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Fabulous Four

An outdoor enthusiast's Paradise beckons...

Designed to provide you with variety and new vistas every day, the Fabulous Four Getaway offers guided experiences that are perfect for the active adventurer who wants something unique and authentic. Hike, bike, ride and paddle your way through our spectacular end of the lake scenery!

The Fabulous Four Getaway offers guided experiences that are perfect for the active adventurer who wants something a bit unique and authentic.  Hike, bike, ride and paddle your way through our spectacular head of the lake scenery!

Combine the exhilarating rugged outdoors by day and the refined gastronomic delights of seasonal food and wine by night. Relax in your private ensuite chalet and enjoy the benefits of staying in a state of the art, low footprint, eco-friendly accommodation.

This journey has been designed to provide you with variety and new vistas every day. Our legendary personal service during this and all our Getaways will allow you to unwind, relax and refresh as we organise it all!

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per person (twin share) from
$5295 NZD
$5295 NZD
4 nights
Trip Highlights: 
  • Relax amidst the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps
  • Discover the joy of a beautiful pristine beech forest walk
  • Bike the winding roads through our alpine valleys
  • Indulge in food prepared daily by our world-renowned chefs
  • Delight in breathtaking views best explored on horseback or Paddle to a secluded island and explore a unique wildlife reserve
  • Enjoy optional daily gentle stretch yoga classes
  • Unwind in our peaceful eco chalets with king bed & ensuite
  • Relax with a customised massage treatment by one of our expert therapists

Please note that minimum numbers apply to all getaways and prices may vary based on departure season.

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Your all-inclusive trip features:

Your trip features:

All Meals Included
Hiking
Local Guides
Premium Eco Lodging
Transport
Tree Planting
Yoga
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Rates & Inclusions

Pricing is per person (twin share, in a one-bedroom chalet). Single spots are available on paying a NZ$750 supplement.


- Four nights’ premium accommodation
- All meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and trail snacks
- A pre-dinner drink and canapes
- Return Transport from Queenstown airport or CBD
- Full day privately guided walk on Routeburn Track
- All soft drinks / Barista coffee
- CHOOSE Half day guided kayak tour to Pigeon Island OR Half day horse ride
- E-bike Tour
- One 60-minute massageo
- Daily morning stretch yoga class

A selection of local wines and beverages are available with dinner.

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Rates & Inclusions

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Your guide will pick you up at midday in Queenstown, or at the airport, before driving up to Glenorchy on one of the world’s most scenic lakeside drives! We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and take photos of the most spectacular mountain views along Lake Wakatipu. Upon arriving at the Headwaters Eco Lodge, you’ll be welcomed by your friendly hosts and shown to your private room with ensuite, followed by lunch. Our expert guide will offer you a walking tour of Glenorchy, which includes the iconic Red Shed, the lagoon boardwalk, and surrounding wetlands full of birdlife. Or if you prefer, just relax in your private cabin and enjoy the serenity of The Headwaters Eco Lodge. The evening will commence with a pre-dinner drink before a sumptuous chef’s choice dinner featuring an assortment of the Otago region’s finest foods.
Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: After an optional morning yoga and stretching class, followed by a delicious breakfast, we’ll head off to hike one of our favourite hikes on the breathtaking Routeburn Track within Mount Aspiring National Park. Your expert guide will walk at your pace, going only as far as you are comfortable, so you enjoy the highlights of spectacular snow-capped mountain and lake views, a variety of bird life, beautiful natural ancient native beech forest - mosses, lichen and ferns - waterfalls and river gorge. We return to The Headwaters Eco Lodge where you can enjoy some free time before coming back together for a relaxing evening with a pre-dinner drink and dinner followed by an optional short film.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: After a delicious breakfast you get to choose your next morning adventure.

#1 PADDLING SAFARI TO PIGEON ISLAND - Kayaking (half day tour)
Kayak out to a secluded glacier-sculpted island in Lake Wakatipu and explore this unique natural wildlife reserve with the Weka flightless bird, which is endemic to New Zealand. This half day tour is an easy and spectacular paddle followed by a short walk on Pigeon Island, where you hear nothing but the calls of the surrounding native birds. Take the time to photograph our endangered New Zealand Weka and other birds located out on the island.

OR

#2 HEAD OF THE LAKE VALLEY – Horse Ride (half day trek)
Enjoy an unforgettable ride exploring our pristine backcountry with your private guide. It’s a perfect half day ride for beginners or advanced riders, combining shallow glacial-fed river crossings with picturesque mountain views. This ride is suited to all riders with a basic level of fitness and will include stories of the area where the Lord of the Rings filming locations are located. A once in a lifetime magical ride you will never forget!

