15 BEST Places to Stop on the Drive from Glenorchy to Queenstown

Glenorchy is a small town located at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu about a 45 minute drive from Queenstown. It’s seriously charming and worth a visit. Being a little off the beaten path, it’s a peaceful escape from the buzz of downtown Queenstown.

The drive from Glenorchy to Queenstown (and vice versa) is known as the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and said to be one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. The road follows alongside the vast Lake Wakatipu with mountains as the backdrop. As the road curves around bends and crests over hills you are treated to some seriously stunning views. 

Along the way you’ll find scenic lookout points, swimming spots, hiking trails, famous filming locations and plenty of photo opportunities.

In this blog, I’m sharing 15 of the best stops starting from beyond Glenorchy, pretty much as far as you can go by road, to help you plan the ultimate road trip itinerary!

FAQs about Glenorchy

First, here are some frequently asked questions you may find useful when planning your trip to the charming rural town of Glenorchy.

Is Glenorchy worth visiting? 

Yes, Glenorchy is definitely worth visiting! It’s a small township in a remote location surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. If you enjoy being in nature and want to experience rural New Zealand then it’s one of the best places to visit.

How far is Glenorchy from Queenstown?

The drive between Glenorchy and Queenstown is 46 kilometres (29 miles). It takes approximately 45 minutes to drive without any stops.

How do I get to Glenorchy?

There isn’t a public bus service between Queenstown and Glenorchy so the best way to get to Glenorchy is to rent a car and drive yourself.

If this is not possible, there are several guided tour options like this half day tour that will pick you up in Queenstown and take you around the popular attractions in Glenorchy.

Is it safe to drive in winter?

Yes, the drive is usually fine to do in winter (June to August) without any issues. Just be careful of black ice especially if driving in the early morning or at night. As a general rule it is recommended to carry snow chains during winter. 

How long should I spend in Glenorchy?

You can experience Glenorchy in as little as half a day but a full day would be ideal. There are so many things to see and do, you can mix and match options to suit your desire, budget and level of fitness to create a memorable day trip. 

Is it worth staying in Glenorchy?

If you have the time, an overnight stay in Glenorchy is highly recommended, especially if you would like to experience any of the fantastic day hikes in the area. There are several accommodation options to suit a variety of preferences and budgets from campgrounds, to lakeside villas to off grid eco-retreats.

When is the best time to visit?

Glenorchy is great to visit any time of the year. Summer and winter tend be popular seasons and therefore busier. Be sure to bring lots of warm layers if visiting in winter. Being the shoulder season, spring tends to be less busy and autumn is also a great time to visit with golden landscapes and cooler temperatures for hiking.

What is Glenorchy known for? 

The remote location and stunning scenery of snow capped mountains framing rolling green hills are the famous backdrop to some seriously popular Hollywood films including Lord of The Rings,  X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Water Horse and Vertical Limits.

About the Drive

The journey between Glenorchy and Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is one of most scenic drives in New Zealand. This 46 kilometre (29 mile) stretch of road snakes along Lake Wakatipu and as you crest over hills and around the bends you’ll be awed by the draw dropping scenery until you arrive in Glenorchy.

The road is fully sealed (paved) and suitable for all vehicles including RVs and campervans. It takes around 45 minutes to drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy without stopping. There are a few narrow parts and sharp turns so take care if unfamiliar with the terrain especially in inclement weather. As you’ll see below, there are plenty of places to stop along the way.

If you plan on going to some of the stops past Glenorchy such as Paradise, Kinloch and the Routeburn Track trailhead, the roads become gravel. They are well maintained and suitable for most vehicles. That said, it’s worth checking the road conditions before heading out particularly if you’ll be travelling during winter or after heavy rainfall, as these roads can get washed out after a major storm.

15 Best Stops from Glenorchy to Queenstown

Here we are sharing 15 of the best stops to do on the drive between Glenorchy and Queenstown or vice versa. You won’t have time to do every one on the list in a day but you can pick and choose the ones that sound the best to you and prioritise those. We’ve noted the ones we think are ‘must-dos’ and which ones are less (or not) suitable during winter. 

We also started the list from beyond the Glenorchy end, the furthest point you can get by road. This may sound a little weird but the first time we visited Glenorchy it was only for a day so we drove straight to the furthest point and worked our way back. This way if we ran out of time we could easily do the rest of the stops that were nearer to Queenstown the following day since we were staying in Queenstown. 

Of course this list also works in reverse order from Queenstown to Glenorchy and can be split over two days if you plan to spend a night in Glenorchy, which we highly recommend you do.

