We’re choosing better

At Sherwood, we believe that sustainability can be stylish, and small changes can make a big impact. That’s why we’ve reimagined the way we source, serve, and supply for our guests:

Less is More: In-room tote bags are now available only on request, reducing unnecessary use of single use plastic for shopping.

Mini to Maxi: Single-use bathroom amenities have been replaced with refillable The Woods pump dispensers, reducing waste while enhancing the guest experience. The Woods is a custom-made range created exclusively for Sherwood, featuring a signature fragrance carefully selected to reflect the property’s unique character and natural surroundings. This initiative provides guests with a luxurious experience while helping to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

Locally Sourced & Loved: We procure as locally and ethically as possible. 99% of the food we serve is sourced from New Zealand, 75% of which from the South Island. Over 40% of our green produce is grown in our own kitchen garden. Our honey comes from our own beehives and 60% of our wine is produced by local vineyards for our bottled-in house programme, to eliminate transport and glass waste.

Phasing out single use plastic and glass: To reduce packaging waste, Sherwood provides guests with reusable in-room wine and beer bottles that can be refilled from wine and beer taps in the restaurant. In addition, fresh milk is supplied in reusable glass bottles, which can be replenished at reception throughout a guest’s stay. By replacing single-use packaging with refillable systems, these initiatives significantly reduce glass, plastic, and carton waste while supporting our commitment to sustainable operations and a more environmentally conscious guest experience.

Together, these steps show that small, thoughtful choices – whether in sourcing, service, or day-to-day operations – can create a big difference for our planet and community.

We’re building sustainability into the way we update and run the hotel:

High-Efficiency Appliances: Installed during upgrades.

Landscaping: With native, drought-tolerant plants.

Water Smarts: Low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets, that save thousands of litres of water each year without compromising your comfort.

Digital Style: Paperless check-ins keep everything sleek and efficient.

Energy: We’re conscious of what we consume. Our 248 multi-crystalline panels were one of New Zealand’s largest private solar arrays when they were installed. This set up returns unused electricity back to the grid and ensures additional usage comes from 100% renewable sources. We also use LED lighting throughout and have free electric car charge stations available for guests.

Materiality: Low impact is key in our hotel design, and we utilise recycled, upcycled and carbon negative products to make this possible. Our wall linings are made from carbon negative cork. Our carpet tiles are made from recycled fishing nets. Upcycled army blankets became curtains. Recycled metal was used to create our furniture, and recycled car tires became floor coverings in our kitchens and bathrooms.

We’re choosing to respond to a changing climate, empower our people and customers to take part, and share our progress along the way. So far, we have:

Room Refresh: Skip a towel change to help save water.

Sip Responsibly: Bring a reusable bottle and refill it at our reception to cut down on single-use plastic.

Mindful Shopping: Avoid purchasing merchandise derived from threatened species, heritage artifacts or items of significant cultural value whilst travelling.

Waste: Reduce and Recycle: Separate recyclables, compost, and general waste using the triple-bin system provided in your room. These bins make it easier to sort a wider range of waste streams, helping to maximise recycling and reduce landfill. Our housekeeping team will collect and process the waste appropriately. Our journey to reduce waste is central to how we operate. We’re proud to say we’ve eliminated the vast majority of single use plastics from our supply chain. All our organic waste is composted and used to grow more food in our kitchen garden. Our restaurant and bar are working towards zero-waste to landfill, and we are trying our best to do the same with the rooms, without expecting too much of our guests. There’s a strong focus on waste reduction composting and diverting organic waste from landfill. Extensive on-site gardens supply fresh produce, herbs, and edible flowers to the restaurant, reducing food miles and supporting a seasonal menu.

A Community That Cares: Our commitment extends into the local community, supporting initiatives and organisations that make a tangible difference. We are proud to support Love Queenstown, a local charitable initiative dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Queenstown Whakatipu environment. Guests have the option to donate $2 when booking their stay, with 100% of donations going directly towards local conservation and regeneration projects. Through this partnership, Sherwood helps support initiatives that preserve the natural landscapes and ecosystems that make our region so special for both visitors and the local community.

By combining environmental initiatives with community support, we’re creating a holistic approach to sustainability – one that values people as much as the planet.