17 BEST Things to do in Glenorchy & Paradise

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Are you visiting Glenorchy for the first time but are wondering what there is to see and do? This picturesque town may be small, but it’s packed with loads of fun activities that I’m so happy to share with you!

As a Queenstown local, I’m always heading out on day trips, and Glenorchy is by far one of my favorite spots to do so. It’s safe to say that I know this town pretty well by now, from the beautiful local trails to the vibrant and bustling town center.

I’ve put together this list to share the very best things to get up to while you’re here, including some lesser-known spots you’ve probably never heard of! So let’s get right to it.

Glenorchy FAQs

Getting to Glenorchy

The easiest way to explore Glenorchy is in a car. If you don’t already have your own wheels, you can easily rent a vehicle in Queenstown. Prices range, but you can find great deals that won’t cost you more than $50 NZD for the day. This way, you can easily explore the route from Queenstown to Glenorchy too! Make sure to read all our tips on renting a car in New Zealand before you leave.

If you don’t want to drive, then your only other option is a guided tour. There is a range of half-day and full-day tours from Queenstown to Glenorchy, with some being purely scenic tours and others visiting LOTR locations too.

One of the most popular scenic tours is this Glenorchy and Paradise Explorer, which lasts for 4 hours and stops at iconic locations from Queenstown all the way to Paradise. I love that this tour feels very laid back and not rushed in the slightest, and you also have lots of free time to explore the two towns!

For the LOTR fans out there, you’ll also visit famous filming locations, and learning all about Maori history helps to add a whole new level of history to these iconic spots. Tickets cost $179 NZD, which also includes pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown. This is a popular tour though, so don’t forget to check your dates and reserve your spot online here in advance.

17 Fun Things to do in Glenorchy

1. Hike the Routeburn Track

Just outside of Glenorchy begins one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. This 32-kilometer (20 miles) trail travels through the Southern Alps, finishing on the road between Te Anau and Milford Sound. It’s breathtaking and one of the best hikes you can do in Glenorchy and on the South Island in general.

Although hiking the full trail involves lots of planning (as well as booking in advance) you can easily hike parts of the Routeburn Track in a day on a trip to Glenorchy. Some of the shortest day hiking options are less than 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) return, taking you through a moss-filled forest, up the Dart River, and to one of New Zealand’s stunning waterfalls.

Even on a day hike, you’ll get to see why the trail is so famous. But if you can, hiking the entire Routeburn Track is amazing too! I did the full Routeburn Track over 3 days, hiking all the way to one side and then back again (I didn’t want to organize a shuttle from the other side back to Queenstown). It was an amazing adventure, and the best part was that I got to see the trail twice (although I was so tired by the end!).

The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes, so hiking some or the entire trail is easily one of the best things to do in Glenorchy! That said, you can’t hike the trail during the winter, as it’s far too dangerous.

If your main priority in coming to Glenorchy is to hike Routeburn then you might want to consider booking a full-day tour if you are coming from Queenstown. This Routeburn Track Guided Hike will let you hike with a local guide along a beautiful portion of the trail that’s 6.5 km (4 miles) in total, over the span of the whole day at a moderate pace.

It’s a great option if you like more structure and don’t want to drive, as return transport is included. The tour is also limited to just 10 people – no big bus tours here! A picnic lunch and afternoon tea also comes included, with tickets costing $340 NZD per person it’s pretty fantastic value. You can check availability and book your spot on the tour here.

Related Read: You can check out even more amazing hikes in Glenorchy in my blog!

2. Glenorchy Boardwalk

If hiking lengthy trails isn’t really your thing, then I’m sure you’ll love hiking the Glenorchy Boardwalk. This super easy trail starts from the jetty in Glenorchy and follows a 5-kilometer (3-mile), completely flat boardwalk to the Glenorchy Lagoon. Honestly, it’s not really a hike and is more of a nature walk.

As you pass through the Glenorchy Lagoon you’ll get breathtaking views of the Humboldt Mountains and, on a calm day, mirror-like reflections. I honestly love this boardwalk and think it’s the most underrated free activity in Glenorchy.