1. Kinloch

At the top of Lake Wakatipu you’ll find New Zealand’s smallest township of Kinloch. It’s a 25 minute drive beyond Glenorchy along a gravel (unsealed) road and pretty much as far as you can get by car in this area. The drive is incredibly scenic and you’ll feel a world away from civilization.  

There isn’t a whole lot to do in Kinloch but if you want to experience the ultimate peace and quiet, completely immersed in nature this is the place. Otherwise you can skip Kinloch as a stop on your itinerary. 

It’s halfway between the Routeburn Track and Greenstone Caples track and 12km (7.4 miles) from the Lake Rere Loop Track. If you’re an avid hiker it’s a great place to recharge before starting or ending these tracks. 

For a unique escape, the EcoScape is a lakeside eco retreat in Kinloch. Their two guest pods are environmentally friendly, cleverly combining sustainability with luxury comforts. Next door is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat which offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets and a fantastic restaurant on site offering home cooked meals made from local and sustainable ingredients.

2. Lake Rere Loop Track

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 14.2km (8.8 miles) return | Time Needed: 4-6 hours

*Not Suitable in winter or after heavy rainfall 

If you’re an adventurous traveller and prefer an off the beaten path experience you may want to consider the Lake Rere Loop Track. It’s incredibly beautiful and being a remote and lesser known hike, no crowds. 

This 14km loop track will take around 4 to 6 hours to complete and starts 12km from Kinloch (about an hour’s drive from Glenorchy) along a gravel road. There may be a couple of fords to cross so just check the road conditions before going and ensure your vehicle is suitable. 

You can park at the Greenstone carpark and walk in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Heading clockwise, you’ll cross the bridge and follow the marked route across open paddocks for an hour until you reach Elfin Bay, a great spot for a swim to cool off in summer. Then it will be a steep climb for a bit until you reach Lake Rere. 

After Lake Rere, the track leads through grassland and a beech forest along the Greenstone River before joining the Greenstone Track back to the start of the walk. 

3. Routeburn Track Day Hikes

The Routeburn Track is classified as one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks starting in Mount Aspiring National Park and generally walked over 2-3 days, staying in huts or tents along the way. 

The Routeburn Track starts at the Routeburn Shelter, a scenic 30 minute drive from Glenorchy. After driving over the bridge above the Dart River (where you’ll see stunning views of mountains in front of you complete with waterfalls), you’ll turn right onto Routeburn Road. The road will become unsealed (gravel) until you reach the Routeburn Shelter. Here you’ll see a large car park and the start of the Routeburn Track. 

There are few options to experience the Routeburn Track in a day. 

The Routeburn Nature Walk is a great alternative from the full 33km Routeburn Track that will take only about an hour to complete. Starting at Routeburn Shelter you’ll follow the Routeburn Track for about 10 to 15 minutes until you see a marked turnoff on the left that leads along a winding path to the valley floor. After meandering through beautiful red beech forest for another 10 to 15 minutes the track rejoins the main Routeburn Track. From here, you can turn back and follow the main track back to the carpark. 

Whichever one you choose you’ll be treated to stunning views of the rivers and valleys the area is known for.

Note: If you are visiting in winter it’s best to check conditions on the DOC website before heading off. The hike to Routeburn Falls is not suitable for winter due to a high avalanche risk but the others are usually ok to do in winter. Also, if you’d like to spend the night in one of the huts or do the full track, this will need to be booked on the DOC website in advance.

4. Lake Sylvan Loop Track

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 5.3km (3.3 miles) return | Time Needed: 2 hours

Lake Sylvan is a beautiful alpine lake tucked away near the Sylvan Campsite just off Routeburn Road, not far from the Routeburn Shelter. The Lake Sylvan Track starts at the suspension bridge over the Dart River.

Once you cross the bridge continue on until you reach the lake. The track continues in a short loop around the lake before heading back to the campground. It’s an easy trail that should take around 2 hours to complete. 

It’s a lovely and peaceful walk, although if you only have time for one short walk I would recommend the Routeburn Nature Walk over Lake Sylvan. Also, if you are visiting in winter then give this a skip as the trail can get quite muddy.

5. The Isengard Lookout

This is a quick stop for the Lord of the Rings fans who would like to see the filming site of Isengard in the LOTR films. 

You’ll find the viewpoint near the one-lane bridge between Glenorchy and the Routeburn Shelter. It’s about a 15 minute drive if travelling from either direction, from Glenorchy or if coming from the Routeburn Shelter on the way back to Glenorchy. 

Once you turn onto the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road you’ll come to a one-lane bridge that crosses the Dart River. There is a spot to pullover on the left hand side just before the bridge if coming from Glenorchy. Only pull over if safe to do so, and from here you can walk down to the riverbed for photos.

