03.02.2015

Better Later than Never: The Longbush Welcome Shelter Complete!

After a mammoth effort from 88 volunteers, the Longbush Eco Sanctuary Welcome Shelter is now complete.

The Welcome Shelter is an environmental education and volunteering space at the Longbush Eco Sanctuary, near Gisborne, New Zealand.

The Eco Sanctuary is a unique environment, which includes several critically endangered native species. Covering approximately 120ha the ecosanctuary has been rapidly restored through the efforts of Jeremy and Dame Anne Salmond.

With the removal of invasive pests and weeds, alongside the planting of hundreds of thousands of native trees, the diverse ecology at Longbush is beginning to thrive again.


The Welcome Shelter itself is clad in Abodo's Tundra Cladding, a naturally durable heart Douglas fir timber cladding – donated by Abodo Wood.

Tundra provides a unique natural skin, and its low carbon, preservative free state is a perfect fit for an ecosanctuary.

“We are pleased to have made a contribution to this project – which is totally in line with Abodo’s ethos. It is also fit that New Zealand’s leading eco timber cladding is used for such an sensitive environment” stated Abodo’s Marketing Director, Daniel Gudsell.

Each timber enclosure of the Welcome Shelter provides a different service, including the storage of teaching material, ablution facilities and an office for the site ecologist. This office opens up to the exterior with a large drawbridge to create a level platform on teaching and demonstration days.

Another enclosure includes a roof deck from which a stunning view of the valley can be appreciated. Sand Decking timber was donated by Abodo Wood for this purpose. The deck is accessed via a traditionally made greenwood ladder, made from a Manuka tree harvested from the building site.

Recent news

Wellington Zoo Snow Leopard Enclosure Vulcan Shingles Abodo Wood 07

NEW / Vulcan Shingles Are Here

Now available to order, Vulcan Shingles are a durable, easy to install product delivering a high end architectural finish for modern applications.

Read more
Cardona Cabin Showroom Ambassador Kate Blyth Abodo Wood

INTRODUCING / Abodo’s New Cardrona Cabin Showroom Ambassador

A Wanaka local, Kate brings a passion for sustainability and design to her role at Abodo’s Cardrona showcase.

Read more
Merry Christmas 2023 Abodo Wood

A Festive Gift for a Better Tomorrow

All at Abodo thank you for your business and continued support in 2023.

Read more
Learning From Trees Abodo Wood 07

Celebrating the Winners of the Timber Design Awards

We applaud the winners of this year’s Timber Design Awards, many of which made use of Abodo timbers.

Read more