12 Awesome Things to Do in Glenorchy & Paradise

Just a stone’s throw down the road from Queenstown lies Glenorchy, a tiny, tranquil town at the foot of the Southern Alps. With a population of only 363 people, the area at the top of Lake Wakatipu is remote and out-of-this-world beautiful. Read on for all of the best things to do in Glenorchy and nearby Paradise, including hike, cafe, and accommodation suggestions!

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How to get to Glenorchy

The best way to get to and around Glenorchy is by car. If you don’t already have your own vehicle, you can rent one in Queenstown (prices start at around $60 NZD a day).

If you don’t want to drive, your next best option is to take a guided tour. There are both half-day and full-day options, with most starting in Queenstown. You’ll find scenic tours and specific Lord of the Rings filming location tours.

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation between Queenstown and Glenorchy. You can book a seat on a transport bus through Glenorchy Journeys, a private shuttle company. Tickets cost $25 one way and bookings are required in advance.

Queenstown to Glenorchy scenic drive

There’s only one road in and out of Glenorchy (aptly called Glenorchy-Queenstown Road — how creative!). The road is 46 km (28.5 mi) long and takes about 45 minutes to drive without stopping. Because it’s so gorgeous, though, you’ll definitely want to make a few stops along the way!

Here are the best places to stop and take in the views:

• Sunshine Bay
• Moke Lake
• Wilson Bay
• Bob’s Cove
• Bennetts Bluff Lookout

Note: Glenorchy has one small gas station, but because it’s so remote, prices are pretty steep! Try to fill up in Queenstown before you start your drive.

Take a tour to Glenorchy

How long should I spend in Glenorchy?

If you’re visiting Glenorchy as part of a longer South Island New Zealand road trip, one day is generally enough to get a good feel of the area. The town itself is small and can be explored in half a day, which makes it perfect for a day trip from Queenstown.

If you want to do any hiking or venture further out, however, I’d recommend spending at least two days in the area. It can take a while to drive to the trailheads and surrounding towns because the roads are narrow and gravely. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth it to stay longer as well — Glenorchy, Paradise, and Kinloch all make for super relaxing places to stay.

Things to do in Glenorchy

1. Explore the Glenorchy Wharf

The Glenorchy Wharf will likely be your first stop when you reach the town. This area includes the jetty, the iconic red Railway Shed, and the picturesque “trees in a line.” It’s also near the start of the Lagoon Walkway and the Trading Post (see below). This is a great place to take some pictures of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Make sure you walk out to the end of the jetty. You’ll be met with the loveliest views and the brightest blue water all around you.

2. Hike the Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks, multi-day hikes (or tramps) that represent all the best scenery the country has to offer. At 33 km (20.5 mi), it takes most people between 2 and 3 days to complete the one-way trek from Glenorchy to Te Anau. Advanced planning is necessary to book huts and transportation between the two trailheads, but it’s definitely worth it if you have the opportunity.

If you’re short on time, you can still hike part of the Routeburn Track in one day. You’ll get to see the mossy forest, river, and waterfalls that make the track so popular.

3. Meander around the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway

The Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway (or Glenorchy Boardwalk) is an insanely scenic nature walk on the edge of town. It’s 5 km (3 mi) long but can be split up into a shorter loop if you don’t want to walk the whole thing. The trail has essentially no elevation gain, making this one super easy and great for those with younger kids.

Besides the amazing, mirror-reflected views of the Humboldt Mountains, we also saw some cool bird life on our walk. There are heaps of birds, ducks, and black swans that call the lagoon home. This walk is definitely one of the best free things to do in Glenorchy!

4. Glenorchy Animal Experience

Another family-friendly activity, the Glenorchy Animal Experience is a fun way to interact with some pretty unique animals. The tour is self-guided and held on a working farm. You get a bit of instruction on which animals you can feed and then you’re let loose to roam the grounds at your leisure.

The farm has a menagerie that includes pigs, chickens, llamas, sheep, guinea pigs, cattle, farm dogs, and more!

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Address: 225 Glenorchy-Paradise Road, Glenorchy

5. Drive the road to Paradise

Just 17 km (10.5 mi) down a gravel road from Glenorchy lies a place so idyllic, they literally named it Paradise. The area sits on the eastern side of the Dart River and doesn’t have much more than a few scattered farms and LOTR filming locations.

Driving down Glenorchy-Paradise Road is a must-do for any Glenorchy itinerary.

The road doesn’t actually lead anywhere, but that’s kind of the point — the journey is greater than the destination. Enjoy the views down the valley and take a few scenic stops along the way!

6. Hike the Diamond Creek Track

This short but sweet hike starts just off of the road to Paradise. It follows Diamond Creek, a popular trout fishing spot, and ends at Lake Reid. Along the way, you’ll get awesome views of Rees River, Dart Valley, and Paradise.

Taking only 45 minutes each way, this quick hike is a great one to add to your Glenorchy day trip itinerary. It’s rated as easy and allows dogs on a leash, making it a good one for the whole family as well.

