Plenty. Immerse yourself in nature, indulge in locally-sourced cuisine and experience the beauty of the Bay of Plenty, all while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.
WANDERLUST
Wanderlust is a hostel and waterfront accommodation in the heart of Tauranga known for its sustainable ethos. With wooden keyrings, energy-efficient lighting, bedding made from recycled plastic bottles, and eco-friendly keep cups and bamboo toothbrushes for sale at reception, you’ll feel good knowing you’re minimising your impact.
Wanderlust, 105 The Strand, Tauranga
WATERCLIFF
Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, Watercliff is a luxury eco-retreat. Sophisticated and sustainably built solar-powered cabins surrounded by native bush and fern-clad gullies await you here. Relax on spacious timber decks and listen to the soothing sounds of the river as it flows by. With stunning cliffs and picturesque sunsets, Watercliff provides the ultimate serene escape.
Watercliff, 80 Lawry Lane, Omanawa
PACIFIC COAST LODGE
Pacific Coast Lodge is a sustainability-focused hostel with both private and shared rooms nestled in the heart of Mount Maunganui. By offering eco-friendly cleaning products and encouraging responsible waste management practices, Pacific Coast Lodge strives to minimise its impact on the environment. Besides being Qualmark certified, they are a Silver Level Resource Wise business which means that they have diverted 70% of their waste away from landfill! Additionally, travellers have the opportunity to volunteer at their monthly beach clean-ups.
Pacific Caost Lodge, 432 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
BOWENTOWN BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
For those seeking a seaside escape, Bowentown Beach Holiday Park is a fantastic accommodation option. The Holiday Park offers seaview campsites, a range of accommodation including the fun and quirky kombi cabins and has its own coffee shop open 7 days per week. The park has substituted many single use plastics with biodegradable products, uses energy-efficient lighting and turns 100% of their in-house organic coffee grounds into fertiliser for their gardens. See the area by bike – bike hire available at Reception and finish up with a well-deserved soak in the chemical free, mineral hot tub (arriving June 23).
Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, 510 Seaforth Road, Waihī Beach
WAIHĪ BEACH PARADISE RESORT
For eco-conscious travellers seeking a luxurious and sustainable accommodation option, Waihī Beach Paradise Resort in Waihī Beach is the perfect choice. The resort boasts a saltwater solar-heated pool where guests can unwind. Plus, with easy access to the 9 kilometres white sandy beach just across the road, there's no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature during your stay. The resort is committed to sustainability, utilizing energy-efficient lighting and implementing a robust recycling program. Good Change Eco-Friendly cleaning products are used, and the resort regularly measures its carbon footprint to identify areas for improvement.
Waihī Beach Paradise Resort, 24 Broadway Road, Waihī Beach
ATHENREE HOT SPRINGS & HOLIDAY PARK
Set amidst tranquil parkland with native birdlife and mature trees, Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park has a strong sustainability policy, award-winning waste management and recycling, and ongoing energy efficiency efforts. Guests can enjoy the two natural mineral pools, fed by underground mineral water. The park also reduced its Co2 emissions by 32 tonnes per year through a water-to-water heat pump system.
Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park, 1 Athenree Road, Athenree
COSY CORNER HOLIDAY PARK
Situated just 80 metres away from the serene white sands of Mount Maunganui, Cosy Corner offers powered campsites, self-contained units, cabins, and retro caravans. As a dedicated proponent of sustainable tourism, the park signed the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment in 2018. They have implemented several eco-friendly practices, such as using solar panels to pre-heat hot water, using an electric heat pump and installing LED bulbs and water-restricting shower roses. Additionally, the park offers recycling facilities, a worm farm, pillows made from recycled plastic bottles and reusable coffee cups and fabric shopping bags made by staff and guests for sale at the reception. Furthermore, the park sponsors the Good Nature pest trap on Mauao to preserve the natural environment.
Cosy Corner Holiday Park, 40 Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui
CITYSIDE HOTEL
Cityside Hotel in Tauranga is a new boutique hotel in the CBD with an environmental ethos. They practice sustainable procurement, conserve energy, and recycle to minimize waste. The hotel also offers six electric vehicle stations that are suitable for all electric vehicle types, and two outdoor charging points for e-bikes.
CitySide Hotel, 16 First Avenue, Tauranga