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, then you may recognize the lagoon as the Dead Marshes! Although the scene was also filmed in Wellington and Te Anau, the Glenorchy Lagoon was still the main feature. It can be hard to see without the computer animation, but if you use your imagination, you can totally see Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walking through the Dead Marshes here!

Related Read: You can discover even more free things to do in Glenorchy here!

3. Visit Lord of the Rings film locations

There are a lot of Lord of the Rings film locations in Glenorchy and even some from the Hobbit movies. Unfortunately, they aren’t as easy to find as you may think. However, with a little preparation, you can see a few of the most famous ones on your own.

Here are a few (some with pins to their locations) around Glenorchy:

Misty Mountains – The Misty Mountains in LOTR were filmed in the mountains around Glenorchy. In fact, as you drive from Queenstown towards Glenorchy, look into the distance, and you’ll see exactly where the fellowship walks through the snow in the Fellowship of the Ring.

Isengard – From the Isengard lookout you can stare out, and with a lot of imagination, picture Isengard in the valley. It’s a hard one to see because of all the animation used in the movie.

Forest of Fangorn – While looking at Isengard, look to your right into the forest. Here sits the Forest of Fangorn!

Ithilien Camp – Last is Ithilien Camp. This one is marked on Google Maps and there is a small fire pit where Frodo and Sam sat with Gollum and ate the rabbit.

These are just a few, and there are a lot of smaller scenes filmed in the area. Honestly, if you’re a true LOTR fan, the best way to see all the iconic spots is on this full-day organized Lord of the Rings tour. Not only does it include a visit to all the film locations mentioned above (and lots more), but it also includes a scenic tour around Glenorchy and Paradise.

I’ve personally tried this tour and had so much fun (as you can see from the picture above!). Hopping into a 4WD really is the way to go to see all of the sights in one day! Tickets cost $550 NZD and include lunch as well as hot drinks. You can check availability and book your spot on the tour online here.

You can also read my personal opinions on all of the top LOTR tours here.

4. Get a coffee at Mrs Woollys General Store or The Trading Post

There aren’t too many places in Glenorchy to eat. A town of 200 doesn’t need much, but there are two excellent cafés. The first is The Trading Post which is located near the jetty on Lake Wakatipu. Here you can get a range of snacks and drinks, including super good coffee. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 3 pm and are closed on Mondays.

The other is Mrs Wolly’s General Store, which is actually my go-to place. Although a little more touristic, the coffee’s great, and the New Zealand meat pies are even better! I always stop here to pick up one of their famous pies (my favorite is the salmon pie) and a cup of coffee before exploring the area.

They also sell lots of souvenirs, and the best part is that they have a different selection than the shops in Queenstown (that begin to look the same after a while). Plus, since it’s something to do indoors, it’s perfect for escaping any bad weather or the cold in the winter months.

Mrs Wolly’s is open 8 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday, and 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday.

This is only a short stop, but one I recommend making in Glenorchy!

5. Jet boating

You can go jet boating all around Queenstown, however, no tour in Queenstown is as unique as this half-day jet boating tour run by Wilderness Jet out in Glenorchy. You might be wondering why?

Well, Wilderness Jet’s experience isn’t just about jet boating. In fact, halfway through the tour you’ll get out of the boat and take a walk around an area very few get to see while your guide talks about the region’s history and unique flora and fauna.

But aside from the fact the tour includes a guided walk, you’re also going to zoom down the stunning Dart River in a beautiful region called Paradise. Yep, that’s right, there’s a region outside Glenorchy that’s literally called Paradise (get my pun in the intro now?).

Tickets for this half-day jet boating experience cost $321 NZD per person, and even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, this is an activity you don’t want to miss out on!

Wilderness Jet is the only company allowed to operate in the river and honestly, it’s the most beautiful place to go jet boating around Queenstown. You can book your spot online here!

6. Funyaks

Want to do jet boating and something a little more unique? Why not try this Funyak and jet boat combo tour in Glenorchy?!

“Funyaks” are inflatable kayaks that are easy to maneuver. In Glenorchy, you can do this tour that will have you paddling along in a river in your very own Funyak!

The only way to experience Funyaks is on this guided tour. First, you’ll ride on a jet boat before getting into your Funyak. Exploring the river by Funyak is so much fun because you can get into lots of inlets and streams that the jet boat can’t reach.

