The Summit Lodge Gardens and Sustainability features

Hot, dry summers and wet, cold winters created challenging conditions.  The garden is not extensively irrigated but is planted for the conditions.  Gladstone receives lower than average rainfall for the Wairarapa but mulching has helped.  There is now a diverse eco-system emerging - the plants have grown and the birdlife multiplied.  There is a large vegetable garden as well as a variety of fruit trees. 

Solar panels capture the energy of the sun, 4 water tanks are used to store the winter rain, all waste water is treated on-site and recylced to the garden.  Left overs are composted or fed to the chickens and packaging is recyled.  The lodge is largely chemical-free with toileteries and cleaning products being as natural as possible.  Energy and water conservation processes have been implemented and we try to use local products and services whenever possible.