A 46-kilometre drive from Queenstown on one of the world’s most scenic roads to the small township of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Whakatipu is a highlight. Set in stunning alpine scenery Glenorchy is a drawcard during spring with offering a range of passive and adventure activities. 

Exploring the wilderness 

Glenorchy is the gateway to Te Wāhipounamu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness area encompassing  2.6 million hectares including mountains, fiords, rainforests and glaciers. The area is  home to the world’s only alpine parrot, the South Island kea, the kiwi and the endangered takahē.

Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge is ideal as a base to explore the wilderness areas from multi-day hikes to shorter one-day walks. 

The lodge supports the work undertaken by the Southern Lakes Sanctuary organisation which recently released takahē into the Rees Valley. 

“It’s a core part of who we are and what makes this place so special,” says  general manager Kylie Broxton.

Raising community funds

The legendary Glenorchy Races are staged every year on the first Saturday after New Year.

Held for more than 60 years local riders and horses gallop around a makeshift racecourse and a betting system run by the Lakeside Rugby Club raises funds for the local community. 

Team celebrations

Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge offers a range of packages for team seasonal celebrations including delectable grazing platters served in the rustic Scheelite Shelter ($49pp), a memorable two-course Christmas lunch in the dining room ($69pp) or lunch and a local activity (prices on request). Suitable for groups of ten or more people.

Trail Expansion

The Glenorchy Trails Trust recently celebrated the completion of the Buckler Burn Trail between Glenorchy and the Whakaari Conservation Area which includes the Hugo Bridge, an impressive 48-metre suspension bridge funded to the tune of $175,000 by the Hugo Charitable Trust.

The popular first one-kilometre stage of the walking and cycling trail from Glenorchy to Campbelltown, alongside the Glenorchy to Queenstown road, was opened four years ago.

A proposed 50-kilometre trail from Glenorchy to Queenstown is next on the agenda for the Trails Trust.

Brunch tradition

First Sunday brunches are becoming a tradition at Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge where the inhouse culinary team creates a buffet brunch served from 11.00am to 1.30pm.  Featuring an array of options including hot dishes made using freshly picked produce from the lodge’s kitchen gardens bookings are essential and available online @ www.theheadwatersecolodge.com