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U.S.FTC GUIDELINES PLEASE NOTE: we act as an affiliate for several companies that feature on our website. In some cases we may earn a commission from referrals to those companies. For further information please refer to our Privacy and Disclaimer policies which can be found in the "US" tab.

Beautiful Glenorchy


Glenorchy, on the upper shores of Lake Wakatipu, is a "must see" if you are in the Southern Lakes region.

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and is truly spectacular drive, taking around forty five minutes.

The lake is framed by The Remarkables, which tower more than two thousand metres into the clouds, and in the cooler months are capped with snow.

Jetboating at Glenorchy. Picture courtesy Miles Holden.

Glenorchy is best known for its "Middle-earth" sites, jetboating, kayaking, and walking trails.

You can also go horse riding, or take a four wheel drive tour.

And of course you can do as we like to do, and sit back and just admire that amazing scenery.

It's a real nature lover's heaven, with imposing mountains, native forest, Lake Wakatipu, and the Dart River conspiring to make this an area of true beauty.

"Hollywood" loves the area, which has featured in the Lord of the Rings and Narnia movies.

Home to around five hundred lucky kiwis, Glenorchy has a range of accommodation, cafes, restaurants, and a few shops.

A little further up the valley, the aptly named "Paradise" beckons. This remote valley offers unparalleled scenery, and is best visited on an organised tour.

Stunning Glenorchy. Image courtesy Miles Holden and TNZ.

Here's a few things to do in Glenorchy


Take a walk in paradise

The area is a major hiking centre with one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Routeburn Track nearby.

With everything from short twenty minute walks to those taking several days, there can't be too many places on earth better suited to getting in touch with nature.

The Department of Conservation have a wealth of information on walks in the area. You can access their dedicated page here.
The Routeburn Track. Pic courtesy Miles Holden

The Dart River Jetboat Ride and Wilderness Tour

This tour packs a lot in. Leaving from Queenstown, your tour takes you to Glenorchy for a Dart River jetboat ride, a guided walk, and an off road tour. Experience the Mt. Aspiring National Park, ancient forests, and gorgeous scenery.

You can read more about the tour, read reviews, and make your bookings by clicking on the button.

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour

True LOTR fans read on. This tour gives you exclusive access to locations used in the Wolverine and Hobbit movies (on Arcadia Station).

And with Department of Conservation permit access to Mt. Aspiring National Park, you can expect some of the most amazing scenery on earth.

Operating for over 15 years, the operators are passionate about the region, and their depth of knowledge makes this a memorable tour.

Peter Jackson loved this area. And after you experience it, you will too.

To learn more about this wonderful tour just click on the button below.

More Glenorchy Tours

You can view a range of Glenorchy tours here.