The Glenorchy Lodge: A Final Stand for Outdoor Education

For over 40 years, the Glenorchy Lodge has been more than just a building; it has been a rite of passage.

Since the first East Otago High School camps in 1980, thousands of students have woken up to the mist on Lake Wakatipu, tested their limits in the wilderness, and built friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Today, that legacy is at a breaking point.

The Reality Check

The Glenorchy Educational Charitable Trust is facing a critical crossroad. The trust was formed in 2011 to take over the running of the lodge. While the kitchen and dining areas remain a hub of activity, current fire regulations prevent the lodge from being used for sleeping. Students are currently relegated to tents, and the facility cannot be rented commercially.

Without the ability to generate substantial income, the Trust’s funds are nearly depleted. At our meeting last week, the Trustees made a difficult decision: We have until April 1st to secure the Lodge’s future, or we must proceed with winding up the Trust and selling the property.

Our Vision: A Lodge for the Next 40 Years

We refuse to let this resource slip away without one last push. Our goal is to raise a substantial amount of dollars to transform the lodge into a self-sustaining outdoor education centre. We aim to:

• Upgrade Sleeping Quarters: Meet all modern fire regulations to accommodate up to 45 people.

• Open the Doors: Create a facility accessible to church groups, community organisations, and corporate teams to ensure long-term financial stability.

• Protect the Heritage: Ensure future generations of students can experience the confidence and inner growth that only the Glenorchy wilderness provides.

How You Can Help (The Pledge Phase)

We aren’t just looking for small change. We are looking for partners to help us rebuild. We are currently seeking pledges to determine if staying open is viable.

1. “Own” a Piece of History: We are seeking major donors or businesses interested in “purchasing” or sponsoring a small cabin or bunk room.

2. Facility Upgrades: Large-scale donations specifically earmarked for the fire safety and renovation fund.

3. Community Pledges: Every dollar counts toward showing the viability of the Trust to potential major stakeholders.

The Deadline: April 1st 2026

We need to know if the community is behind us. If we cannot reach a significant funding threshold by the start of April, the lodge will be sold.

Don’t let the campfire go out. If the Glenorchy Lodge impacted your life, or if you believe in the power of outdoor education for our youth, now is the time to act.

Ready to Pledge? Please contact the Glenorchy Educational Charitable Trust via East Otago High School at office@eohs.school.nz. No funds will be collected unless we hit our target to move forward with the upgrades.