Reatreating to Glenorchy

Flying into Queenstown you can see why is is listed as one of the most amazing landings in the world.

However, this journey is more than just about Queenstown itself........ 

DAY 1

We landed in Queenstown on a glorious day and although the temperature was only nine degrees celsius the sun soon took hold and we headed to Arrowtown for coffee and donuts.  The Autumn colours were just starting to tease, tempting us to consider visiting the region again in May.

I adore the drive around Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy.  It's takes less than an hour,  if you don't stop to sit on a pretty pebble beach to soak up those remarkable Remarkables mountains and the mesmerising lake below.

Upon arrival in Glenorchy, we check into the Camp Glenorchy.  Historically a camp ground it and now a luxurious eco retreat, Camp Glenorchy has been built to one of the highest standards of sustainability in the world and produces more energy than it consumes.  All of the profits from Camp Glenorchy go to the Glenorchy Community Trust and benefit the local community. So we felt good choosing to stay at a place that looks after the planet and supports the local community.  

Our stay package included a partially prepared self-cook dinner.  A social time in the camp kitchen (more like a Masterchef kitchen) with other guests was a highlight of the stay. 

DAY 2

After breakfast in the lodge we viewed some of the art around the property then took to the road to Paradise.  Driving through Lord of the Rings-like forests, we felt like we had gone back in time and that at any moment some prehistoric creature could easily emerge from within.  Stopping at pitcuresque Paradise, our curiosity got the better of us and we had to continue to the end of the road, just to see what was there.  Crossing the stone fords was an adventure in itself and we were grateful for our Rav 4 that traversed the streams with ease.

On the return journey we stopped at the Lake Sylvan car park to watch a local fly fisherman and then take the swing bridge across to the Lake Sylvan loop track.  This is a nice easy and flat two hour walk through dappled trees and amongst native birds.  Other walkers in the area were heading off to the Routeburn track for the day.

We returned to Glenorchy to enjoy the cheese platter that had been included in our package.  A short walk to the local pub for dinner and a cheeky red wine in front of the camp fire glowing under a brilliant red sunset rounded off the day.

 DAY 3

One last look at the vast and broody mountains surrounding Glenorchy before we returned to Queenstown.   With a late flight out we decided to enjoy the changing scenery that follows you on the drive to Wanaka.  Past Cromwell, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River in one direction and over the Crown Range and its massive views, the other.

Posted by Annette Nicholls on March 15, 2021