EcoLodge

EcoLodge in Peel Forest - Geraldine

Peel Forest EcoLodge is one-of-a-kind. Constructed on a 20-hectare area of native forest, the EcoLodge is a working example of alternative building and waste technologies. "A unique experience in New Zealand and Australasia".

The EcoLodge functions as a residential centre, providing accommodation for education and recreation while encouraging practical resource awareness and conservation through everyday living. Features such as the solar-electric power, the grey water wetlands and the use of locally milled timber — all demonstrate the future of conservation education right here in South Canterbury.

EcoLodge facilities

Sleeps 22 total, 1 queen room, 1 twin room, 1 four bed bunkroom, 1 six-bed bunk room, 1 eight-bed bunk room

Those who stay at the EcoLodge include

• School groups
• International educational tours
• Families
• Community Groups - for environmental learning workshops
• Corporate Groups - for environmental learning workshops, and management training programmes

The vision

• Development of a residential facility for 22 people using ecologically appropriate technologies.
• Environmental education through everyday living built into our education, recreation and youth training programmes.
• Active monitoring of water use, electricity use and waste production by facility users.
• Active encouragement for efficient use of resources.
• Opportunities for facility users to experiment with use of 'green' technologies and with living within resource limits.
• Strawbale Cabin, sleeps 6, available late 2009.

We have achieved:

• a working example of alternative building and technologies.
• a relevant, practical environmental education that connects environmental issues to everyday living.
• a centre for adult, community and corporate programmes in environmental learning and recreation.
• a working showplace for environmentally benign technologies for generating electrical power, heating and re-using water, converting waste into useable products.
• all work planned and completed in a site under a QEII covenant, which places strict guidelines on any development permitted.
  
• Building our own reedbed as part of the grey water waste disposal system.

PLEASE NOTE: While it requires a five minute easy walk through forest to get to the Peel Forest EcoLodge, there is vehicle access available in the event of emergency.

EcoLodge in Peel Forest - Geraldine

* All prices include GST, are in New Zealand Dollars and are subject to change.