6. Paradise

Yes, Paradise is actually the name of this small rural settlement, a 25 minute drive past Glenorchy. 

The Paradise-Glenorchy Road is known as ‘the road to Paradise’. The road becomes unsealed but is well-maintained and should be fine for most vehicles.

The drive is beautiful and you’ll find the start of several epic hiking trails in Paradise. Otherwise, as a day trip, there isn’t a lot of other things to do here so it’s a quick stop for the iconic photo with the ‘Paradise’ road sign and to experience driving the ‘road to Paradise’. 

Nearby is Diamond Lake if you have time to spare for a short walk around the lake.

7. The Glenorchy Red Shed

*Must-do stop

A trip to Glenorchy isn’t complete without a visit to the famous little red boat shed and beautiful lakefront. Take a walk to the end of the jetty to enjoy sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu with the Humboldt Mountains in the background on one side and the head of the Dart River valley on the other. The views are truly breathtaking.

After visiting the Glenorchy Boat Shed, we enjoyed the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway. It is an easy 3.2 km (2 mile) loop walk around the lagoon and takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. You’ll make your way through wetlands on a well maintained track with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. 

If you’re feeling hungry, Mrs. Woollys General Store or the Trading Post are good options for a coffee and sandwich. For a local favourite, you might like to try Queenies Dumplings on Camp St. Opening days and times may vary so best to check websites in advance.

8. Little Paradise Wharf

The first stop leaving Glenorchy (or last stop before Glenorchy if coming from Queenstown) is a small freedom camping spot called Little Paradise Wharf. If you are into photography you may be interested in stopping here otherwise you can probably skip this stop.

It’s an old jetty that is falling apart and creates a beautiful composition especially for long exposure photography. You’ll find it next to the Little Paradise Lodge.

9. Bennett’s Bluff Lookout

*Must-do stop

On your way back to Queenstown, you might like to stop at Bennetts Bluff Lookout for beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountain ranges. You will see the turnoff for the parking lot on your right hand side about 20 minutes from Glenorchy heading toward Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. 

There is a large parking lot which even has toilet facilities. A concrete ramp will take you to the top of the lookout. 

Once at the top you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, Mount Creighton and the Humboldt Mountains. You can even see the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road snaking its way along the coast. 

Bennetts Bluff is worth stopping at any time of the day. On one occasion, we arrived just in time for sunset and were lucky to capture a beautiful pink sky as the sun set over the mountains. Although, it’s equally beautiful during the day with Lake Wakatipu shimmering like diamonds in the daylight.

10. Bob’s Cove Track

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2km (1.2 miles) return | Time Needed: 1 hour

*Must-do stop

Bob’s Cove is a great little track and one of our top stops from Glenorchy to Queenstown. It’s an easy out and back 2km (1.2 mile) trail with picturesque views over the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu. 

As you head along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road look for a small parking lot on your right hand side about 14km (8.5 miles) out from Queenstown (it will be on your left side if heading toward Glenorchy). 

Keep your eye out for a sign that says Bob’s Cove Track and pull in here. There are other trails such as the Twelve Mile Delta that connect to this trail but Bob’s Cove has the best views and will only take about 30-60 minutes to complete. 

It’s our most recommended option if you are short on time and can only do a couple of stops. It has the biggest reward for the time and effort required to get here. It’s a popular swimming hole if you are visiting on a hot summer’s day. Don’t forget to bring a towel. 

11. Mt Crichton Loop Track

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 6.4km (4 miles) return | Time Needed: 2 hours

The Mt Crichton Loop Track takes you in a loop following sections of 12 Mile Creek and through beech forest. You’ll have views of Lake Dispute and a viewpoint of Lake Wakatipu along the track.

The track takes you through a few historical sites from the gold mining days including a rock tunnel used as a tail race and an old mining hut from the 1930s called Sam Summers Hut. 

You’ll find the start of the track 12 miles out from Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. It’s not the most scenic trail in the area but one of the most interesting given the historical remnants you’ll see along the way and a popular trail with locals and families.

12. Seven Mile Point Track

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 6km (3.7 miles) return | Time Needed: 1.5 hours

Seven Mile Point Track is an easy out and back trail through a forest to the Seven Mile Point. The Seven Mile Point is named this because it’s the 7 mile point from Queenstown along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. You’ll see a small parking lot on your right if coming from Glenorchy and where you will find the trailhead.    

The trail finishes in Wilson Bay which is our next stop on the list. If you don’t have time to do the walk, the views of Lake Wakatipu from the parking here are pretty good or you can just skip this stop altogether.

