Spending my Birthday Eve away from it all, in a remote location lit by Southern Lights, was more than I could have ever asked for. The South Island combines social life, nature, and art, making me feel part of the culture. I’ve been in New Zealand for over a year, and visiting Paradise Trust in Glenorchy was on my must-do list. Three weeks before, I went online and found my spot. I was super lucky to get a hut on such short notice, given it books out quickly. 

Paradise Trust is an ‘accessible wilderness accommodation’ 1.5-hour drive from Queenstown, passing through Glenorchy, a small settlement perfect for a coffee stop and to pick up supplies. Paradise Trust was named after David Miller and is preserved to encourage a more straightforward way of life; all its funds go to the property’s sustainability. 

outdoor livingroom paradise trust

For stays, you can choose from Boutique Accommodation ($500 per night for up to four people and a minimum of two nights), Historical Cottages, or Back Country Style Huts ($120 per night for two people and $45 per extra adult per night).

After choosing my Backcountry-Style hut, Prydes, I received an email with directions on how to get there and what I should bring for the stay. Basically, I just needed a torch, food, and a sleeping bag. 

When we got there, we couldn’t believe our eyes. The property is surrounded by mountains, a forest, and cute deer walking around the huts, staring at you while driving by. 

To get to Prydes, we drove through a beautiful forest. Once we exited the green area, we encountered one of the huts, a small wooden cottage alone in the middle of the land surrounded by incredible views. 

Paradise trust

When we got to our accommodation for the night, we ran out of the car with excitement and explored the entire property. 

Prydes is a vintage four-room Hut with no electricity or phone signal, where you can really disconnect to connect with nature. This was just what we needed to finish a busy week at work. 

Our first spot was the fully equipped kitchen on the cottage’s left side. We saw an old fireplace where you can boil your water on top and a small wooden table that seats four people decorated with a review book. 

As we continued exploring, we encountered a beautiful private double room in the middle of the hut. Vintage painting hung on the wall, and a yellow sofa faced the bed. The view from the room was stunning. From the big glass door, you wake up with mountain views and the sun appearing from behind. 

Outside the double room is the living room, which has an oversized table and sofas on the sides, where you can enjoy the sound of nature while preparing your meal in the hut’s barbecue. 

When we looked into the second room, we were amazed at how cosy and warm it was. The room is the smallest one, with a bunk bed and two single beds, but it was perfect for a deep conversation with friends before resting, hearing nothing but nature. 

The night came, and a straightforward way of life joined us. There was no electricity, so we used a torch to keep us under the light and a terrific fire to warm us up. Being 100% switched off was essential to being here and now, a feeling we sometimes lose in our everyday routine. 

southern lights queenstown

We visited Paradise during that magnificent week when the Southern and Northern Lights went crazy worldwide. Our stay was no exception, and our night turned into an incredible show of the Southern Lights sticking out of the mountains.  

The following day, we woke up to a fantastic frozen sunrise, a Happy Birthday song and the energy ready to go for a small hike around the property. We started our walk from the back of the cottage to discover that next to the kitchen was an incredible old-style outdoor shower facing the forest and mountains. 

Paradise Trust was a well-chosen place to stay for my Birthday eve. It meant being in nature to reconnect with oneself and return to genuine relationships, leaving screens behind. After getting home, I felt relieved and energised. I am sure I will be back to explore more of its surroundings and the stunning landscapes it offers.