Glenorchy, New Zealand: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

With a population of just over 300 people, the tiny township of Glenorchy sits at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and serves as the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness. What makes this place truly special? Glenorchy is one of only a handful of inhabited places on Earth that borders not one but two UNESCO World Heritage areas – Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks – making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Located just 45 minutes from bustling Queenstown, this rural haven offers a peaceful escape where snow-capped mountains frame rolling green hills, creating what locals aptly call “Paradise” – which, yes, is actually the name of a nearby settlement. Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan seeking Middle Earth locations, an adventure enthusiast looking for world-class hiking trails, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking natural beauty, Glenorchy delivers experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Getting to Glenorchy & Planning Your Journey

The journey to Glenorchy is often cited as one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The 45-kilometer (28-mile) road from Queenstown hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning vistas around every bend. While the drive takes approximately 45 minutes without stops, you’ll likely want to allow extra time to pull over at the numerous viewpoints along the way.

Transportation Options

Bennett’s Bluff Lookout

About 20 minutes into your drive from Queenstown, you’ll reach Bennett’s Bluff Lookout – an essential photo stop with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to Glenorchy and the head of the lake.

Best Time to Visit Glenorchy & Weather Tips

Glenorchy is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. However, the best time to visit depends largely on what activities you’re planning to enjoy.

Recommended Months to Visit

For the best overall experience, consider visiting during these periods:

• Late November to early December: Spring is in full bloom, days are getting longer, and summer crowds haven’t yet arrived.
• February to March: Late summer/early autumn offers stable weather, slightly fewer tourists than peak summer, and pleasant temperatures.
• April: Fall colors are at their peak, creating a photographer’s paradise.

Months to Avoid

While Glenorchy is beautiful year-round, these periods may present challenges:

• July: The coldest month, with potential for road closures during heavy snowfall.
• Late December to mid-January: Peak holiday season brings the largest crowds and highest prices.

Getting Around Glenorchy

Glenorchy is a small township that’s easy to navigate on foot. The main attractions within the township itself, including the famous red shed, jetty, and local cafes, are all within walking distance of each other.

Exploring Beyond the Township

To explore the surrounding areas like Paradise, the Routeburn Track, and other natural attractions, you’ll need transportation:

Where to Stay in Glenorchy

Despite its small size, Glenorchy offers a surprising range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly camping to luxury eco-lodges. Staying overnight allows you to experience the tranquility of this remote location after the day-trippers have departed.

Dining & Local Cuisine in Glenorchy

While Glenorchy may be small, it offers several quality dining options that showcase local New Zealand ingredients. After a day of adventure, these establishments provide hearty meals and a chance to mingle with locals.

Cafés and Quick Bites

Restaurants and Pubs

Best Things to Do in Glenorchy, New Zealand

Glenorchy offers a remarkable range of activities for such a small township. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful nature walks, there’s something for every type of traveler.

1. Visit the Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve

The Glenorchy wharf area with its iconic little red shed is the perfect introduction to this charming township. Originally built in the 1860s to store goods carried on steamships, the red shed has become the most photographed building in Glenorchy.

Take a stroll along the jetty for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the head of the Dart River valley. Early morning visits offer the best photography opportunities, with fewer crowds and often mirror-like reflections on the lake.

2. Explore the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk

This easy 3.2-kilometer (2-mile) loop walk is suitable for all fitness levels and offers some of the most accessible beautiful scenery in the area. The well-maintained boardwalk takes you through wetlands with stunning mountain backdrops.

The trail begins near the Glenorchy Boat Shed – look for DOC signs for the trailhead near Lake Wakatipu on Mull Street. Allow about 45-60 minutes to complete the loop at a leisurely pace.

Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled for native birds including black swans, South Island pied oystercatchers, and Australasian bitterns that inhabit the wetlands.

3. Visit Lord of the Rings Filming Locations

Glenorchy and the surrounding areas featured prominently in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Key filming locations include:

• Isengard and Forest of Fangorn: Filmed in Paradise and the forests around Glenorchy
• Lothlorien: The beech forests in Paradise
• Misty Mountains: The mountain ranges surrounding Glenorchy
• Ithilien Camp: Twelve Mile Delta, where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum camped
• Amon Hen: Filmed in nearby Closeburn

While some locations can be visited independently, the best way to experience these magical settings is with knowledgeable guides who can show you exactly where scenes were filmed and share behind-the-scenes stories.

