Raising the bar of sustainable tourism standards and environmental awareness are philanthropists Paul and Debbi Brainerd, owners of Camp Glenorchy in New Zealand. Nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, between the Humboldt and Richardson mountain ranges, the charming and historic township of Glenorchy has always been famed for its proximity to the much-trodden Routeburn Track, perhaps the most famous of New Zealand’s Great Walks. However, since Camp Glenorchy opened its handcrafted doors in 2019, this charming community is fast becoming a destination in its own right.
What is the Living Building Challenge?
The Living Building Challenge (LBC) challenges buildings to function as cleanly and as efficiently as a flower, measuring performance across the seven ‘petals’ of sustainability; Health and Happiness, Energy, Water, Materials, Place, Beauty and Equity. At the heart of Camp Glenorchy lies its homestead building, its walls covered with educational pieces and stories for guests to better understand the Living Building Challenge and how they can live most efficiently while staying at the camp. The Homestead living room also showcases the stories of all those who were involved in the creation of this extraordinary abode. It doesn’t take more than a minute to start appreciating the extent of love, care, attention and thought which has gone into every tile, plank, door, window, pot, plant… the list goes on, and on, and on. What’s more, all profits from Camp Glenorchy go back into the Glenorchy Community Trust, directed by local community members.
Click here to read more about Camp Glenorchy or contact our team of specialists for more ideas and New Zealand itinerary inspiration.
