Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive: Best Stops, Lookouts & Walks
The Queenstown to Glenorchy drive is easily one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand, and one I recommend to almost everyone visiting the region.
I live in Queenstown and do this drive regularly myself, and I always take visitors to Glenorchy when they’re in town. It’s one of the best day trips from Queenstown, without a doubt.
Officially known as the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, this beautiful stretch of highway hugs the edge of Lake Wakatipu, with towering mountains providing a dramatic backdrop for the entire drive.
Along the way, you’ll find swimming spots, hiking trails, Lord of the Rings filming sites, and plenty of places to pull over for photos.
In this guide, I’m sharing all of the best stops, lookouts, and walks along the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, plus some worthwhile places to explore just beyond Glenorchy.
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Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive Time
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is only around 46 km (29 miles) long.
Technically, this drive takes about 45 minutes one-way without stops. In reality, though, it almost always takes longer than that. There’s just so much to see and do along the way, and you’ll likely want to stop often to take photos and explore.
I recommend giving yourself at least half a day (or a full day if possible) to really enjoy this drive.
It’s also well worth continuing a bit past Glenorchy, where you’ll find some of the best scenery and hikes in the wider Queenstown area.
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Map of the Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive
The Best Stops Along the Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy (and Beyond!)
1. Sunshine Bay
Sunshine Bay is a picturesque, secluded beach on Lake Wakatipu. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from Queenstown near the start of the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road.
You can easily park at Sunshine Bay—but don’t let the road signs confuse you. Instead of heading up to the neighborhood of Sunshine Bay, you’ll want to turn left off the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road to Sunshine Bay Beach.
It’s often too cold to swim in Lake Wakatipu. On a hot day, though, you just may be tempted to swim at Sunshine Bay. It has crystal-clear water and is much less crowded than the main Queenstown Beach.
It’s worth noting that you can also walk to Sunshine Bay from Queenstown by taking the Sunshine Bay Track. So, if you have limited time to drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy but are staying in Queenstown for a few days, you could always walk to Sunshine Bay on another day during your trip.
2. Moke Lake
While it’s not technically on the Glenorchy-Queenstown road, the short (15-minute one-way) detour to Moke Lake is worth it if you’re after a beautiful campsite or mellow day hike. The lake is home to a beautiful DOC campground with walking tracks and amazing stargazing opportunities.
Moke Lake is my favourite campsite close to Queenstown—when you get there, you’ll never believe that bustling Queenstown is only 20 minutes away. It’s really one of the best campsites in the South Island.
When you visit Moke Lake, consider walking along the Moke Lake Loop Track, a lovely 2-3 hour day walk that circles the lake. Or simply go for a swim in the lake on a hot day!
I’d avoid visiting Moke Lake in winter unless you have a 4WD vehicle, as access can be difficult in snowy or icy conditions.
3. Wilson Bay
For a quick swimming stop on a hot summer’s day, park up at Wilson Bay. This is a popular spot for boaties and families, with a nice stretch of pebbled beach and easy access from the road.
If you have more time to spare, though, I recommend swimming at Bob’s Cove instead, which is further down the road. See #6 below for more on Bob’s Cove!
4. Twelve Mile Delta
Twelve Mile Delta is home to a lakefront DOC campground, nice walks and swimming spots, and a Lord of the Rings filming site.
Just a 10-15 minute walk from the campground is the spot where the Ithilien Camp was filmed for The Two Towers. This was the scene where Gollum asks Sam, “What’s taters, precious?” and Sam replies. “Po-TAY-toes! Boil em, mash em, stick em in a stew” (iykyk…).
Anyways, now that I’ve divulged my full level of LOTR nerdiness…here’s how to get there.
To get to the filming site, you’ll want to walk on the first part of the track towards Bob’s Cove via the Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove Track. There are clearly-marked signs to Bob’s Cove, but the filming site isn’t signed (it’s located here).
