Topher Richwhite, Bridget Thackwray win consent to build Queenstown glowworm cave

Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray were detained for four months in 2022 while travelling through Iran. Photo / Expedition Earth

Expedition Earth influencers Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray have won consent to develop a glowworm cave outside Queenstown.

Judge John Hassan, in chambers in the Environment Court, last month allowed their company, Faraway Entertainment, to establish the big new tourist venture on Gorge Rd behind Queenstown.

Commissioners for the Queenstown Lakes District Council had declined their application for land use and subdivision consent to build and operate that cave.

Richwhite and Thackwray challenged the decision, saying there were errors in it, and appealed it.

But the couple, who were once detained in Iran, also changed aspects of their original scheme to get it across the line.

“Since the appeal was filed, the appellant amended its proposal and provided a revised set of conditions,” the Environment Court decision said.

Bridget Thackwray and Topher Richwhite have won consent for their planned man-made glowworm cave in Queenstown.

The couple agreed to:

• Establish a leasehold interest over new buildings and the cave instead of freehold as previously planned;
• If the cave stops operating, surrender that lease;
• Establish a native beech forest and remove wilding species, including pines;
• The carpark area is to be fenced in solid timber, up to 1.4m high;
• The fence must be stained in a dark recessive grey paint.

Based on the amended conditions, the council and the couple agreed that the appeal can be removed and consent granted.

An artist's impression of a man-made glowworm cave in Queenstown as submitted for council approval by influencer couple Bridget Thackwray and Topher Richwhite.

This is the couple’s second glowworm scheme.

The first is under construction in Rotorua, to be included in the Redwoods Nightlights experience.

In May, the Herald reported co-founder Bruce Thomasen saying the scheme was being built.

How signage to the new Queenstown tourist attraction from Faraway Entertainment could look. Photo / Environment Court

“We have partnered with Expedition Earth duo Bridget Thackwray and Topher Richwhite, who have developed the bio-integrative designs and the eco-environment that allows glowworms to thrive,” Thomasen said then.

At Queenstown, the couple expect up to 1200 people a day, seven days a week, from 9am till 10pm.

The September 10 decision contained detailed plans, including signage for the new attraction.

Faraway Entertainment, owned by Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray, plan a glow worm cave operation at Queenstown. This shows plans for signage there. Photo / Environment Court decision

The ticketing hut and waiting area will have “karaka” colouring, a deep green, and have natural timber cladding.

Plans show work by Outpost of Washdyke, north of Timaru.

Its Borderland kitset option will be used, but with custom design alterations to allow for the specific glowworm project requirements.

How the project might look when it is finished: an artist's impression of the glowworm scheme.

Gorge Rd runs behind Queenstown and the Shotover River area of Arthurs Point.

Earthworks are required to build the project, which will have toilets.

Engineering and civil design drawings were submitted in the latest set of plans.

A pond, shallow wetland, service area, fire appliance and emergency access, water supply connection point and earth mound with boulders and screen planting are shown on the plans.

All plants are to be environmentally sourced from the Lakes ecological region.

The layout and circulation within the glowworm cave are also shown, with people moving in a wave-like pattern inside.

Anne Gibson has been the Herald‘s property editor for 25 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.