The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic road trips in New Zealand (if not the entire world). I hadn’t planned to do this drive, but I jumped at the chance when I had a free day in Queenstown.
The 28-mile/45 km road winds through the beautiful mountains alongside Lake Wakatipu. It’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been (as in New Zealand as a whole!).
Once you reach Glenorchy, you are greeted by a cute town surrounded by beautiful views, rugged mountains and pristine lakes.
In this guide, I’ve shared everything there is to know about the Queenstown to Glenorchy road trip, including how to get there and all the best places to stop along the way.
This stunning road trip is an absolute must if you have a rental car in New Zealand.
How to get from Queenstown to Glenorchy
The distance between Queenstown and Glenorchy is 45km or 28 miles. The best way to get from Queenstown to Glenorchy is by car.
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy only takes about 45 minutes. However, there are several incredible places to stop along the way, so I would dedicate a full day to the road trip.
The road weaves its way through Mount Aspiring National Park, one of the most magnificent places in New Zealand. There is stunning scenery around every corner and several short walks with beautiful views.
It’s also possible to drive from Wanaka to Glenorchy in one day. Just factor in the extra hour’s drive between Wanaka and Queenstown.
If you don’t have a car in New Zealand, your best option is to join an organised day tour.
This tour is a fantastic choice. You’ll have time to explore Glenorchy and the Dart River area, as well as make several stops along the way.
For Lord of the Rings fans, consider this tour, which focuses on famous filming locations for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Is Glenorchy worth visiting?
Glenorchy is a must-visit place on New Zealand’s South Island. While the drive to Glenorchy is amazing, it’s also worth spending time in the town itself.
It’s very small, but there are some lovely coffee shops and souvenir shops. The surrounding mountains and scenery are also beautiful.
Honestly, my day trip to Glenorchy remains one of my favourite memories from New Zealand.
It’s also a little off the beaten path, so it tends to be much quieter than other places in the area, but there are still plenty of things to do.
The area also has exciting outdoor activities, including hiking and horse riding.
The best stops on a drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy
Sunshine Bay
You’ll find your first spot as you drive out of Queenstown. Sunshine Bay is on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and gives you amazing views of the magnificent mountains. If you want to stretch your legs, there’s an easy 2.5 mile (4km) hiking trail which takes you to some viewpoints along the way.
It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery.
Moke Lake
Moke Lake is a little out of the way, but it’s an incredibly beautiful area.
There are several things to do in Moke Lake including hiking and kayaking, but it’s the scenery itself which makes this lake so special.
I didn’t get to spend much time here myself, but here’s a great guide to visiting Moke Lake.
Wilson Bay
I loved this hidden gem. The water was crystal clear. As I visited Wilson Bay on a nice day, I had the perfect mountain reflection in the water.
Wilson Bay only needs to be a quick stop on your Queenstown to Glenorchy drive, but it’s well worth it.
There is also a walk you can do between Wilson Bay and the Seven Mile Recreation Reserve. The walk takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Bob’s Cove
This is another stunning spot on this itinerary. Bob’s Cove is home to a 30-minute loop walk through the forest. Towards the end, you’ll find a clearing with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu with the mountains in the background.
After the loop (or instead of the loop), follow signs to the Jetty for more magnificent views.
Bennetts Bluff Lookout
Bennetts Bluff is another scenic viewpoint on the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy (spoiler: there’s a few in this list). I promise it’s worth it though, this was one of my favourite stops on the road trip.
There’s a large car park (with toilets), so you don’t need to worry about finding space. From there, it’s a short five-minute uphill walk to a fantastic viewpoint of the lake and the valley.
This really is an incredible place to stop.
Queenstown to Glenorchy Road
Just when you think it can’t get any better, you begin the next part of your drive to Glenorchy and wow … it’s breath-taking.
This isn’t a specific spot as such, but after leaving Bennetts Bluff, the scenery somehow becomes even more spectacular.
There are a few places where you can pullover to admire the views. Just make sure you are in a designated spot and not causing obstructions on the road.
Glenorchy
Once you arrive in Glenorchy, take some time to stop and walk around the town. It’s very quiet, peaceful and there’s a few places to buy coffee and snacks. It’s well worth spending some time exploring.
Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway
While in Glenorchy, make sure you don’t miss the Lagoon Walkway. The walk takes you out of the town and round the lagoon/swamp. There are some fantastic views of the mountains. The walk takes 1-2 hours (I did it in 1 hour) and it’s completely flat. If you want to get out into nature without taking on a big hike, this is a good option.
Glenorchy Animal Experience
If you’re keen to meet some farm animals, the Glenorchy Animal Experience could be your answer. The farm welcomes visitors to pet and feed their many animals including pigs, horses, alpacas and sheep (to name a few).
The entry cost for an adult is $25 NZD (Dec 2023). The farm is just beyond the town.
Isengard Lookout (beyond Glenorchy)
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, then this iconic filming location must be on your Queenstown to Glenorchy itinerary.
There is a tiny spot at the side of the road where you can park and walk down under the bridge. Keep walking and you will be greeted by snow-capped mountains and a crystal-clear river. It was so beautiful. It’s a lovely spot to spend some time relaxing or eating lunch.
If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, the area is full of famous filming locations for the franchise. Be sure to check out all the famous Lord of the Rings filming spots around Glenorchy and Queenstown.
Routeburn Nature Walk
If you’re keen to explore the Routeburn area without taking on a big hike, consider the Routeburn Nature Walk. It’s only 2 miles (3.1km) with minimal elevation. The walk takes you through an ancient beech forest and is perfect for all abilities. You’ll need to drive about 25 minutes beyond Glenorchy to reach here.
Routeburn Track
This is one of New Zealand’s famous great walk. On average, it takes 3 days to complete as you traverse some of the most incredible landscapes in New Zealand. The hike ends near Milford Sound.
For those keen to do just part of the track, consider the Key Summit hike when driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
Queenstown to Glenorchy Tours
If you don’t have a car but still want to visit Glenorchy, fear not. There are several day tours operating from Queenstown to Glenorchy.
If you’re an avid Lord of the Rings fan, there is a dedicated tour which will take you to all the famous filming locations near Queenstown and Glenorchy. Journey through Middle Earth and feel like you’re in the movie yourself.
For those who want to make the most of the amazing scenery, consider joining this day tour from Queenstown. It takes you to many of the scenic spots in the area and you’ll also have a guide.