7. Hike the Lake Sylvan Track

Located near the Routeburn Track trailhead, the Lake Sylvan Track is a fun forest walk with scenic views over its namesake lake. The track starts at the DOC-run Sylvan Campsite, a lovely and inexpensive place to stay for those with tents or campervans.

The full loop to the lake and back takes around 2 hours to complete. It’s an easy, gentle walk that stays under the cover of the forest the whole time. Make sure to bring bug spray as the sandflies can be intense!

On our walk, we saw heaps of cool mushrooms and cheeky little birds. When we were having lunch, a bold (and hungry!) South Island robin flitted around us and even landed on Ben’s leg. This is definitely a great track for bird lovers!

8. Hike the Invincible Gold Mine Track

The Otago region has a long history of gold mining. In the 1860s, the area around Queenstown experienced a Gold Rush that brought in thousands of people in hopes of striking it rich. Most of the gold itself is now long gone, but remnants of the region’s mining industry are still visible today.

The Invincible Gold Mine Track starts just outside Glenorchy and takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete. It’s an uphill trail through beech forest with sweeping views of the Rees Valley and Mt Earnslaw. Along the way, you’ll find well-preserved mining equipment and an old mine shaft, making this track both scenic and historical!

9. Have some coffee and a snack

While there aren’t a ton of restaurant options in Glenorchy, the two cafes we visited were both great. The first, Mrs Woolly’s General Store, is a combination cafe-gift shop with some truly unique hand-crafted items that you won’t find anywhere else. The pastries and pies in the cabinet are delicious as well.

The second spot, The Trading Post, is located right near the Glenorchy Wharf and Lagoon Walkway. It’s a bit smaller than Mrs Woolly’s, but also does fabulous coffees and treats.

Mrs Woolly’s General Store: 64 Oban Street, Glenorchy

The Trading Post: 13 Mull Street, Glenorchy

10. Hike to Earnslaw Burn

Although this is one of the more strenuous hikes on this list, it is more than worth it! The Earnslaw Burn hike takes you deep into the Rees Valley and ends with an awe-inspiring view of a massive glacial wall covered in waterfalls. You get epic views of the mountains the entire way, making this an avid hiker’s dream.

The trip takes between 5 and 7 hours one way, meaning most people carry a tent and camp once they reach Earnslaw Burn. (Although technically this track can be done as a day hike, it’s not recommended because it would be grueling!) With a track rating between medium and hard, it’s a good idea to make it an overnight hike in order to enjoy the experience.

11. Find some Lord of the Rings filming locations

Many iconic locations in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed near Glenorchy. Although some of them can be hard to recognize without CGI, it’s still fun to seek them out. Here are a few locations to look out for:

• Isengard Lookout: On the bridge over the Dart River
• Forest of Fangorn: To the right from Isengard Lookout
• Misty Mountains: The mountains all around Glenorchy
• Ithilien Camp: On the road to Glenorchy near Bob’s Cove

If you’re a big fan of the movies, look into doing a guided Lord of the Rings filming location tour. These small group tours take you to harder-to-find spots and give you some context on the locations.

12. Take a scenic flight

Scenic flights are a good idea anywhere in New Zealand, but especially in Glenorchy. With all of the mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys nearby, you’re sure to get a good view in every direction you turn.

Heli Glenorchy offers both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft scenic flights that depart from Glenorchy Airstrip. Glenorchy Air, despite its name, only offers flights that depart from Queenstown Airport.

Where to stay in Glenorchy

Mrs Woolly’s Campground

Located right next door to Mrs Woolly’s General Store, the campground is nothing short of wonderful. It’s centrally located, clean, and has all the amenities you’d need: a fully stocked kitchen, barbecues, and coin-operated showers. There are both powered and unpowered sites.

If you want an inexpensive option right in the heart of Glenorchy, Mrs Woolly’s Campground is where you should be!

Address: 60 Oban Street, Glenorchy

Kinloch Camping Area

For those willing to go a bit off the beaten track, Kinloch Camping Area is a great option. Located 25 km (15.5 mi) down a narrow, gravel road from Glenorchy, this DOC-run campsite on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is spacious and beautiful.

And at only $15 per person per night, it’s a great budget-friendly option as well!

Address: 862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch

EcoScapes

If you’re after unique or bespoke accommodation, EcoScapes in Kinloch is the way to go. These individual tiny homes have massive glass windows facing out towards the lake and your stay includes a tasty breakfast. There’s even a projector above the bed that you can use to stream Netflix onto the wall — how fun!

Address: 876 Kinloch Road, Kinloch

You’d also like:

• The 6 Best Cafes in Queenstown, New Zealand
• Queenstown Luxury Spa Getaway: Onsen Hot Pools & Kamana Lakehouse
• Everything You Need to Know About New Zealand Freedom Camping

Thanks for reading this Glenorchy and Paradise travel guide! If you’ve visited before, what are your favorite things to do? Leave them in the comments below 🙂

xoxo Niki