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With our Escape & Discover Series, we invite you to get away to beautiful Glenorchy and learn something new. With a variety of themes from photography and art to food and wine, this series was designed to educate and delight you with inspiring themes for quick getaways that combine relaxation, natural beauty, movement and learning.
In the first of our Escape & Discover Series, we're presenting a nature photography workshop where you’ll learn from a local photography legend. A professional photographer for more than 40 years, your guide Laurence Belcher is excited to share his passion for landscape photography and deep love of the Glenorchy environment with you. In just three days, you’ll learn the pro tips and tricks of nature photography from the expert himself. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out and looking to try something new, Laurence prides himself on tailoring the experience to any level. Laurence will offer both technical and artistic advice in the field and back at Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat, where you'll learn how to artfully curate and edit your work, customising the experience to your own skill level and interests.
Looking at different dates or can't find trip dates to suit? Please contact us to arrange a bespoke booking of 5 to 25 people—we’ll be happy to craft something special just for you.
Your guide will pick you up at midday in Queenstown, or at the airport, before driving up to Glenorchy on one of the world’s most scenic lakeside drives! We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and take photos of the most spectacular mountain views along Lake Wakatipu. We’ll then continue our drive up to your final destination, the tranquil Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat.
Upon your arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the Camp Glenorchy hosts and shown to your room with ensuite before getting together with your group for lunch, followed by a short tour of your new home base. Your expert guides will help you prepare for your stay and offer a walking tour of the village which includes the iconic Red Shed, the lagoon boardwalk and surrounding wetlands full of birdlife. There will be many opportunities to take photos you’ll cherish forever. Or if you prefer, stay behind and relax in your private cabin and enjoy the serenity of Camp Glenorchy. The evening will commence with pre-dinner drinks and canapés with your photography expert before a delicious dinner.
Wake up in paradise and look outside your cabin window to see the sun coming up on the mountains! After an optional morning yoga and stretching class, followed by a delicious breakfast, we’ll head into the beautiful Humboldt Room for an informative and fun photographic presentation. Led by your expert Laurence Belcher, we’ll look at both the technical and artistic sides of photography before stopping for a light lunch. After lunch we’ll head out around the head of the lake for some hands-on personal guidance, putting into practice what you have learnt so far. Explore stunning Glenorchy with your photography expert by your side to help you get the perfect photo.
Returning to Camp Glenorchy, you’ll have a bit of free time before coming back together for a well-deserved dinner, featuring an assortment of the Otago region’s finest freshest foods.
After another optional yoga class and delicious breakfast, our final morning together will once again be spent in the Humboldt Room. This time, we will be looking at post-photography editing with programmes like Adobe's Lightroom. You’ll have the opportunity to see your images enhanced first-hand during the editing process, and learn how to do this on your own. Following this, we’ll enjoy morning tea before your guide takes you on your last journey back down the most picturesque road in New Zealand. Arriving in Queenstown by 1pm, we will all bid farewell...until next time!
We’re not in the business of creating worry or anxiety. In fact, quite the opposite. When booking our getaways you can be assured that:
From private heli access into magical hiking locations to intimate fireside tasting experiences and exquisite dining with some of the best chefs, this best-of-everything getaway showcases some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.
Enjoy a world less touched by human footprint. This breathtaking 5-day getaway combines the most beautiful hikes, the freshest meals, and the most extraordinary locations where few get to go. Venture into a private sheep farm, and into a World Heritage Park, taking in the diverse landscapes of an ancient beech forest, braided rivers, and glacier-carved valleys.
Experience the lure of a variety of adventures within our outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Set within glacial carved valleys and towering mountain ranges, Glenorchy’s surrounds flaunt awe-inspiring views at every turn.
With our Escape & Discover Series, we invite you to get away to beautiful Glenorchy and learn something new. With a variety of themes from photography and art to food and wine, this series was designed to educate and delight you with inspiring themes for quick getaways that combine relaxation, natural beauty, movement and learning.
Nutrition, mindfulness practices and playful creativity to bring your best self forward. Press ‘pause’ and refresh with this five-day regenerative experience in our charming, cosy lodge, located in one of the most spectacular locations in New Zealand. Open the door to increased vitality and give yourself tools that can build lasting personal health.
Your Adventures in Paradise experience will be based at The Headwaters Eco Lodge. You'll be staying in one of our beautifully-appointed Chalets which each include a private ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, a king-size or split-king single beds, your own covered verandah and lounge chairs to take in the breathtaking views, warm welcoming rustic décor and original artwork by local and NZ artists.
We like to think of Adventures in Paradise, and more broadly The Headwaters, as a regenerative operation; meaning our mission is to actively make things better than they currently are.
The Headwaters Eco Lodge at Camp Glenorchy, where you'll rest your head in blissful sleep each night, is a net positive accommodation provider, meaning we generate more energy than we use onsite each year. We also use 50% less water than similar facilities and are certified by the International Living Future Institute as meeting the imperatives of the Living Building Challenge, the most stringent environmental guidelines in the world!
