Glenorchy Scenic Day Trip from Queenstown
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What you'll do

Glenorchy, a tiny lakeside town 45 minutes drive from Queenstown, boasts one of the most beautiful road trips in all of New Zealand!
This small but gorgeous town is one of my favorite day trips from Queenstown and has great things to see and do on the way there.

This itinerary captures all the best nature spots in Glenorchy and places to visit during the drive.

Day 1

1

Bob's Cove Track

Hike

Secluded track with lovely views

This track is such great value for effort with a picturesque pier and lookout over two arms of Lake Wakatipu.
It is quite popular these days so I recommend coming early in the morning or in the evening.
Do it on your way to Glenorchy!

2

Glenorchy Restored Steamship Depot

Fotospot

Iconic Otago heritage building

Glenorchys instagram famous red shed! Visit in the morning for the best photography lighting.

Glenorchy Restored Steamship Depot is a renowned and popular heritage building located at 4 Islay St in Glenorchy, Otago 9372. It has earned numerous favorable reviews for its fascinating architectural features, perfect location close to Queenstown and its effortless accessibility. One of the most captivating elements of this depot is the iconic red shed which has been featured in countless photographs and is a favorite among tourists.

3

Glenorchy Wharf

Fotospot

Iconic Glenorchy Wharf

Glenorchy Wharf is a stunning marina located in the small settlement of Glenorchy at the northern end of the magnificent Lake Wakatipu in the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand. It's a popular tourist spot, situated close to many of the area’s renowned tramping tracks such as the Routeburn Track and the Rees and Dart Tracks. Visitors can enjoy activities like canyoning, fly fishing, jet boating, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, sky diving and boating or take a leisurely stroll along the circular public boardwalk that runs through the Glenorchy Lagoon. It's also been used as a backdrop in many famous films and TV shows including Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings franchise, Vertical Limit, X-Men Origins: Wolverine and BBC's Top of the Lake. With its beautiful scenery and incredible activities, there’s no doubt Glenorchy Wharf is a must-see destination for any traveller in the area.

Need a bite to eat? You've probably noticed that there are very few stores and eateries in Glenorchy! Mrs Wooley's general store has a very beautiful eating area out the back and decent cabinet food.

4

Mrs Woolly's General Store

kavárna

Charming Kiwi Cafe in Glenorchy

Mrs Woolly's General Store cafe is a charming, cozy little general store with coffee and cabinet food.

There is an outdoor seating area at the back of the general store that is very cute!

5

Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway

Fotospot

Serene Lagoon Walkway

The Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway provides stunning mountain views, perfect for a morning or afternoon leisurely stroll. This 3.2 km loop trail is very easy, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to spot wetland birds while crossing over the boardwalks that meander through the wetlands. Visitors should take special note of the incredible reflection of the snow-capped peaks in the lagoon, making for some truly memorable photo opportunities. In December, the lupins naturalised along the trails make for a spectacular sight of purple and pink. Of course, bring a picnic or grab a coffee and hot chocolate from a local café before starting your walk, and use the benches and picnic tables located throughout the trail to admire the tranquil scenery.

6

Glenorchy Walkway Scenic Point

Sightseeing

Stunning New Zealand Walk

The Glenorchy Walkway is an incredible wakl that takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. With views of snow-capped mountains, turquoise blue lakes and lush green native trees, it’s no wonder why this area was chosen as a Lord of the Rings filming location. The trail features easy flat terrain with a boardwalk around the scenic Mirror Lakes, making this a great spot for all ages and fitness levels. There’s even an allocated car park at the start of the trail so you can enjoy the beauty without too much walking.

7

Moke Lake

area

Scenic Alpine Lake

Beautiful alpine lake with a popular 2 hour loop track. If you don't want to do the whole walk it's still worth a drive by and casual stroll!

Please keep in mind that the lake is accessed by a gravel road and its recommended you have a 4WD in winter.

Further information: Moke Lake is a stunning hidden gem close to Queenstown and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Moke Lake offers visitors an array of activities, from hiking around the lake and up secret viewpoints that provide stunning views, to kayaking, canoeing, fishing and mountain biking. Stargazing at night is also particularly inviting, as on clear nights the stars in the sky light up the lake and its surrounding mountains. Adding to the lure are camping facilities offered by the Department of Conservation, making it easy and affordable for travelers to stay at this natural wonder and continue to explore all that the area has to offer.

Moke lake is a very cool place to visit on your return journey. Please note that this rugged lake has a gravel road and it's recommended you have a 4x4 vehicle if you are visiting in winter.
The lake loop walk is 2 hours, or you can stroll about the various view points along the road.