New Zealand Gets its First Net Zero Accommodations

A new property in New Zealand has set its sights on being the most sustainable camp in the southern hemisphere, if not the world.

Camp Glenorchy, a collection of cabins along the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, is New Zealand’s first net-zero accommodation, according to Lonely Planet.

The property, operated by New Zealand In Depth, is entirely self-sufficient when it comes to power and water needs. It has been designed according to the Living Building Challenge, which is said to be the highest level of sustainability in the world.

“The camp has been built using thoughtful design, healthy materials and sustainable practices, which have all conserved resources,” New Zealand In Depth’s Paul Carberry said according to Lonely Planet. “With a solar garden holding 600 solar panels providing electricity, the camp generates enough power to feed a surplus back to grid for recovery in winter.”

Additional features of the New Zealand property include a communal kitchen, dining areas and a sunroom. There’s also a deck that overlooks lush native landscaping and provides views of Mount Alfred and the Earnslaw Glacier.

Stuff New Zealand described the new property as luxurious camping with a conscience. The luxe part is due to the property’s many thoughtful personal touches courtesy of its creators, Seattle-based philanthropists Paul and Debbi Brainerd.

Each of the seven cabins and two bunkhouses are built using recycled timber sourced from all over New Zealand, according to Stuff. The kitchens meanwhile are outfitted with induction cooktops.

Even the property’s toilets were the focus of a great deal of thought. They are self-composting, which means no flushing is needed at all. The toilets are expected to save nearly 80,000 gallons of water per year.

As an added touch, the Brainerds commissioned artists and sculptors from across New Zealand to create original works for the camp.

At the recent property launch, former New Zeland Prime Minister Bill English said the Brainerds had created a national treasure.

One last fun fact: the camp is located in the town of Glenorchy, an area that was used as the backdrop for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.