The Headwaters Eco Lodge

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge with free breakfast and spa services

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Headwaters Eco Lodge

Boating
Lounge
1 bedroom, premium bedding, individually decorated
Exterior
Lounge

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • Spa
  • Bar

Explore the area

Map
42 Oban Street, Glenorchy, Otago, 9372
  • Glenorchy Golf Club
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Glenorchy Wharf
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)
    ‪49 min drive‬

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Room options

Premium Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Ensuite, Mountain View (Premium Eco Chalet)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Premium Family Suite

  • 269 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Premium Chalet

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 178 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Glenorchy

The Headwaters Eco Lodge places you within a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions such as Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve and Lake Wakatipu. This 5-star lodge has 14 guestrooms and offers conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Glenorchy Golf Club - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Lake Wakatipu - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Glenorchy Wharf - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Queenstown Mall - 39 min drive - 34.3 miles

Getting around

  • Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Glenorchy Trading Post - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Glenorchy Hotel - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Queenies Dumplings Gy - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Gallery Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Glenorchy Fur Products - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The Headwaters Eco Lodge

Luxury lodge with free breakfast and spa services
The Headwaters Eco Lodge features free WiFi in public areas, conference space, and spa services. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available on request) for NZD 220 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with access to locker space, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this luxury lodge include coffee/tea in a common area, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Coffee makers and fans are also standard. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on request
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 100 km
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Hosted evening meal available daily for a fee of NZD 95; reservation required

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycle tours
  • Books
  • Games

Family friendly

  • Children's games
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate bedroom
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 1,292 square feet of conference space
  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Spa

  • Deep-tissue massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2018
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Chef service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Composting
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Fan
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • LED lighting
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 2.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for NZD 10 per pet, per night
  • Dogs only
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 3 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: NZD 220 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Pet fee: NZD 10 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Hosted evening meal: NZD 95
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.5 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar and geothermal energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available during limited hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking, along with a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property uses solar and geothermal energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the lodge at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat Cabin
Camp Eco Retreat Cabin
Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat Lodge
Camp Eco Retreat Lodge
Camp Eco Retreat
Lodge Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat Glenorchy
Glenorchy Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat Lodge
Lodge Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat
Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat Glenorchy
Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat
Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat
The Headwaters Eco Lodge Lodge
The Headwaters Eco Lodge Glenorchy
The Headwaters Eco Lodge Lodge Glenorchy

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

The Headwaters Eco Lodge provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do within easy reach of The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

This lodge in Glenorchy is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve, and Glenorchy Wharf. Glenorchy Golf Club is within a walking distance of 0.3 mi.

Will I be able to park at The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the lodge. Accessible parking and electric car charging are also available for guests.

Is there a spa at The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

Spa services at the lodge include deep-tissue massages.

Does The Headwaters Eco Lodge have a casino at the property?

No, The Headwaters Eco Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

No, there is no indoor pool at this lodge.

Is The Headwaters Eco Lodge good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this lodge, including access to a chef as well as a bar and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this lodge.

Does The Headwaters Eco Lodge feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Headwaters Eco Lodge serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts each morning from its restaurant.

Will The Headwaters Eco Lodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The Headwaters Eco Lodge for a fee of NZD 10 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does The Headwaters Eco Lodge have connecting rooms?

Yes, this lodge has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

Where is the closest airport to The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

The closest major airport to The Headwaters Eco Lodge is Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), which is about 20.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Headwaters Eco Lodge?