This particular experience includes transport from Queenstown and lasts for about 8 hours. Expect to pay $440 NZD for this highly-rated tour. You must also book it online in advance here, as it is limited to a small group.

7. Explore Paradise

Heard the saying “paradise on earth”? Well, it exists! And the best part is that it’s only a short drive from Glenorchy!

Paradise is a small region in Otago that lies on the eastern side of the Dart River. Paradise is home to most of the LOTR locations I’ve mentioned above, and is easily one of the most popular places to explore while in Glenorchy.

The Glenorchy-Paradise Road is a 13-kilometer (8-mile) stretch of gravel road every visitor to Glenorchy should explore. Along the way, well, you guessed it, you’ll get to see what paradise on earth looks like. Stop as you please and enjoy all the breathtaking views. Oh, and be sure to get a photo with the Paradise sign!

If you’re traveling from Queenstown, this half-day Paradise Valley expedition is the perfect way to escape the bustle of urban life and surround yourself with all this incredible scenery. It’s a great choice for families too, as you’ll stop by a local farm to feed the animals, explore Glenorchy, and drive to see all the historic buildings in Paradise. Tickets cost just $194 NZD per adult and $99 NZD per child (3-13).

8. Hike to Lake Sylvan

Lake Sylvan is one of the most peaceful places in Glenorchy. This small lake is located near the beginning of the Routeburn Track and is accessed just off Routeburn Road at the Lake Sylvan parking lot.

At the parking lot, you’ll find the Lake Sylvan campground, a DOC-run campground that sits on the Routeburn River. It’s a great place to stay for those in campervans, and it’s cheap! Just past the campsite, the trail to the lake begins.

Start by crossing the suspension bridge over the river and continue on for around 45 minutes until you reach the lake. From here you can choose to do a loop track or even hike further before turning back. The trail is almost completely flat and usually uncrowded.

If you simply head to the lake’s viewpoint, you only need 2 hours to complete the trail. It’s a super worthwhile adventure for those who like to get off the beaten path!

Important: The Lake Sylvan bridge, which connects the Sylvan campsite to the Lake Sylvan Track, was recently destroyed in a flood and repairs are underway. Make sure to take a look at the DOC’s website for the latest updates.

9. Spend the night at Kinloch Campsite

If there was a competition for the most beautiful campsite near Glenorchy, Kinloch Campsite would take first place! This small campsite has only 15 non-powered/tent sites and is owned by the DOC but run by the Kinloch Retreat (a beautiful lodge for luxury travelers).

The campsite sits on the opposite side of Lake Wakatipu from Glenorchy and is right on the edge of the lake. From the campsite, you can stare out at the mountains around the lake and enjoy one of the most spectacular places to stay in Glenorchy! It’s quiet and tranquil, making it a must-visit for those who also like to escape the crowds.

The campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis and costs $15 NZD per night for adults and $7.50 NZD for children, with under 5’s staying for free.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to lay your head for a night or maybe more, Kinloch Campsite is a top choice.

10. Hike Diamond Creek Track

On any Glenorchy day trip itinerary, you don’t want every activity to take hours. Luckily, there are some really short hiking trails you can do, and one of the best is the hike to Lake Reid via the Diamond Creek Track.

So what’s “short”? Well, how about a 35-minute hike each way!

From the trailhead on Routeburn Road just after the bridge that crosses the Rees River, it takes a little over half an hour to reach Lake Reid at a steady pace. The trail follows Diamond Creek, which is a popular trout fishing spot in the area.

At the end of the trail, you can enjoy the views of the lake, the Dart Valley, and Paradise! It’s short but undeniably beautiful.

11. Glenorchy Animal Experience

If you’re traveling with kids (or not) then the Glenorchy Animal Experience is one of the best activities you can do in Glenorchy! The experience involves walking around a small New Zealand farm to get to know all the super cute animals. Although it’s a real farm, the animals are no longer farm animals but more like pets.

The entrance fee is $25 NZD for adults (16+) and $15 NZD for children (5-15).

It’s a self-guided tour, starting with some info on the rules on the farm and what animals you cannot feed. Then you can walk at your own pace and say hello to New Zealand sheep, lambs, horses, ducks, chickens, pigs, and of course, friendly farm dogs.