13. Wilson Bay and Lake Dispute Walkway

Wilson Bay is a quick stop along the way for photos or a swim on a hot summer’s day. It’s a picturesque stretch of pebble beach along Lake Wakatipu. 

Keep an eye out for the sign to Wilson’s Bay. There is a large parking lot you can pull into right on the edge of the lake. Super easy. 

Just on the other side of the road to Wilson Bay is the Lake Dispute Walkway. It takes about 45 minutes each way to reach the lake or you can link to the Mt Crichton loop in point 12. A nice walk if you have time to spare but I wouldn’t rate this as one of the top trails in Queenstown so don’t worry about skipping this one if you’re short on time.

14. Moke Lake

*Must-do stop

Moke Lake is a little off the beaten path but, along with Bob’s Cove, is my other favourite stop between Queenstown and Glenorchy. It’s a small lake surrounded by freshwater wetlands, farmland and mountains tucked away on the outskirts of Queenstown. It’s considered to be one of the South Island’s hidden gems, although becoming more popular in recent years.

There are lots of things to do here, including a loop track around the lake, and the landscape is absolutely stunning. You may like to check out my guide to Moke Lake for all the details including how to get here, things to do and the best vantage points. 

The turnoff onto Moke Lake Road is 13.7km (8.5 miles) out from Queenstown in a suburb called Closeburn. Moke Lake Road starts out sealed before turning into a gravel road. You’ll be travelling through private property as you pass through farmland and will cross over a few cattle grates. 

If you have some time in Queenstown, you could easily turn this into a half day trip on its own. Otherwise for a quick stop, there are plenty of photo opportunities and the walk around the lake will take a couple of hours to complete.

15. Sunshine Bay

A peaceful and secluded little beach along Lake Wakatipu, Sunshine Bay is a favourite spot with locals to get away from the hustle and bustle. You’ll find Sunshine Bay 5 minutes out by car from Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. 

There are two ways to access Sunshine Bay. One is to pull into the parking lot which takes you right to the lakes edge and Sunshine Bay Beach. 

Alternatively you can hike to Sunshine Bay. Look out for the One Mile Car Park and it’s a short walk from there that will take you up along the cliffs for impressive views of Lake Wakatipu before reaching Sunshine Bay. Be sure not to take the turnoff to the neighbourhood of Sunshine Bay, the signs can be a little confusing.

If you are short on time this can easily be visited from Queenstown. You can even walk to Sunshine Bay from Queenstown by following Lake Wakatipu past Omar Park to One Mile Creek. From here, continue along the side of the road until you reach the trailhead for Sunshine Bay Track.

Recommended Itineraries

Avid hikers might like to head straight to the Routeburn Track for a day hike, stay overnight in Kinloch and then do the Lake Rere Loop Track the following day. If you start early in the morning you’ll still have time for other stops on your way back to Queenstown. 

Keen photographers may like to focus on Bob’s Cove, Bennett’s Bluff, Little Paradise Wharf, the Glenorchy Red Shed and Moke Lake, all good spots offering a variety of landscapes to photograph. 

For the ultimate day trip for sightseers we recommend heading out to the Paradise Road sign, a visit to Glenorchy Wharf and the red boat shed followed by a stroll around the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway. Grab lunch in Glenorchy before heading back to Queenstown. On the way back stop at Bennetts Bluff and then do the short hike to Bob’s Cove. 

If you are based in Queenstown for a few days Moke Lake is a great half day trip on its own and Sunshine Bay can be walked from Queenstown.

Tips for the Drive Between Glenorchy and Queenstown

• We recommend filling up your car with petrol (gas) in Queenstown before heading off. There are a couple of petrol stations in Glenorchy if you do get stuck but definitely more options in Queenstown.
• Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit and towel if you plan to take a swim at one of the swimming holes.
• Pack sunscreen, sunhat and bug spray (for sand flies), particularly for the warmer weather.
• Wear layers you can adjust throughout the day. This goes for any time of the year, especially if you plan on doing any of the hikes. The weather can be quite changeable in the mountains. Warm gear will be needed for winter months, it gets very cold.
• Bring lots of snacks and water. There is a general store and a couple of cafes in Glenorchy. Other than that there aren’t a huge amount of options for food in Glenorchy and opening hours may vary, so best to be prepared. 
• Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes or boots for the hikes.
• Be sure to take any rubbish home with you and leave no trace to help keep New Zealand as beautiful as you found it.

Final Thoughts

The drive from Glenorchy to Queenstown is a must-do drive that everyone should experience at least once. With so many great stops along the way you can easily turn this into a day trip or even better, stay overnight in Glenorchy. With all the options to choose from it’s sure to be a memorable road trip experience in New Zealand!

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