As the name suggests, Paradise is jaw-droppingly beautiful. This tiny town is near Queenstown and Glenorchy on the South Island. It might not seem like there’s much to do in Paradise except take photos with the iconic road sign, but if you love the outdoors, you’ll love it here. You'll drive along roads through dramatic valleys, past forests and beneath towering mountains. I’m a certified Passanger Princess (AKA: Lucky girl whose boyfriend does all the driving), and believe me when I tell you I spent a good hour with my head stuck out of the window.

One of the best things about visiting Paradise is that you can explore some of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations. Isengard, as seen in Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was set in the Dart Valley just north of Glenorchy!  Whether you're a Tolkien fan or just love a good view, this place feels magical.

Most people visit Paradise and Glenorchy as a day trip from Queenstown. But, the area is stunning and, in my opinion, it would be difficult to experience it all in one day. I recommend staying overnight at Mrs Woolly’s Cmpground and allowing yourself at least two days to explore. There is so much to do, like hiking the famous Routeburn Track or jet boating on Dart River!

How to get there

Paradise is one hour from Queenstown or just 20 minutes from the centre of Glenorchy. To get there, you’ll follow the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road - one of the best drives in the world! The road hugs the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu and boasts incredible views of the mountains from start to finish. Make sure you stop at Bennetts Bluff Lookout! Once you’re in Glenorchy, continue north for around 20 minutes. The road to Paradise is gravel, so it’s a good idea to check if your rental car allows you to drive on unsealed roads. Lots of them don’t, and I always think it’s better to be safe than sorry!