I honestly love this short tour, and despite being perfect for children, it’s also fun for adults!

You’ll find the Glenorchy Animal Experience just a 2-minute drive north from town, and they’re open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. You can find out more over on their website.

If you aren’t driving yourself to Gelnorychy but still want to visit the Glenorchy Animal Experience, I’ve got you covered! This tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy includes a stop at the Glenorchy Animal Experience, as well as all the other classic Glenorchy sights.

So if diving into Kiwi culture through a farm experience is high on your bucket list, you can reserve this tour for $194 NZD online here!

12. Explore the Glenorchy Jetty and Railway Shed

The first place I always go when I get to Glenorchy is the jetty, which you can find here. From the jetty, you can join the Glenorchy Boardwalk, and it’s also a great place to park that’s within walking distance of shops and cafés.

If it’s your first visit, be sure to get out and walk to the end of the jetty. It provides a great vantage point to enjoy the mountain views and get some photos.

Another place to check out is the historic Railway Shed which was used many years ago in Glenorchy. On the inside, you can read some plaques about the history of the area and more.

Last up is a unique attraction that sits in the shallow waters of Lake Wakatipu. The famous “trees in a line” are located just in front of the Railway Shed and are a pretty cool sight to see and photograph. I’m still not sure how the trees grew in the water in a perfect line. Did someone plant them like that!?

13. Horseback riding through Paradise

Unfortunately, I’m not the person to be talking to about this activity, as I’m deathly allergic to horses! But I wanted to include it in my best things to do in Glenorchy so horse lovers out there don’t miss out.

There are a few companies that offer horseback riding tours in Glenorchy including Dart Stables, Paradise Livery Stables, and High Country Horses.

The most popular based on reviews is High Country Horses. They offer a huge range of tours including half-day, full-day, and overnight tours starting from $110 NZD, as well as multi-day camps and training sessions. Honestly, if you love horses, then this is one tour in Glenorchy you’ll want to do!

Once again, I’m sorry I can’t offer more… annoying allergies!

14. Invincible Gold Mine Track

Around Queenstown, gold mining used to be all the rage. You can see this on trails such as the Mt Crichton Loop Track, and with the fact that Queenstown was once called “The Camp,” because it was a gold mining camp!

Miners searched far and wide for gold, and in a small mine just north of Glenorchy, some miners struck gold (quite literally!).

This mine is now accessible by the Invincible Gold Mine Track. This trail starts just outside Glenorchy on Rees Valley Road and takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete at a steady pace. Along the way, you can see lots of remanences of the area’s gold mining past, including old machinery. Keep an eye on the ground, you never know what you may find!

The trail also offers stunning views of the Rees Valley, so it’s both a historical walk and a viewpoint trail. In fact, I’d say I like the views more!

15. Hike Earnslaw Burn Track

The last hike on this list of things to do in Glenorchy is a good one! Best suited to those who consider themselves hikers, Earnslaw Burn Track is an epic overnight hike or grueling day hike.

The trail starts on Lover’s Leap Road just off Glenorchy-Paradise Road and leads through the backcountry until you reach Mt Earnslaw and its famous hanging glacier.

Going one way, the hike is around 8.3 km (5.2 mi) with 500 m (1,640 ft) of elevation gain and takes around 5 to 7 hours, depending on the size of your pack and pace. The Earnslaw Burn Track is rated as medium to hard, so this definitely isn’t a walk in the park.

Personally, I recommended camping one night on the trail. With epic views of the mountains and the track’s quiet nature, this is one adventure that avid hikers shouldn’t miss in New Zealand.

Hiking the trail requires some planning, so check out this guide to the track for more info.

16. See lupins around Glenorchy

Lupin season is one of my favorite times to road trip around New Zealand’s South Island. From mid-November until early January, the lupins on the South Island bloom in an array of colors along highways and lakes.

In Glenorchy, there are lots of places to see lupins with some of the most breathtaking being the Glenorchy Wharf, Little Stoney Creek Campsite, and the road from Queenstown to Glenorchy. With that said, just drive around, and I’m sure you’ll find lots of places filled with lupins as they change every year.

