The Headwaters Eco Lodge at the head of Lake Whakatipu is literally on the road to Paradise.

The rustic yet sophisticated Lodge accommodation is homely but supremely stylish and recognised as an idyllic haven of peace, tranquility and out-of-this-world scenery.

“The 45-minute scenic drive from Queenstown transports visitors to another world, one of secluded beech forests, native birdsong, stunning walks and endless lake and mountain views,” says director Katherine James Schuitemaker.

Glenorchy is globally recognised as the gateway to the famous tracks in Mt Aspiring National Park and Katherine says there are many adventures available, both restful and exciting on the lakes and rivers, in the rain forests and on the nearby mountains while the Lodge provides a welcome respite at the end of the day “ with world-class dining and a wine list to match.”

The Lodge meets the highest global sustainability practices and features 14 elegantly appointed, supremely quiet premium eco chalets. 

“The central Homestead building is a home away from home, featuring a stunning dining room, sumptuous lounge area and sunroom and the spacious Humboldt Room for weddings, complimentary morning yoga or corporate meetings.”

Food for the soul 

The Headwaters Lodge offers fresh, seasonal, destination dinners five nights a week prepared by executive chef Pete Gawron.

The former owner and head chef at Arrowtown’s renowned Saffron restaurant Pete earned recognition at Saffron as one of Condé Nast Traveller’s Top 100 Tables incorporating the world’s most exciting restaurants. 

Inspired by his recent culinary adventures in Morocco, Thailand, and Europe Pete loves creating culinary masterpieces for both lodge guests and the public, using produce from The Headwaters’ year-round organic kitchen garden behind the neighbouring Mrs Woolly’s General Store.

“There’s nothing better than creating freshly prepared garden-to-table meals each day with ‘just-picked’ produce from our own gardens and beautiful ingredients from our Central Otago providers,” he says. “We encourage people to either come to the lodge for dinner or for a weekend away from it all.”

Inspirational getaways 

Founded by American philanthropists Debbi and Paul Brainerd The Headwaters Lodge aims to make people appreciate the head of the lake and everything it has to offer.

“The landscape does beautiful things for your soul,” says Debbi. “That’s why we created Adventures in Paradise, the all-inclusive packages at The Headwaters Eco Lodge where guests can experience all the amazing things to do in Glenorchy. These expertly-curated experiences are born out of our passion for active travel, a love of the great outdoors and the lifelong memories of people we meet along the way.”

She says the small, intimate food, accommodation and exploration packages include a range of outdoor activities and experiences that invite guests to sample the best of the Glenorchy area while weaving in time to relax, restore and reconnect with nature.

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