The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp

A short drive from Queenstown, tucked into the folds of New Zealand’s UNESCO South West World Heritage Area, sits The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp. This off-grid haven is the vision of Doug and Liz, two adventurers with a deep love for the wild. It’s a place built for those who crave the outdoors, a warm meal by the fire, and the camaraderie of fellow wanderers after a long day on the trails.

Meet the Founders: Doug and Liz Rikard-Bell

The heart and soul of The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, Doug and Liz Rikard-Bell, have poured their passion for adventure, hospitality, and the outdoors into creating a space that feels like home for explorers. With a background in guiding and a deep appreciation for nature, they’ve built a retreat that blends rugged adventure with warm hospitality. Whether leading hikes into the wilderness or preparing a meal by the fire, Doug and Liz ensure every guest leaves with a full heart and a story to tell.

Base Camp for the Brave

Designed by trampers, for trampers, this mountaineer-style retreat is a place to rest, refuel, and reconnect with the landscape. Whether you’re tackling the Routeburn, Greenstone, or Rees-Dart track, or just soaking up the surrounding beauty, this place has been built with adventure in mind. It’s no surprise we chose this backdrop to showcase our latest gear – pieces made for the road, the trails, and everywhere in between.

Step inside and you’re greeted by warm timber walls, a flickering potbelly fire, and a communal dining space where stories are shared over food cooked over the flames. The 14 huts, built from sustainably sourced materials, are simple yet refined—think ultra-soft striped bedding, nostalgic bunk setups, and the soft glow of candlelight. It’s the kind of setting that reminds us why we do what we do—creating pieces that fit right in with a life well lived outdoors.

Fire, Feast, and Good Company

There’s something about gathering around an open flame that just feels right. The Base Camp Kitchen is where meals are cooked over fire and served family-style, bringing together hikers, wanderers, and those just passing through. One of our favorite memories? Watching Liz work her magic in the kitchen, serving up a feast to tired but satisfied hikers fresh off the trails. Our team, fresh from a day of shooting in the wild, shared stories over incredible meals, proving that adventure and good food go hand in hand.

Where Adventure and Comfort Meet

After a long day exploring (or shooting in the field), there’s no better feeling than returning to base, kicking off your boots, and sinking into the rhythm of camp life. Whether it’s gathering around the firepit, stretching out under the stars, or curling up in a warm hut with a good book, The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp is a place that reminds you to slow down and soak it all in. For those who seek adventure but love coming home to comfort—this one’s for you. And for us at Pony Rider, it was the perfect setting to bring our Summer 24 range to life, proving once again that great gear and great adventures go hand in hand.