Our Responsible Tourism Statement

We at Kaka Retreat operate in a remote and fragile environment. We understand that all businesses create environmental and social impact through their activities. Ours is no exception.

Kaka Retreat is committed to minimising the environmental impact of our existing accommodation product (and any future developments) and the services we provide through the adoption of sustainable practices and continuous improvement in our environmental performance.

Most of our customers want to help, so we invite you to join with us by enjoying our hospitality and understanding our environmental policy. Below are some of the initiatives we have undertaken.

Kaka Retreat is:

Reducing our demand on energy by:
  • We offer a towel and linen change agreement.
  • We buy local produce wherever possible to reduce transport emissions.
  • Energy efficient bulbs are installed in at least 80% of our premises.
  • 90% of exterior lighting have energy- efficient timers installed.
  • Through the introduction of services like the hire of mountain bike and outdoor/hiking equipment, we encourage our guests to experience and explore the Island in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner.
  • Guests and staff are encouraged to turn lights and appliances off at the wall when not in use.
  • We provide alternatives to drying laundry in driers, and encourage guests to use “Eco Washes” in guest laundry facilities. Our staff use washing lines for drying items such as duvet covers or mattress protectors.
  • We service our central heating facilities annually to ensure optimum energy efficiency.
  • We seek to use sustainable building techniques and technologies in new accommodation developments such as high quality insulation, sustainable materials and long life building products.
  • Our three bedroom Cottages and superior units have been fitted with energy efficient on-demand water heating systems.
Reducing our waste by:
  • Giving you the opportunity to recycle your rubbish.
  • Reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by separating it for recycling.
  • We try to reduce waste by providing high quality free flowing soap/shampoo dispensers in your showers, hence avoiding unnecessary packaging.
  • We buy cleaning products in bulk wherever possible.
  • We donate surplus equipment to the local recycling centre for re-use within the local community. Other furniture is sold at reasonable prices to local people.
  • Not printing unnecessary emails and communicating electronically wherever possible.
  • We reduce our solid waste levels by composting green waste.
  • Using 100% recycled paper in our brochures and majority of our promotional materials.
We are conserving water by:
  • Installing dual flush toilets.
  • Encouraging you to be mindful of unnecessary water usage by turning off taps when brushing teeth, or shaving.
  • Planting native plants that do not require irrigation or additional watering.
  • Setting our complex washing machine on default to “Eco Wash”.
  • Installing water efficiency rated taps and shower heads in upgraded units D.
Reducing our pollution levels by:
  • Noise insulating units as we upgrade.
  • Not running our vehicles whilst waiting for passengers. Our courtesy shuttle seats a maximum of 10 people to ensure needless driving is kept to a minimum.
  • Separating our energy and fluorescent bulbs for recycling and safe disposal.
Kaka Retreat participates in a wise purchasing programme and is supporting conservation by:
  • Planting trees and shrubs which are native to this area in order to encourage bird life and reduce the need for irrigation.
  • Re-using our green waste through composting, chipping, mulching. Recycling dead native punga for decorative path edges.
  • Purchasing locally wherever possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
  • Using sustainable, long life products wherever in our upgraded units and sourcing Pine and Oregon from renewable forests.
  • Sourcing 100% recycled paper for brochures and marketing materials.
  • Ensuring that any upgrades comply with building regulations and obtaining all necessary resource consents.
We understand that we are part of our local community and contribute positively to it by:
  • Buying locally wherever possible from small- medium enterprises.
  • Offering sustainable employment to local residents first, if possible.
  • Encouraging guests to source local products and services through our on-site booking office.
  • Establishing collaborative trading arrangements with local activity and accommodation providers to support and encourage community sustainability.
  • Supporting our local church by donating carpeting from upgraded units for use on church grounds (weed suppression).