Camp Glenorchy: Camping with a conscience
Camp Glenorchy - the country's first zero net energy camping ground.
The central Otago town of Glenorchy is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and as the site of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Jane Campion series Top of the Lake. Now, it has a new boast.
It's the site of the country's first zero net energy camping ground.
But if you're expecting two-star, rough and ready camping when you visit Camp Glenorchy, think again.
Prices start at $75 a person for a shared bunkroom.
It's about as luxurious as it gets - thanks to the talents of high profile interior designers and the thoughtful personal touches of its creators - Seattle philanthropists Paul and Debbi Brainerd.
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Highfliers in the technology industry in the States, they discovered Glenorchy on holiday over a decade ago and made the dramatic decision to semi-retire there.
But retirement was to be short-lived.
Each room is guaranteed to remain toasty warm through winter.
One day, Debbie's interest was sparked by a "for sale" notice at the under-used and neglected Glenorchy camping ground site.
After some research, she discovered the three previous owners of the land had gone bankrupt, but she pushed on with the concept of a sustainable accommodation complex.
She and Paul say the project called to them and it felt like a way to give back to their beloved community.
It took four years and a lot of hard work to bring Camp Glenorchy to fruition.
Glenorchy is a small town ... and initially, not everyone supported the Brainerd's ambitious plans.
It took four years and a lot of hard work to bring it to fruition with over 300 tradies working on the project.
Recycled timber was sourced from all over New Zealand to give a lived-in, environmentally friendly feel to each of the seven cabins and two bunkhouses.
Camp Glenorchy is not rough and ready camping.
Each room is guaranteed to remain toasty warm through winter, thanks to solar heating.
The kitchens are kitted out with induction cooktops - no one slums it at this campground.
Guests can soak up the luxurious touches all the while knowing they are doing their bit for the environment.
If you want to check on your neighbours' water use while staying, you can via an individual tablet provided for each room. And there are still seven powered campsites for traditionalists. These sites are not for tents at this stage but are RV powered or campervan powered sites.
The toilets at Camp Glenorchy are another highlight - how often can you say that about a camping ground? They are self-composting - no flushing needed at all - and are expected to save 300,000 litres of water per year.
The Brainerds commissioned artists and sculptors from across the country to create pieces for the camp - it's a great place to wander around beneath the majestic mountains of Glenorchy.
At Camp Glenorchy's recent launch, former Prime Minister Bill English described the Brainerds as tech heads who'd created a national treasure.
Anyone can experience the camp and bookings are being taken now. It's not expensive with prices starting at $75 a person for a shared bunkroom.
Camp Glenorchy is a quirky, inspiring and restful haven - which can truly be described as clean and green and toxicity free.
- Stuff
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