We are committed to extending our regeneration principles to our Adventures in Paradise experiences, so you'll enjoy knowing that all your delicious food is healthy, locally sourced and free of additives. Your meals in the field are tasty and free of unnecessary packaging. And on the last day of each of our experiences there's also a unique opportunity to take active part in contributing to a community regeneration project.
Yes! All our Eco-Chalets feature a private ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, covered verandah and lounge chairs to take in the breathtaking views of Glenorchy and the surrounding mountains.
The Headwaters Eco Lodge's Chalets redefine 'luxury meets sustainability'! Here you'll relish relaxing into a range of modern comforts including heated floors, triple glazed windows, keycard entry, sound proof walls (they are amazing!), temperature-controlled fresh air exchange and fine natural-fiber linens and towels. Spa, laundry and state of the art drying room facilities are also available onsite. Free high-speed internet access is included, and while we'll be spending time during the day in remote areas that may have spotty or little coverage, mobile coverage at the Lodge and in the township is very good.
Easy! Book online here or just get in touch and we will arrange your booking.
Yes, once you've paid your deposit you can change your departure date or transfer to to any of our other getaways - provided you make this change before full payment is due (no later than 30 days before the departure date).
To help preserve our ability to generate a profit, all of which goes to the Glenorchy Community Trust, our cancellation policy is as follows:
To confirm your booking, we'll charge a non-refundable deposit of NZD$200 per person. This deposit is fully transferable across all getaways and dates and does not expire.
The final balance for a getaway is due 30 days before the departure date. Cancellations more than 30 days before departure date will receive a full refund, less the Lifetime Deposit of $200.
- Cancellations made within 30 to 14 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 10% of the booking total.
- Cancellations made within 14 to 2 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the booking total.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip’s departure date will receive no refund.
Yes! Anything goes - please let us know when you get in touch and we'll make sure your Adventures in Paradise chefs and guides can plan to meet any special needs.
Absolutely! Our Getaways are a great option for a family or group of friends - if you'd like to go private, chat to us about our options.
We’ve designed our Getaways with a sense of connection and community in mind, so we’ve included all meals with your like-minded fellow travellers. Because of our values and selection of activities, we tend to attract similar guests with aligned interests so you'll be in excellent company. We also pride ourselves on including absolutely everything during your trip to allow for the best value experience. Because Glenorchy is such a small village, there are limited dining options which is why we’re happy to provide our guests with delicious meals daily. In saying that, this is your trip of a lifetime so if you prefer to eat out one night, you’re certainly welcome to do so.
If you're joining us on an Adventure in Paradise, your transportation will be convenient and hassle-free. We'll pick you up from Queenstown Airport or central Queenstown, and chauffeur you along one of the world's most beautiful drives to your destination as you take in the breathtaking views of your 45-minute journey alongside Lake Wakatipu.
Our guides are beautiful spirits! As you explore together, your guides will share their passion and knowlege about the area, the local flora and fauna, the fascinating history of Glenorchy and the head of the lake, and informative commentary throughout. They're humble, patient and worldly - they know how to tell a good story and they know this place like the back of their hand.
You'll soon discover that the people of Glenorchy have created a wonderful lifestyle for themselves here at the head of the lake. We have plenty of additional hiking options to share with you, as well as a raft of other outdoor activities. Consider booking a few extra days to soak in the healthy mountain lifestyle. If you're keen to relax and make this a personal wellness retreat, that's available, and if you want to engage your creative side there are art and photography workshops. Head on over to our Headwaters Eco Lodge experiences page to learn more!
To help preserve our ability to generate a profit, all of which goes to the Glenorchy Community Trust, our cancellation policy is as follows:
To confirm your booking, we'll charge a non-refundable deposit of NZD$200 per person. This deposit is fully transferable across all getaways and dates and does not expire.
The final balance for a getaway is due 30 days before the departure date. Cancellations more than 30 days before departure date will receive a full refund, less the Lifetime Deposit of $200.
- Cancellations made within 30 to 14 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 10% of the booking total.
- Cancellations made within 14 to 2 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the booking total.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip’s departure date will receive no refund.
Glenorchy is located at the head of the lake and the heart of the mountains. It's a beautiful and ever-changing alpine environment and as such, the weather can change quickly. We'll provide you with a comprehensive gear list well in advance of your Getaway. The main things to keep in mind are to layer breathable, quick-dry active wear for our daily activities, and to bring casual, comfortable clothing for relaxing at the lodge in the evening. A good sun hat, and a pair of well worn-in, lightweight hiking boots will also be essential.
Please chat to us if you'd like to organise a getaway with children under the age of 12.
We offer our experiences all year round, so there’s really no bad time to visit Glenorchy! Generally, the most popular times to visit are the summer and shoulder seasons; however, we love the winter here too: everything's a bit quieter and bright, cool, clear days are common, which makes for stunning photos.
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