Glenorchy

Mountains, lakes, and Lord of the Rings in real life.

This small lakeside settlement near the Southern Alps draws adventurers to its hiking trails and ski fields. A gateway to Milford Sound, with local fishing spots and mountain bike paths.

4.2
out of 5

Glenorchy, a village of 500 residents, sits on Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, 46 kilometers from Queenstown. You can start the Routeburn Track here, walk through the beech forests where The Lord of the Rings was filmed, or take a jet boat ride on the glacier-fed Dart River. The village serves as a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, with its alpine passes and mountain lakes.

Getting to Glenorchy

The 46-kilometer drive from Queenstown takes 45 minutes along Lake Wakatipu's edge. Many travelers stop at Bennetts Bluff Lookout for views of the mountain ranges. There's no public bus service, but tour companies run daily shuttles to hiking trailheads. In winter, check weather reports before departing as road conditions can become icy.

Hiking the Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track runs 32 kilometers through the Southern Alps, crossing mountain passes and passing alpine lakes. You'll find Department of Conservation huts along the route - book these in advance. Most hikers complete the track in 3-4 days, walking between Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. From June to October, you need advanced alpine skills due to avalanche risk.

Film Location Experiences

Peter Jackson filmed scenes for The Lord of the Rings in Glenorchy's beech forests, transforming them into Isengard and Lothlorien. The Paradise area, 20 kilometers north, became the forest scenes in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Local guides lead walking tours to these locations, sharing details about the filming process and local flora.

Water Adventures on Dart River

The Dart River runs from Mount Aspiring National Park's glaciers. Jet boats speed upstream through gorges and braided river channels. For a calmer experience, kayak guides lead trips along the river's quieter sections and side streams. Pack warm layers regardless of season - the water stays cold year-round.

Paradise and Diamond Lake

Mountains reflect in Diamond Lake's surface at Paradise, where walking tracks lead through beech forest to Dart Valley and Mount Earnslaw viewpoints. You can stay in 1880s pioneer cottages, restored and maintained by the Paradise Trust.

Safety and Practical Information

Alpine weather changes quickly here. Pack rain gear and warm clothing for all walks, even short ones. Mobile phones work only in Glenorchy village - rent a personal locator beacon for backcountry trips. The general store sells food, drinks, and basic camping supplies. For specialized hiking equipment, shop in Queenstown.

Average temperatures during the day in Glenorchy.
July
4°
Aug
6°
Sep
8°
Oct
10°
Nov
12°
Dec
15°
Jan
16°
Feb
16°
Mar
14°
Apr
11°
May
8°
Jun
5°

What people say about Glenorchy

4.2
People
5
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
5

What to do in Glenorchy

Places to visit in New Zealand

Article from September 2024 with 15 places

Around lake Wakatipu you find several good places for camping – one of them is Glenorchy. It is also an excuse to take a road trip alongside the water, views you never want to stop.

Look up a good place to set up your tent or find a place to park your van, where they also have a kitchen, toilets and the other facilities you need for your stay. Choose your spot wisely and you will wake up with a view of snow covered mountains. Just make sure you have some warm clothes with you, even in the middle of spring or even summer it can be chilly nights in the south.

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Lord of the Rings filming locations

Article from February 2023 with 11 places

Misty Mountains and the Ford of Bruinen

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed extensively in Glenorchy. It was selected as a filming location due to its beautiful forests and stunning mountain peaks, making it ideal for standing in for fictional places such as the Shire, Rivendell, and Lothlorien.

The two main areas of Glenorchy used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy were Paradise and the Dart Valley. Paradise was used to film the scenes of the Fellowship's journey through the Misty Mountains, while the Dart Valley was used to film the scenes of the Fellowship crossing the Ford of Bruinen.

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Places nearby Glenorchy

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