4. Hike the Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track begins just outside Glenorchy. This 32-kilometer (20-mile) trail traverses spectacular alpine scenery through Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks.

While the full track typically takes 2-3 days to complete, day hikers can enjoy sections of this world-renowned trail. Popular day hike options include:

• Routeburn Nature Walk: A gentle 2-hour return walk through beautiful beech forest from the Routeburn Shelter
• Routeburn Falls Hut: A more challenging 6-hour return hike that rewards with stunning valley views and impressive waterfalls

The track is best hiked between November and April. If you plan to hike the full trail, you’ll need to book huts well in advance through the Department of Conservation.

5. Experience Jet Boating on the Dart River

Jet boating through the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage area is an experience unique to Glenorchy. Dart River Adventures offers the longest scenic jet boat ride in the region, taking you through landscapes few people get to see.

Unlike the shorter thrill rides in Queenstown, this experience balances exhilarating speed with opportunities to appreciate the scenery and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history. Halfway through the tour, you’ll stop for a guided forest walk to learn about the unique flora and fauna.

This half-day adventure costs around $299 NZD per person and includes transport from Glenorchy township to the jet boat departure point.

6. Try Funyaking

For a unique perspective on the Dart River, try Funyaking – a combination of jet boating and inflatable kayaking. This full-day experience begins with an exhilarating jet boat ride upriver, followed by a more peaceful return journey in your own inflatable kayak (Funyak).

Paddle at your own pace through side streams and shallow sections that the jet boats can’t access. One highlight is exploring a stunning rock chasm that feels like entering another world.

The tour includes a wilderness picnic lunch and professional guides who share their knowledge of the area’s ecology and history. At approximately $429 NZD per person, this 8-hour adventure offers excellent value for a truly memorable experience.

7. Visit Paradise

Yes, Paradise is a real place! This small rural settlement is located about 20 minutes from Glenorchy along a scenic 13-kilometer (8-mile) gravel road. The drive itself is worth the trip, with endless green landscapes and mountain views.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo with the Paradise sign, a popular spot for visitors. Beyond the sign, you’ll find a collection of historic buildings and a walking track that leads through beech forest to open views of the valley – the very landscape that appeared as Isengard in the Lord of the Rings films.

The area’s name is said to have come from the paradise ducks that inhabit the region, though visitors often agree that the stunning scenery makes the name entirely appropriate.

8. Glenorchy Animal Experience

The Glenorchy Animal Experience offers a chance to interact with friendly farm animals in a beautiful setting. This family-run farm allows visitors to feed and pet a variety of animals including lambs, llamas, pigs, and even a Clydesdale horse.

Unlike a typical petting zoo, these animals roam freely on expansive paddocks with ponds for birds and ducks. The owners provide bags of feed for purchase and will show you how to safely interact with the animals.

Located on Glenorchy-Paradise Road just a few minutes from town, the experience is open from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Sunday. Admission is $25 NZD for adults and $15 NZD for children aged 5-15.

9. Go Horseback Riding

Explore the stunning backcountry around Glenorchy on horseback for a truly special experience. Two main companies offer riding experiences in the area:

• High Country Horses: With over 35 years of experience, they offer rides ranging from 1-hour introductory experiences to multi-day treks. Prices start from $110 NZD for a one-hour ride.
• Lighthorse Adventures: Focuses on the welfare of their horses and offers a deeper connection with the animals. Their rides start from $189 NZD for a 1.5-hour experience.

Both companies cater to different riding abilities, from complete beginners to experienced riders, and take you through the spectacular landscapes of the Dart Valley and Paradise region.

10. Hike to Diamond Lake

The Diamond Creek Track is a short but rewarding hike that takes you to Lake Reid (also known as Diamond Lake). From the trailhead on Routeburn Road, just after the bridge crossing the Rees River, it’s only a 35-40 minute walk each way.

The trail follows Diamond Creek, a popular trout fishing spot, and ends with beautiful views of the lake, the Dart Valley, and Paradise in the distance. This is an ideal option if you’re looking for a shorter hike that still delivers on scenery.