Yes, some guestrooms at The Headwaters Eco Lodge offer a patio and may feature mountain views.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Linda, Bainbridge Island

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful ecolodge in beautiful setting. The staff and chef are wonderful and welcoming. We loved our visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I must admit that when my husband said "ecolodge" and "composting toilets" I was a little wary. From arrival we were blown away by the beauty of the property and friendliness of the staff. We were so impressed that we weren't even unpacked and we were discussing extending our stay. We dropped one of our planned stops on our trip to NZ just to stay here longer. Besides being beautifully designed everything is done with great ecological care. Those composting toilets that I was worried about were actually pretty cool and didn't seem much different than a standard toilet. Our cabin was absolutely charming and we were so appreciative of the snacks and drinks left for us. Loved sitting in the chairs on the porch as well. Breakfast was always delicious with so many choices. (Best scrambled eggs I've ever had and the chef graciously shared the secret with me when I asked what the ingredients were.) I also really enjoyed the morning yoga offered.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Brilliant stay in a one-of-a-kind property

Brilliant stay in a one-of-a-kind property. It is by far the "greenest" accommodation you'll ever encounter, and the touches of creative artistry, luxury, and fantastic kitchen will push it over the top. Built of largely reclaimed materials and powered by the sun, The Headwaters is a place to remember. From the abundant breakfast to morning yoga to the local art that abounds everywhere, you'll never want for comfort and entertainment. Don't expect bellhops, TV, and room service. DO expect cheery help, a free laundromat, and a relaxing environment in a tiny but scenic town. It's pricey, but bucket-list-worthy.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service and food!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Alan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very expensive for the fact that you had a timed shower - 8 minutes. Smacks of why water restrictions given proximity to lake. Question - do locals have timed showers? Not sure re use of compost toilets given that septic system for whole site with recycled water system could have been effective. Food was great. Alan
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The food really was the best in New Zealand. Fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey D

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. First class accommodations and service!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas, Golden

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Eco-friendly with solar on each roof and compostable toilets. Chef on site was great. Breakfast and dinner were excellent and included.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheree

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Food was amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great breakfast and dinner. The best food in New Zealand. Beautiful grounds and great staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bryan Edwin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

This is the place to stay in Glenorchy!

Exceptional stay! Great resort, fantastic location and entirely eco-friendly. Really educational on how they protect our environment.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

loved it!

Amazing building and story, definitely worth experiencing even if you’ve been to Glenorchy before.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Chia Huei

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The eco lodge concept was carefully planned and the property was beautifully designed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique property making an outstanding effort to be eco- friendly, accessible to all budgets, and an asset to the local community
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

janh, eugene, oregon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very lovely public and private areas, all eco friendly and well maintained. The kitchen is stunning, the common dining and lounging areas were full of art and style. Very sensitive and thoughtful environment, it fostered a sense of sharing and community.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Outstanding Eco accommodation

Absolutely outstanding, the whole concept of Camp Glenorchy is amazing, very clever designers with great thoughtfulness about the area, we will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Beth, Halifax Canada

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place and I highly recommend it. It is very eco-friendly but extremely well done. The cabin we had for our family was very cosy. We loved the large, well equipped communal kitchen and the breakfast. We also had great local tips from the staff there who were very available.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relax andexplore

Incredible place to explore. Staff are truly beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful communal feeling with generous spacious facilities. Unique place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice but could be better.

The hotel is lovely with a few caveats. We loved the idea and the interactive part about controlling your room temperature, shower ect. Unfortunately, our room was basically next to the two lane highway coming into town and quite noisy. I also thought the staff was a little unresponsive to questions. The breakfast situation was confusing that you needed to go through the public kitchen drawers to get silverware and plates, wash them and put away. Also, there are 3 washers but only one drier. We had to stay up past 11pm in lime for it as we were leaving the next day. They have a drying room but it was filled with mildew tents drying from the campers section that the hotels guests share everything with. We stayed two nights and overall was nice, but felt one night in Glenorchy would have been plenty as all our tours and hikes left from Queenstown and we were driving back and forth on that drive just to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A gem!

My favorite place I stayed in New Zealand! I didn’t know it was possible for a place to be this eco-friendly! Very high tech and yet a rustic feel, and extremely clean with very kind staff. The town is also small and lovely, and the whole area has plenty of beautiful nature excursions. Wish I could have spent more time here!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019