On Sunday 30th of October Borland Lodge will celebrate 50 years of operation as a youth education and adventure centre.

The story of Borland Lodge links closely with the history of the Manapouri Power Station constructed between 1963 and 1969 to provide power to the aluminium smelter being built at Tiwai Point in Bluff.

Borland Lodge chalets built in the 1970s. Photo: Supplied

In one of New Zealand’s greatest engineering challenges, pylons were built through Fiordland to carry the power to the smelter. Borland Lodge began life as the Pig Creek Camp – single men’s quarters providing accommodation for power project workers. On completion of the project, in 1972 the buildings were donated to the Southland Youth Adventure Trust to become an outdoor base for school groups.

In late 1960s John McHugh was one of the workers on the power project who later became a Southland Youth Adventure trustee for 27 years and now holds its life membership. During that time he saw many changes at Borland.

“Originally the camp catered for secondary schools only and all we had were the 1-man huts. Now they are all gone, later replaced with eight brown chalets that sleep five people each. The focus also changed to cater for all ages - primary and secondary. In 2007 the trust built more chalets, an accommodation wing and new amenities,” he said. 

Today Borland Lodge can accommodate up to 150 people in modern facilities that include two commercial kitchens, two dining rooms, bathrooms, a lecture room and an eco-room with a climbing wall. 

Although the main focus is on the youth, the lodge is also used for weddings, birthday parties, corporate team building, and provides shelter for trampers, kayakers, hunters and fishermen. 

Located on the edge of Fiordland National Park, Borland Lodge is an excellent base for many outdoor activities. Close proximity to Lakes Monowai and Hauroko provides kayaking and fishing opportunities. The Borland Road is used by mountain bikers and trampers to access popular hiking destinations, such as the Green Lake or Mt Burns. 

Trust chairman Grant Hubber said the celebration would begin with the Annual General Meeting at 11.30 this Sunday followed by a get together at 1pm. 

“There will be a couple of speakers who have been long associates with the camp. An afternoon tea will be provided with catering by the Brunel Peaks Café.”

Over half a century of its existence Borland Lodge had its ups and downs, particularly recently, when it was closed for nearly two years due to Covid.

Hubber acknowledged volunteers, organisations, and clubs for their support during this trying period.

“We are very fortunate the local community helped financially to keep the lodge going,” he said.

According to Hubber, about 50 people are expected to join the 50th Jubilee celebrations.