11. Explore the Invincible Gold Mine Track

This historical trail follows the path built by miners in the 1880s during the gold rush era. The 4.5-kilometer (3-mile) return track starts on Rees Valley Road, about a 30-minute drive from Glenorchy.

The steady uphill climb through beech forest rewards with panoramic views of the Rees Valley and Mt Earnslaw. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of the area’s mining history, including some of the original equipment.

Allow 2-3 hours to complete this moderately challenging hike.

12. Take a Scenic Flight

For a bird’s-eye view of Glenorchy’s spectacular landscapes, consider taking a scenic flight. Heli Glenorchy offers helicopter tours that showcase the region’s beauty from above, including flights that land on Mt Earnslaw.

These flights provide access to remote areas that would take days to reach on foot, allowing you to see glaciers, braided rivers, and alpine lakes in a single trip. While not inexpensive (prices start from around $330 NZD), the perspective and photographs you’ll gain are invaluable.

For those who prefer fixed-wing aircraft, Glenorchy Air offers scenic flights in small planes that cover more ground, including options that fly over Milford Sound.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Stargazing in Glenorchy

Glenorchy’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it an exceptional spot for stargazing. On clear nights, especially in winter, the Milky Way core is visible to the naked eye, creating spectacular opportunities for astrophotography.

Popular stargazing locations include:

• The Glenorchy jetty and red shed
• Little Paradise Wharf (located next to Little Paradise Lodge, a 15-minute drive from Glenorchy)
• Kinloch shoreline

If you’re lucky and timing is right, you might even catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), which occasionally make an appearance in this region.

Swimming Spots

On warm summer days, Lake Wakatipu offers refreshing swimming opportunities, though be prepared – even in summer, the lake water remains quite cool! Popular swimming spots include:

• The small beach near the Glenorchy jetty
• Kinloch beach
• Diamond Creek (for the brave – it’s even colder than the lake!)

Always exercise caution when swimming in natural waterways, as there are no lifeguards on duty.

Fishing

The rivers around Glenorchy offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for brown and rainbow trout. The Dart, Rees, and Greenstone Rivers are all popular fishing spots.

You’ll need a fishing license, which can be purchased online from Fish & Game New Zealand. Consider hiring a local guide who can take you to the best spots and provide equipment if you don’t have your own.

Practical Travel Tips

Sample Glenorchy Itineraries

One-Day Itinerary

1. Morning: Visit the Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve and iconic red shed, then walk the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk (2 hours)
2. Late Morning: Drive to Paradise and take photos at the Paradise sign (1.5 hours)
3. Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the Glenorchy Hotel Restaurant or grab a pie from Mrs Woolly’s General Store
4. Afternoon: Take a jet boat tour on the Dart River (3 hours)
5. Evening: Drive back to Queenstown, stopping at Bennett’s Bluff Lookout for sunset views

Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

1. Morning: Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, stopping at viewpoints along the way
2. Late Morning: Explore the Glenorchy Waterfront and walk the Lagoon Boardwalk
3. Lunch: Eat at The Trading Post
4. Afternoon: Take a Lord of the Rings tour to Paradise and surrounding film locations
5. Evening: Check into accommodation and enjoy dinner at the Glenorchy Hotel

Day 2:

1. Morning: Hike part of the Routeburn Track (Routeburn Nature Walk or to Routeburn Falls)
2. Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail or return to Glenorchy for a meal
3. Afternoon: Visit the Glenorchy Animal Experience or take a jet boat tour
4. Evening: Return to Queenstown or extend your stay another night

Final Thoughts

Glenorchy may be small in size, but it’s immense in natural beauty and authentic experiences. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, peaceful communion with nature, or a glimpse into Middle Earth, this remote corner of New Zealand delivers in spectacular fashion.

The journey from bustling Queenstown to tranquil Glenorchy represents more than just a scenic drive – it’s a transition from the commercial to the authentic, from the developed to the wild. In an increasingly busy world, places like Glenorchy offer a rare opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the natural environment.

As the locals say, “Glenorchy is good for the soul.” After experiencing its breathtaking landscapes, friendly community, and unhurried pace, you’ll likely find yourself agreeing – and perhaps, like many before you, already planning your return.