people of the world walking alongside each other

Living Sustainably at Bethells Beach

At Bethells Beach Cottages, sustainability isn't a trend – it's how we live. With the Waitākere Ranges on our doorstep and the wild West Coast just steps away, we're committed to protecting and nurturing this special place. John and I have a deep history here and a long-standing dedication to preserving the local environment – especially for native species like beach dotterels and little blue penguins. From thoughtful building design to everyday practices, everything we do is about treading lightly and giving back.

Our connection to the land runs deep, and we will follow this path through the generations past, present and future to protect and envelope organic and wellness on this location. Honouring our guests and us, birds and wildlife, soils and plants. A peaceful and holistic approach have been a true and loving balancer. This world deserves each one of our best intentions and work to bring about learning and understanding while walking alongside each other. World knowledge is incredibly important while we share information along the way.

What we do

We plant organic herbs,vegetables and fruit trees when possible here. The 300-year old Pohutukas support the protection from the southerly weather giving us a superb warm north facing eco climate. We truly are blessed.

We collect and filter rainwater for a sustainable water supply.

Our worm-based septic system supports natural waste breakdown.

Each cottage includes compost, recycling, and general waste bins.

Mulch, composting bins, and bark chips help us close the loop.

We buy second-hand and upcycled items to reduce waste and add character.

North-facing design and tiled cottage floors help retain natural warmth.

All cottages feature wood-fired BBQs — for cooking, heating, and relaxation.

We reduce car trips were possible through each week - so you can imagine the list of "to do's list gets longer!!" smiles!!

We support native wildlife, including beach dotterels, little blue penguins, swallows, and owls.

Over the years, we’ve gifted more than 7,000 pōhutukawa seedlings to support local replanting.

We actively support local environmental projects through planting, volunteering, and community collaboration.

We seperate the light waste waters to reduce impact and water gardens where possible.

We’ve always believed in working with nature, not against it. Our connection to the land runs deep, and we’ll keep doing our bit to protect it - for our guests, for the birds, and for future generations.