Did you even go to Glenorchy if you didn’t get a photo of the iconic wharf?

This picture-perfect wharf is located in Glenorchy, a sweet little sleepy town west of Queenstown. It's framed by mountain peaks that are so beautiful, you'll want to stop here for much longer than you intended to!

If you're not staying in Glenorchy overnight, I recommend doing a day trip to Glenorchy from Queenstown! Aim to arrive early (sunrise is beautiful) or stay and watch the sun set over the mountains.

How to get there

The drive is 45km/30 minutes and is 100% worth adding to your road trip itinerary. It's famous for being the backdrop to the Lord of the Rings trilogy and is home to some of New Zealand's best hiking trails, like the Routeburn Track.

Once you're here, you'll find the wharf beside the famous Glenorchy Red Shed. It's five minutes from the centre of town, where you'll find plenty of pubs, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Where to stay in Glenorchy

If you fancy staying in Glenorchy overnight, I recommend Mrs Woolly's Campground. You're within walking distance of the wharf, shops and Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway. The campground has a mix of powered and unpowered sites, and you’ll wake up to breathtaking 360-degree mountain views :)