After lunch, the afternoon is about relaxation with an in-house 60-minute massage with our talented masseuse.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: On your last full day, we venture into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park to enjoy an exclusive fully guided e-bike ride that takes you through an alpine valley, lush beech forest and towering snow-covered peaks. You’ll enjoy a range of landscapes, including locations used for several well-known films such as Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Wolverine, and The Hobbit. This tour caters to a wide range of fitness levels, with the constant support of your guides so you can complete as many or as few kilometres as you are comfortable with.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Before you drive back to Queenstown, you have the option to take one last morning hike up the historic Whakaari Conservation Area, to take in the view of the township from high on the site of the former scheelite battery. Or if you prefer, you'll have the opportunity to leave a piece of you in Glenorchy to come back to one day, by planting your very own native tree or shrub at our chosen restoration area - an incredible way to give back to the community. After your chosen activity, we’ll have morning tea, and then we’ll bid farewell...until next time!
Included: Breakfast and morning tea

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Itinerary

At the head of the lake, in the heart of the mountains

Stay in an elegantly appointed private chalet, inspired by our beautiful natural environment. The Headwaters Eco Lodge has been created from the ground up to delight and inspire our guests. Whether you’re an active adventurer or looking to relax, you’ll find stunning natural beauty, hand-crafted artistry and warm, welcoming Kiwi hospitality. With sustainable eco credentials at the heart of the property, the lodge & chalets are designed to be net positive in energy output while offering every modern convenience and luxury comfort in style.

- King bed with high quality linens
- Large ensuite bathroom with walk in rain shower
- Open year-round

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Accommodation

Season & Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATE RETUN DATE PRICE (PER PERSON) AVAILABILITY
8 November 2024 12 November 2024 NZ$5295 SOLD OUT
15 November 2024 19 November 2024 NZ$5295 2 spots
7 December 2024 11 December 2024 NZ$5295 4 spots
15 December 2024 19 December 2024 NZ$5295 SOLD OUT
10 January 2025 14 January 2025 NZ$5295 4 spots
17 January 2025 21 January 2025 NZ$5295 6 spots
2 February 2025 6 February 2025 NZ$5295 6 spots
21 February 2025 25 February 2025 NZ$5295 4 spots
7 March 2025 11 March 2025 NZ$5295 4 spots
21 March 2025 25 March 2025 NZ$5295 6 spots
13 April 2025 17 April 2025 NZ$5295 6 spots
25 April 2025 29 April 2025 NZ$5295 6 spots
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Season & Departure Dates

Location

Return transfers from Queenstown airport or Queenstown CBD are included, or you may choose to self-drive to your accommodation on Day 1 where lunch will await you.

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Location

There is so much to see and do in glenorchy

Enjoy an exhilarating four days where you can cycle through picturesque alpine landscapes, kayak the sparkling aquamarine waters of Lake Wakatipu, and hike to a beautiful hidden alpine lake. You’ll explore trails on horseback through shallow glacial feed rivers and ancient beech forests. Each day we make the most of the great outdoors, and each evening is spent celebrating and relaxing over a delicious meal showcasing the finest of our local produce.

Book in confidence

We’re not in the business of creating worry or anxiety. In fact, quite the opposite. When booking our getaways you can be assured that:

  • Bookings are transferable across travellers. Can’t make it? Find a friend to take your spot.
  • Need to make a change? We're always just an email or phone call away. Rest assured we're here to serve.
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This breathtaking 5-day getaway combines the most beautiful hikes, the freshest meals and the most extraordinary locations where few get to go. Venture on to a working high-country sheep farm and experience an enchanting dinner in a historic location, while enjoying a unique craft beer tasting with our local brewmaster.

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$5295 NZD
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Designed to provide you with variety and new vistas every day, the Fabulous Four Getaway offers guided experiences that are perfect for the active adventurer who wants something unique and authentic. Hike, bike, ride and paddle your way through our spectacular end of the lake scenery!

EXPLORE MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rooms like?

Your Adventures in Paradise experience will be based at The Headwaters Eco Lodge. You'll be staying in one of our beautifully-appointed Chalets which each include a private ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, a king-size or split-king single beds, your own covered verandah and lounge chairs to take in the breathtaking views, warm welcoming rustic décor and original artwork by local and NZ artists.

What are your sustainability credentials?

We like to think of Adventures in Paradise, and more broadly The Headwaters, as a regenerative operation; meaning our mission is to actively make things better than they currently are.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge, where you'll rest your head in blissful sleep each night, is a net positive accommodation provider, meaning we generate more energy than we use onsite each year. We also use 50% less water than similar facilities and are certified by the International Living Future Institute as meeting the imperatives of the Living Building Challenge, the most stringent environmental guidelines in the world!

We are committed to extending our regeneration principles to our Adventures in Paradise experiences, so you'll enjoy knowing that all your delicious food is healthy, locally sourced and free of additives. Your meals in the field are tasty and free of unnecessary packaging. And on the last day of each of our experiences there's also a unique opportunity to take active part in contributing to a community regeneration project.

Are there private bathrooms?

Yes! All our Eco-Chalets feature a private ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower, covered verandah and lounge chairs to take in the breathtaking views of Glenorchy and the surrounding mountains.

What services are available?

