| 15 T T Sue Russell Stunning lakeside location The Secret Sauna has sensational views and access to the pristine waters of Lake Hawea. Central Otago: The Camp Lake Hawea REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Arguably situated in the most beautiful New Zealand setting, The Camp, on the shores of Lake Hawea, in Central Otago, offers visitors an array of accommodation and facilities options. Owners, Richard and Sarah Burdon, who bought The Camp in 2009 and also own iconic Glen Dene Station nearby, have poured their hearts, energy, resourcing and time into developing the special space on the lake’s edge, something Sarah says, has created a rather wonderful community of visitors, more like family, who often come time and time again to enjoy all The Camp has to offer. “Our philosophy is around high country hospitality. We want people to feel welcome, so they can gather with their friends and family and enjoy the outdoors. We want people to take a piece of Lake Hawea home with them in their souls, create long lasting memories and return with the next generation”. Sarah’s background is in eco-tourism. Coupled with the family’s commitment to regenerative farming practices and now tourism, The Camp is set on a strong pathway to bring lasting value to visitors and staff alike. So what are some of the spaces that give this holiday park its special character? An array of accommodation options exist, from your standard tent sites; powered and unpowered, there are ten basic cabins; each capable of sleeping 5 or 6 people as well as 2-bedroom self-contained cottages. This is a range of glamping options including a tiny lakeside cabin, little lake house (tiny home) as well as the tented options. They have put in clusters of glamping so you can book out the whole area or individual tents where you can meet new glamping mates. Denver cove has five large Denver Tents decked out with king beds, Bell Rise has six bell tents with queen beds. Both have a kitchen/dining area so you can entertain. The Safari tent is one of a kind with a view to die for. It also has a little cubby area where the kids can sleep. The Camp also hires gorgeous Tee Pee tents to accompany the glamping tents which have their own swag kits. Sarah, an Australian, put them in the tents and says “Kids love them”.. “If you are after your own private bathroom look no further than Cross Hill Lodge and Domes. It is nestled at the top of The Camp with its own private entrance. That’s your five star glamping option. “Six beautifully appointed Domes where you can enjoy views of the stunning night sky. Welcomed on arrival you also receive a hosted breakfast daily at the lodge “Visitors are really spoilt for choice here. All this variety gives an eclectic, engaging feel to the park, with visitors spread all over the site, doing their thing from being adventurous to just having a nice rest.” A 13 m geodesic dome called the “Beehive” offers space for events, meetings, yoga, group activity and the like. “It is becoming very popular with wellness providers which is great and with this busy world it is really important that people look after themselves”. When Nat Van Halle was looking for a place to put The Secret Sauna, Sarah jumped at the chance. The sauna not only has the most fabulous view, but Lake Hawea is so clear and full of crystals making the cold plunge outstanding. “It has been a brilliant collaboration and everyone is embracing it, especially the locals.” Change has been gradual at The Camp, and this is because of the Burdon’s commitment to the campers. When they bought the Camp, they sent out a survey and it was very clear that those that had been camping for years didn’t want us to make any changes to it. “It is only 3 star but it is beautifully basic and that is what campers are after. The luxury is being able to take the time out in the outdoors and this is what we are preserving for the future generations. We have created options so that more people can stay in the outdoors.” Sarah says The Camp crew work really hard to operate an in-house food truck and bar from October to April. “It is all about not having to worry about cooking on holiday and spending more time with friends and family. We invite the community in to enjoy it too and we have live music sessions on Sunday afternoons for everyone. It creates a great vibe.” Only 15 minutes from Wanaka, The Camp is away from the hustle and bustle, has dramatic landscapes with bike trails, walks, swimming and mountains to climb all on The Camp’s doorstep. Both Richard and Sarah feel very much part of the local community. The Lake Hawea township is tiny but the community is growing rapidly. Separated by the Dam, Sarah and Richard love that The Camp doesn’t impede on the local township. “It’s really a melting point for all sorts of people. What we really offer in essence is so important for the next generation. A place of inclusivity where people can gather, enjoy the outdoors, nature and create long lasting memories for generations to come. In the busy times, the holiday park offers employment to upward of 30 staff. It’s busiest in February and March and doesn’t take in any new visitors for a few weeks over Christmas/New Year, leaving the site available for the regular Christmas campers. Proudlysupporting TheCampLakeHawea 0800 56 57 56 | 03 443 5657 ash@rockgaswanaka.co.nz rockgaswanaka.co.nz Your local gas supplier Rockgas Wanaka offers a reliable LPG delivery service to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply for residential and commercial properties. We are deeply committed to providing fast and friendly service, with a focus on prompt turnaround times for LPG delivery. Our dedication extends to offering same-day delivery to customers in Wanaka, Cromwell, Albert Town, Hawea, Luggate, and Queensberry, whenever possible. Proudly Supporting The Camp Lake Hawea
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