源頭生態旅舍(The Headwaters Eco Lodge)

What a delight to arrive at this beautiful place to stay. From the moment of arrival, during which we received an escort( to explain all of the many features) to our individual cottages for singles or couples to the creative talents of the master chef Peter enjoyed at dinner to the lovely continental breakfast served the next morning, we felt privileged to experience. I truly wished that there were more lodging opportunities like this one to book while traveling!

We have just returned from a five day stay at Headwaters Lodge and my wife and I look back at only very happy memories, lovely people and fantastic food. We booked for the Fab 4 package, which was 4 days of hiking, kayaking, e-cycling and horse riding. Yes, the accommodation is very comfortable, it is probably the most eco-friendly lodge in NZ, but that is not really what this stay was all about. We were in the middle of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It is right on your doorstep and the Lodge is the perfect launching pad to immerse yourself in the best of New Zealand landscape. Each day we were treated to a great breakfast and interesting chats with Peter, John, Kirsty, Simon and Hannah. Each and every one of them delightful in their own way and so accommodating. After breakfast we would be picked up by a guide and taken for each activity in areas around Glenorchy. The guides were a delight. Interesting, informative, and very experienced at showing off some wild landscapes to visitors of varying fitness and abilities. On returning, a quick walk around the quaint town, an ice cream – then an afternoon nap – and off to dinner. Peter Gawron is not only a remarkable chef, but one of those few people where every time you speak with him you feel you are the only one in the room. He prepared some amazing meals of local produce and when he learnt we loved Thai food, he prepared some of that on our last night. Delicious! We left happy and satisfied, and that nice sort of tired feeling. For that we are very thankful. We will be back!

Really nice stay, staff was very friendly. You have half of a cabin to yourself and there is plenty of nice outdoor shared space as well. Only a 5-10 minute walk from the lake and boardwalk. The dinner is delicious and definitely worth booking—note that there is really no other dinner options in town. Another con is no traditional air conditioning.

Simply exceptional! The Headwaters Lodge ranks right up there among my top 10 favorite places I've ever had the good fortune to stay at (and I've stayed in thousands, including many of the top lodges in the world) . It's a perfect blend of rustic comfort, exceptional (sustainable) design, a gorgeous setting, terrific food and cheerful staff. The attention given to everything - the linens, the food, the landscaping, the art - is amazing. This hotel was built for people who are looking for comfort, good vibes and a base for amazing outdoor adventures.

We camped here for a couple nights - lovely site with surrounded by beautiful mountains. Kitchen facilities were good, however we thought a shame you have to pay $2 to use a shower ..! Thought due to price of site that this should be included, like every other campsite we’ve stayed in NZ. We went to morning yoga session which was fabulous - great teacher and lovely room and surroundings- recommend this! It was however really disappointing and campers that paying guests in the campsite are not allowed to enjoy food or have a drink in the lounge/ dining area in the lodge. Looked like a lovely space as well! Feel like this is poor decision for customers who would like to pay to enjoy the the nice food/ and location. Hope this is something that the owners would consider. Makes campers feel like not welcome there. The cafe/ shop and general store next to the campsite is lovely - great coffee and cake/ lunch and lovely gifts in shop.

Had a lovely stay at Headwaters Eco Lodge. The staff has been extremely helpful. They are all very warm and ensured we felt we were always at home. Special shoutout to the chef who went and above to make the meal special for us. The stay is incredible and a must visit for anyone travelling South Island.

I came across Camp Glenorchy when researching South Island family getaway options. The family package appealed to me give we live pretty busy lives. Truth be told, other than booking it I didn’t really think about our plans until the day before we were due to arrive. And the truth is I didn’t need to. From beginning to end the break away with our 2 adults, 2 kids (9+11) family was exceptional. The high quality easy going service, the incredible food, and the active relaxation options made this the best break for all of us. We went with the family package which felt like a lot of money but in the end delivered really great value. 4 days was so relaxing it felt like we had holidayed for a fortnight - left totally recharged. We didn’t bother renting a car, everything was in walking distance or the staff were happy to drop us off. The owners have done an exceptional job and the staff are equally committed to the vision. They encourage taking up many of the amazing activities this part of the world has to offer. Highly recommend the ziplining and the horse riding. But if your budget cant stretch then the plethora of walking options are all here. If you want to spend some great time with your kids, love amazing food (and coffee!), and want to get away from it all - don’t bother with Queenstown. Stay here. We are already planning to come back with friends and extended family.