The Headwaters Eco Lodge's Chalets redefine 'luxury meets sustainability'! Here you'll relish relaxing into a range of modern comforts including heated floors, triple glazed windows, keycard entry, sound proof walls (they are amazing!), temperature-controlled fresh air exchange and fine natural-fiber linens and towels. Spa, laundry and state of the art drying room facilities are also available onsite. Free high-speed internet access is included, and while we'll be spending time during the day in remote areas that may have spotty or little coverage, mobile coverage at the Lodge and in the township is very good.

How do I make a booking?

Easy! Book online here or just get in touch and we will arrange your booking.

Can I change my booking?

Yes, once you've paid your deposit you can change your departure date or transfer to to any of our other getaways - provided you make this change before full payment is due (no later than 30 days before the departure date).

What's the cancellation policy?

To help preserve our ability to generate a profit, all of which goes to the Glenorchy Community Trust, our cancellation policy is as follows:

A deposit of 20% of the getaway price is required to confirm your booking. The deposit is fully transferable across all getaways and dates and is valid for 12 months.

The final balance for a getaway is due 30 days before the departure date. Cancellations more than 30 days before departure date will receive a full refund, less the 20% deposit.

- Cancellations made within 30 to 14 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 10% of the booking total.

- Cancellations made within 14 to 2 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the booking total.

- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip’s departure date will receive no refund.

See our full booking terms and conditions here.

Do you cater to a range of dietaries?

Yes! Anything goes - please let us know when you get in touch and we'll make sure your Adventures in Paradise chefs and guides can plan to meet any special needs.

Do you offer private or bespoke trips?

Absolutely! Our Getaways are a great option for a family or group of friends - if you'd like to go private, chat to us about our options.

What if I want a meal out or free time from the itinerary?

We’ve designed our Getaways with a sense of connection and community in mind, so we’ve included all meals with your like-minded fellow travellers. Because of our values and selection of activities, we tend to attract similar guests with aligned interests so you'll be in excellent company. We also pride ourselves on including absolutely everything during your trip to allow for the best value experience. Because Glenorchy is such a small village, there are limited dining options which is why we’re happy to provide our guests with delicious meals daily. In saying that, this is your trip of a lifetime so if you prefer to eat out one night, you’re certainly welcome to do so.

How do we get to Glenorchy?

If you're joining us on an Adventure in Paradise, your transportation will be convenient and hassle-free. We'll pick you up from Queenstown Airport or central Queenstown, and chauffeur you along one of the world's most beautiful drives to your destination as you take in the breathtaking views of your 45-minute journey alongside Lake Wakatipu.

What are the guides like?

Our guides are beautiful spirits! As you explore together, your guides will share their passion and knowlege about the area, the local flora and fauna, the fascinating history of Glenorchy and the head of the lake, and informative commentary throughout. They're humble, patient and worldly - they know how to tell a good story and they know this place like the back of their hand.

What else is there to do in the area?

You'll soon discover that the people of Glenorchy have created a wonderful lifestyle for themselves here at the head of the lake. We have plenty of additional hiking options to share with you, as well as a raft of other outdoor activities. Consider booking a few extra days to soak in the healthy mountain lifestyle. If you're keen to relax and make this a personal wellness retreat, that's available, and if you want to engage your creative side there are art and photography workshops. Head on over to our Headwaters Eco Lodge experiences page to learn more!

What's the cancellation policy?

To help preserve our ability to generate a profit, all of which goes to the Glenorchy Community Trust, our cancellation policy is as follows:

A deposit of 20% of the getaway price is required to confirm your booking. The deposit is fully transferable across all getaways and dates and is valid for 12 months.

The final balance for a getaway is due 30 days before the departure date. Cancellations more than 30 days before departure date will receive a full refund, less the 20% deposit.

- Cancellations made within 30 to 14 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 10% of the booking total.

- Cancellations made within 14 to 2 days of the trip’s departure date will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the booking total.

- Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip’s departure date will receive no refund.

See our full booking terms and conditions here.

What clothing will I need to bring?

Glenorchy is located at the head of the lake and the heart of the mountains. It's a beautiful and ever-changing alpine environment and as such, the weather can change quickly. We'll provide you with a comprehensive gear list well in advance of your Getaway. The main things to keep in mind are to layer breathable, quick-dry active wear for our daily activities, and to bring casual, comfortable clothing for relaxing at the lodge in the evening. A good sun hat, and a pair of well worn-in, lightweight hiking boots will also be essential.

Are children welcome on these Getaways?

Please chat to us if you'd like to organise a getaway with children under the age of 12.

When is the best time to visit Glenorchy?

We offer our experiences all year round, so there’s really no bad time to visit Glenorchy! Generally, the most popular times to visit are the summer and shoulder seasons; however, we love the winter here too: everything's a bit quieter and bright, cool, clear days are common, which makes for stunning photos.

Want to Walk a little slower, breathe a little deeper and sit a bit more comfortably in your chair?
Discover Glenorchy Getaways with Adventures in Paradise