One of the reasons why is because lupins are actually a weed in New Zealand and they are sprayed to stop them from spreading. Because of this, each year some lupin patches do disappear. Although a pest, they make for some pretty spectacular photos, and some people even plan their trip to NZ around lupin season!

17. Enjoy a scenic flight

If you’re not game to go skydiving then there is only one other way to get a birds-eye view of the stunning landscapes around Glenorchy. On a scenic flight, you can cruise high above the valleys, mountains, and rivers, taking in more views than your eyes can handle.

There are a few companies that offer flights in Glenorchy. Glenorchy Air and Heli Glenorchy both offer scenic flights. Heli Glenorchy specializes in helicopter flights, and they offer a huge range of experiences, including this one to Mt Earnslaw! These trips start from around $330 NZD per person and can add a whole new level of epic fun to any Glenorchy trip.

Glenorchy Air, on the other hand, offers scenic flights in small planes. They also have a large range of flight options including flights to Milford Sound, Mt Earnslaw, and Mount Cook.

When choosing between a plane and a helicopter, it’s impossible to say which is better. Scenic flights in planes are cheaper, and you generally see more, but in a helicopter, you certainly get closer to the action!

Where to Stay in Glenorchy

Glenorchy is a beautiful place to spend a night or two. Honestly, the atmosphere is so peaceful and nothing like Queenstown. It’s the perfect place to take a break and unwind! That said, the majority of hotels in Glenorchy are for mid-range budgets and above, as there aren’t many super budget-friendly places to stay here (I’d recommend staying in Queenstown for more options on a budget).

The best places to stay in Glenorchy are:

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat – $/$$

The Kinloch Retreat is a fantastic mid-range hotel located a short drive out of Glenorchy in an even quieter location on the other side of Lake Wakatipu. It’s also the most budget-friendly of the options available, with dorm rooms available all the way up to cozy six-bedroom houses.

Next to Kinloch Retreat is a DOC-owned (but operated by the retreat) campground with non-powered sites for $15 NZD per person per night. Of course, if you want something a little more luxurious, stay at the retreat and enjoy access to the kitchen lounge, as well as an on-site restaurant.

A bed in a dorm here at the Kinloch Retreat starts from $65 NZD per night, while you can enjoy a one-night stay in a twin room from $170 NZD per night. With just 19 rooms available, make sure to check availability early and book your stay here to avoid missing out.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge – $$$

This place has it all! The Headwaters Eco Lodge is a holiday park and offers luxury accommodation with stellar views. Not only are breakfast and a 3-course dinner included daily, but as their name suggests, the hotel focuses on being environmentally conscious, which I love. All rooms also enjoy free Wi-Fi, heated floors, and you get free parking with your room.

A one-night stay here at The Headwaters Eco Lodge starts at $790 NZD, and you can check availability and reserve your room online here.

Ecoscapes – $$$

EcoScapes is a luxury hotel with the most amazing views. Each room has a large glass wall, so you don’t miss a single sunset or sunrise if you don’t want to. Family-owned, all room reservations also include a fantastic breakfast, and their cooked meals are highly rated.

With some of the friendliest and helpful staff you could ask for, I’d recommend staying at EcoScapes if you’re looking for plenty of luxury with some of the best views you could ask for.

Rooms here aren’t cheap, starting from $595 NZD per night, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a seamless stay with extra luxury, it’s one of the best. You can check availability and book online here on Booking.com.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Thanks for Reading!

Glenorchy is a little slice of paradise, and the best part is that Paradise is only a short drive away! With so much to see and do in Glenorchy, it’s no wonder it’s seen as one of the most amazing places to visit in New Zealand. To me, it’s a break from Queenstown’s busy atmosphere and a place to clear my head and refresh – a must-visit place on any Queenstown itinerary if you ask me.

Thanks so much for reading my guide on the best things to do in Glenorchy! If you found this guide helpful, then stay awhile and browse around. Check out some more amazing places to visit on the South Island! Or feel free to take a look at some of these specific guides I’ve listed below:

10 Easy Hikes in Queenstown, New Zealand

12 BEST Stops on the Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy

10 EPIC South Island Road Trips You’ll Love in New Zealand