The Headwaters Eco Lodge opened in March 2018, it has been created from the ground up using regenerative design philosophies and is the first ever guest accommodation designed according to the Living Building Challenge - the most rigorous sustainability standards in the world. The Living Building Challenge (LBC) suggests buildings should function as cleanly and efficiently as a flower, using this metaphor to guide performance across seven ‘petals’ of sustainability: Health & Happiness, Energy, Water, Materials, Place, Beauty and Equity. To achieve LBC’s imperatives, The Headwaters Eco Lodge has been created through a process of collaboration; in contrast to typical building projects which involve architects, designers, engineers and tradespeople working in silos, The Headwater’s approach also included local artists, craftspeople, and energy management specialists. The Headwaters Eco Lodge is the vision and collaborative creation of Paul and Debbi Brainerd, philanthropists who have previously established environmentally-sensitive, community-based education projects in North America. The Lodge seeks to in inspire and share learnings about new standards in sustainable tourism.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge sits in the heart of the beautiful scenic village of Glenorchy. It encompasses a stunning Lodge and 14 individual chalets nestled in the native gardens of the property. Each chalet is unique and has been designed with comfort and style in mind. It is perfect for couples, families and groups alike. The Headwaters Eco Lodge is New Zealand’s first Net Positive energy visitor destination. The Lodge is New Zealand and the world’s first visitor accommodation built and operating under the framework of the Living Building Challenge (LBC). Recognized globally as the most stringent design principles for creating a healthy future where our planet and humanity are thriving, it's certified by the International Living Future Institute for its inspiring and regenerative approach to energy, water, materials and beauty. Fourteen eco-chalets, gathering spaces, dining room, event spaces and covered outdoor fireplace area provide guests with a comfortable, rustic aesthetic experience while using passive design and state-of-the-art technology to reduce water and energy use. The Lodge uses 50% less power and 50% less water than similar facilities, generating its own energy onsite via 589 solar photovoltaic panels, one of the South Island’s largest solar gardens. All profits from The Headwaters Eco Lodge benefit the Glenorchy Community Trust, directed by local community members. TIME Magazine has named The Headwaters Eco Lodge in the World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019. Featured in its September 2019 issue, The Headwaters Eco Lodge is the only New Zealand accommodation chosen to make this list, and one of only 44 of TIME Magazine’s “must go” accommodation destinations in the world. Outdoor adventures such as guided walks, skiing, cycling, skydiving, tramping and horse-riding, mountain biking, jet boating, can all be enjoyed within close proximity of the Lodge.

Blessed with a remarkable array of natural beauty and terrain, Glenorchy offers something for everyone, from the peaceful to the exhilarating to the sublime. We help our guests at The Headwaters Eco Lodge to explore the area on foot, on bikes and horseback; by jet boat, canyoning or funyak; via 4WD all-terrain vehicles, heli or plane - with or without an expert tramping, photography, birding or movie set location guide. There are a multitude of options for immersing yourself in Glenorchy's natural beauty, from a 30-minute wander around our historic township, to a 45-minute boardwalk through a pristine lagoon at the edge of town to your choice of gorgeous hikes of varying lengths all less than an hour away. If you would like to revitalise the spirit, we offer on-site morning yoga classes three times a week at The Headwaters Lodge. All guests and the community are welcome to join by koha donation.