The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp

We spent two nights at the Great Glenorchy base Camp this week, and what a treat it was. Dinner was wonderful, all cooked over wood-burning stoves in cast iron skillets and served family-style. During cocktail hour, the staff introduced us to everyone coming to dinner, so we made new friends each night. After the first meal, I was eager to find out what Liz had in store for the next evening, and it didn’t disappoint. We felt like family from the moment Doug greeted us until we said goodbye. The huts are so cozy, and we were lucky to get the two en suites. We had a newborn, and Doug had a cot set up in the hut next to the restaurant, which was perfect. This lodge is a charming hidden treasure. We’ll definitely be back. Linda & Phil Marshall

We’re a family of five with three young girls, and after booking a cabin for three nights, we had no idea how special the Great Glenorchy Base Camp would be. You don’t have to be a hiker or adventurer to enjoy it. The cabins are immaculate, and the service is exceptional. Three days felt far too short, so we’ll definitely return and try an adventure next time. The communal dinners were a highlight, with handwritten menus, incredible wood-fired food, and great company. Liz’s cooking, hosting, and organization were amazing, and she always had time for a chat. Doug is one of the most engaging and inspiring people I’ve met. He took time from his own day to drive us around, explore, and fish in his 1950’s Land Rover. His kindness and generosity gave the kids a memory for life.

The best part for me was finally experiencing everything Dougie and Liz have built at Base Camp. I’ve visited four times, but before this trip I’d only used it as accommodation. Bringing a big group and eating there every night for a week showed me how unique the place is. The dinners alone are reason to come: hearty, seasonal, generous wood-fired meals, served around a long communal table with handwritten menus bearing our names. Liz, Dougie, and the team made each meal feel like a celebration. The huts are warm and beautifully designed, with wood-burning stoves and bedding that felt surprisingly luxurious. Beyond camp, Dougie knows the Glenorchy area so well and generously suggested walks, spots, and adventures we’d have struggled to find ourselves. Each was a highlight. He also created an amazing custom lakeside meal cooked over a fire. It worked brilliantly for our group with 10 kids under seven, since we could come back to put some down for naps and give the mums, then the dads, time to connect in nature. The service throughout was remarkable, and the team made everyone feel seen. One of our farmer friends was hard of hearing and struggling with the noisy dining hall, so Dougie asked him to write down a plan for his farm, helping him feel included and purposeful in a frustrating situation. After a cold day exploring, when the team were in the sauna, Dougie showed up with beers. Those little gestures say a lot. Waking up among the mountains and lake, with the great setting and buildings, made this impossible to forget. If you value connection and being hosted by people who love what they do, this is the place.

Our three weeks traveling around New Zealand had one clear highlight: staying at The Great Glenorchy Base Camp. Doug, Liz, and Waylon were such lovely hosts, and the place felt like a little piece of heaven. After long hikes, coming back to our clean, comfortable hut was a treat. We had a fireplace, hot showers, a comfortable bed, and excellent meals. The food was perfectly prepared with very high-quality farm-to-table ingredients, and sharing it at the communal tables was a delight. The hut felt as clean and comfortable as a five-star hotel. What a terrific place!