Glenorchy is approximately 45km away from Queenstown. Google will tell you it’s approximately 45 minutes however I have never been able to do it in less than an hour. The road to Glenorchy is full of places to stop. Every corner on the lake has a beautiful view and you will want to stop at most!
I highly suggest taking a whole day to do this drive.
The road to Glenorchy is sealed however it is quite narrow and windy. If you haven’t driven on the left before, you may find the cliffs a bit intimidating. Which is why many visitors opt to let someone else do the driving.
Places to Stop
Queenstown Luxury Chauffeurs offer a 6 hr private Glenorchy scenic day tour. This tour will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation. Even if you don’t book the tour, the places they visit will give you a good guide of where to stop.
Moke Lake: This is a short stop off the main road. It leads to a tranquil glacial lake surrounded by tussocky hills. This is a great place to have a short walk. Often the lake is still early in the day.
Bennetts Bluff: This is a classic. You can look straight down Lake Wakatipu with mountains all around. If you’re going to stop one place, this would be it!
Wilson Bay: This is a peaceful spot. Many people have a swim here on a hot summer’s day. But as it is glacier fed, the water is quite chilly!
Glenorchy Village: This is a small sleepy village. Everyone goes to Mrs Woolly’s General Store for a coffee and a treat.
Red Shed & Lagoon Walkway: The red shed on the wharf is one of the most iconic spots in the South Island. The walkway along the lagoon is short, flat and has some beautiful mountain reflections if it is a calm day.
Paradise & Routeburn Track
As you drive past Glenorchy the road becomes more adventurous. The Paradise Valley is a beautiful spot with tall beech trees and wide river flats. It is very picturesque! The tour offers this as an optional extra, based on time and conditions. You should treat it the same way. The roads aren’t great after heavy rain.
The Routeburn Track trailhead is also located here. You don’t have to hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks to enjoy the start of the Routeburn Track. An hour hike is worth it!
Extra Activities
If you want a little more to your day, you could do a horse trek around Glenorchy, a jet boat ride through the wilderness on the Dart River or take a gourmet picnic lunch. The picnic lunch is a great option as there aren’t many food options outside of Mrs Woolly’s. A picnic by the river is a great option!
Drive Yourself or Take a Private Driver?
Yes, you can drive to Glenorchy. Many people do. If you are comfortable driving on narrow mountain roads and don’t mind not being the one to enjoy the views then this is for you.
A private driver is better if:
- You are traveling with elderly parents or young children and want the flexibility to stop when you want without the stress.
- No-one in your group wants to drive on the left.
- You would like to do Paradise however are unsure about the unsealed roads.
As the tour is flexible you can have a relaxed day. You could also combine with a half day Middle-earth tour or morning wine tour.
When to Go
You can visit anytime of year. In the summer you will have long evenings and be able to swim in Wilson Bay. In the Autumn the trees will be golden around Glenorchy. In the Winter you will see snow on the peaks and there will be very few people. Just make sure to check the conditions.
Whatever option you choose make sure you have the whole day free. If you’re still unsure how to spend your time in the area, Queenstown Luxury Chauffeurs have other day tours from Wānaka to Mt Cook.
