BLUE- SKY THINKING

The Glenorchy campground gets an eco- friendly makeover

CAMPING HOLIDAYS HAVE long been a part of New Zealanders’ lives – getting away from it all and sleeping under canvas or in a caravan is embedded in our collective DNA. So when word got around in 2014 that there were plans for the old camping ground at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, not everyone was thrilled. But instead of a bad-news item about a disappearing way of life, the invigorated Camp Glenorchy is on track to redesign what holidays look like.

Camp Glenorchy is the brainchild of US philanthropists Debbi and Paul Brainerd, who both have form when it comes to good design and good works. Paul, a former journalist, revolutionised desktop publishing when he invented the system known as Pagemaker in the 1980s. Since selling the company to tech giant Adobe in the 90s, the Brainerds have

channelled their not-inconsiderable funds into environmental projects to the benefit of a range of communities.

The couple, who have been visiting New Zealand for two decades, have owned a property in Glenorchy for 10 years, and saw huge potential in the tired site at the gateway to the Routeburn track.

“Having driven past the campground for several years, I often thought it would be nice if someone could invest some time, energy and resources into the property,” Debbi Brainerd says.

After much consultation with locals, they started by transforming the old shop into a more modern retail experience (complete with café), then they turned their attention to the accommodation.

Debbi and Paul Brainerd are global environmentalists who have set up a foundation to fund organizations that focus on conservation projects.