Half-Day Self-Explore Trip to Paradise Glenorchy from Queenstown, New Zealand (2024)
When planning for our itinerary in New Zealand, I was sceptical at first about the idea of visiting Glenorchy.
Surely it is the same as visiting the other parts of New Zealand like Wanaka and Lake Tekapo, right?
In the end, I decided to add Glenorchy to our itinerary and see how it goes.
Boy was I WRONG.
It turns out that half-day trip to the so-called Paradise Glenorchy turns out to be the most memorable we ever had experienced in New Zealand.
No wonder it is called the paradise on earth.
So, what about Glenorchy?
Glenorchy is a small settlement located in the South Island of NZ.
Known for its breathtaking scenery and famous for being some of the top film locations such as the Lord of the Rings, there are a handful of sights and activities that you can try,
In this post, I will be outlining our day trip to Glenorchy, including all the things we did.
How to get to Glenorchy?
The stunning journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy ranks among the world’s Top 10 scenic roads, tracing the banks of Lake Wakatipu.
The drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy takes 45 minutes to an hour and provides breathtaking vistas of glistening waters, hanging valleys, glaciers, islands, and towering mountains.
You can opt to rent a car or bicycle, take a bus from Queenstown, or book a guided tour from a tour company to explore the area.
Our Scenic Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, the paradise of New Zealand
Bennetts Bluff Lookout
By 9:00 am, we checked out from our AirBnB and were ready to hit the road.
Luckily for us, the weather is on our side and the roads are pretty much empty.
The view along the road, right after we drove through Queenstown, is outright STUNNING.
Around 35 minutes later, we stopped at the Bennetts Bluff Lookout.
I thought it would be a small lookout but it turns out to be a big one. Upon making the left turn, there was a huge parking space catering to different types of cars.
You must climb the hill to get the panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu.
When we arrived, there were quite a handful of tourist buses already parked. We secretly hoped that the lookout would not be overcrowded as the space seems to be pretty tight.
But we got lucky, most of the other tourists were making their climb down when we were heading our way to the lookout.
And I have to say, this lookout gives out one of the most spectacular views on my New Zealand trip.
Look at the extensive views of the lake and mountains..pretty awesome right?
Within 15 minutes, we were ready to hit the road again. This time, to Glenorchy.
Remark: There are toilets prepared next to the parking lot, but there are no water provided! Bring your own water to wash your hands.
Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve & Glenorchy Red Shed
We made it to Glenorchy after 20 minutes of driving. The duration depends on the condition of the road, the weather and the stops you’re making along the route.
Due to the limited time, we decided to stop at the Glenorchy Wharf.
You’ll know that you have arrived when you see the iconic little red shed written Glenorchy.
Which is why no visit to Glenorchy is complete without visiting this place.
We parked in front of the lake. It is free but I have to say – the space is a bit tight, especially if you’re driving a van.
There is another parking area adjacent to this one, where there are no crowds and with easy access to the toilets. And guys, the toilets don’t provide any water for hand washing as well.
When we arrived, the wharf was full of tourists. So we decided to have our lunch earlier in front of the shed.
There were few more tables and benches like these, but they are reserved pretty quickly. It’s a totally VIP spot I must say, with a view like this!
It was lovely, eating while bathing under the sun.
We took our time to discover the wharf. I couldn’t believe how spectacular the views are. It’s like we are in some sort of a painting.
I am actually disappointed by the fact that we only have half-day to visit Glenorchy as we have to be back to Queenstown and continue our journey to Te Anau 🙁
Other things to do in Glenorchy
If I have more time to spend, I would definitely try out some of these activities!
- Walk through the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway, a flat and easy loop track with gorgeous mountain views.
- Visit the cute Trading Post / Akin coffee shop which is located just next to the river! Don’t forget to try out their carrot cake too!
- Check out the awesome movie-making spots in Paradise with the All About Paradise Glenorchy Tour!
- Spend a whole day in Middle Earth and check out all the Lord of the Rings filming spots, like Lothlorien and Isengard!
- Experience a slice of New Zealand rural life at this picturesque farm located just outside the town, towards Paradise at Glenorchy Animal Experience.
- Take this Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown!
- Get more adventurous and join this Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown!
Where to stay in Glenorchy?
Half-day spent in Glenorchy is not really a good idea.
I admit it, especially when there are many activities you can try here.
If you wish to experience more of the town of Glenorchy and taking different tours such as the Lord of the Rings and the Paradise tours, you’ll definitely want to stay here at least 2 nights.
Here’s some accommodation options for you:
- The Headwaters Eco Lodge is a chill place to stay in Glenorchy, surrounded by some seriously awesome mountain views. You can kick off your day with either a continental or hot breakfast, and if you’re up for it, there’s a tasty three-course dinner option for everyone. Plus, you can dive into all sorts of outdoor fun nearby, like skiing, biking, hiking, and riding horses.
- Check out Glenorchy Lake House, right in the heart of Glenorchy! It’s got a cool barbecue spot and amazing mountain views. You can chill in the shared lounge, hang out in the dining area, and whip up meals in the fully stocked kitchen. Plus, there are loads of fun stuff to do nearby like kayaking, scenic flights, jet boating, and even horseback riding!
- Tucked away by the stunning Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay offers guests a chill hot tub and rooms with amazing lake views. If you’re up for some fun, they’ve got free bikes and kayaks ready to go. Plus, the front desk can hook you up with mountain biking trips, jet boating adventures, and Milford Sound tours.
Was the trip to Glenorchy worth it? Absolutely! Glenorchy, I’ll be back!