5. Mt Crichton Loop Track
7.6 km (4.7 miles) return | 2.5 hours | Moderate | Trail Guide
The Mt Crichton Loop Track is a locals’-favorite hiking trail, with dense beech forest, a waterfall, and a historic gold miner’s hut as highlights. This is one of the best short hikes in Queenstown, although not many visitors know about it.
All in all, the Mt Crichton Loop Track is 7.6 km (4.7 miles) and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The hike isn’t extremely hard, but it also isn’t super easy as there is some elevation gain. All-in-all, I rate this one as a moderate hike.
Lots of reviews will tell you to do this hike clockwise; however, I like to go counter-clockwise on this track. That way, you’ll get most of the uphill sections over with at the beginning of the hike, and then you can descend to the historic Sam Summers hut before looping back to the trailhead.
You do need to complete a small river crossing along this trail (a bit after the hut, if you’re hiking counter-clockwise), and your boots may get wet.
If it’s a drizzly day in Queenstown but you want to get outside, this track is a nice option; the beech forest offers some protection from the elements. It’s a great little hike rain or shine.
In winter, you can usually still do this hike, but please be careful as there can be ice on the track.
6. Bob’s Cove
Approx. 2km (1.2 miles) return | 30-40 minutes | Easy | Trail Guide
If you make just one stop along the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, make it Bob’s Cove!
At Bob’s Cove, you’ll find great hiking trails, beech forest, turquoise lake coves, and gorgeous sandy beaches. On a sunny summer’s day, a swim at Bob’s Cove is glorious.
One of the best things to do at Bob’s Cove—besides swimming and relaxing—is to hike up to Picnic Point for stunning views over Lake Wakatipu. The walk to Picnic Point is steep, but it takes just 5-10 minutes to get to the top—although you’ll likely want to take longer so you can stop and enjoy the amazing views.
I recommend packing a picnic to enjoy at Bob’s Cove; before you leave Queenstown, grab some sandwiches at Fergbaker to take with you! Trust me, once you get to Bob’s Cove, you won’t want to leave for a while.
Note: The parking area for Bob’s Cove fills up quick these days, so try to get there early. If you can’t find parking, or if you just want a longer walk, you can also hike there from Twelve Mile Delta. See #4 above for more details.
7. Bennett’s Bluff Lookout
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is so incredibly beautiful that you’ll want to stop and get photos the whole time. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to find a safe place to pull over.
That’s where Bennett’s Bluff Lookout comes in—it’s a great place to stop to stretch your legs and get a photo of the area. There’s a big off-road parking area and it’s just a 5-minute walk up to the lookout.
8. Mrs. Woolly’s General Store
You’ll spot this cute general store alongside the road as you enter Glenorchy.
It’s located right next to Mrs. Woolly’s Campground (the only campground in Glenorchy itself) and is a great spot to grab a coffee or snack—or pick up a souvenir from their gift shop to bring home with you.
9. The Glenorchy Red Boat Shed
The historic red Glenorchy shed is one of New Zealand’s most-photographed landmarks.
While it was once a storage shed for NZ Railways, it’s now a super popular spot for photo ops. The shed sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with mountains behind it and looks straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.
After visiting the Glenorchy Shed, I like to wander over to the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway for an easy, peaceful walk away from the crowds—see more in #10 below!
10. Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway
Approx. 3.4km (2.1 miles) return | 40-60 minutes | Easy | Trail Guide
For a relaxed, peaceful walk in Glenorchy, don’t miss the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway! The walk takes about an hour and goes through beautiful wetlands filled with birdlife.
This lovely trail is almost completely flat, so walkers of most abilities will enjoy it. Part of the trail is on a dirt path, while other sections are on boardwalks that are raised up off the wetlands.
On a calm, windless day, you can often see the surrounding mountains reflected in the lagoon waters. There’s a lot of birdlife in the area, including ducks and black swans, and it feels so meditative and relaxing here.
I love sitting at one of the benches along the lagoon to watch the birds and mountain reflections for a while.
Places to Visit Beyond Glenorchy
11. Paradise
Paradise is a small settlement (if you could even call it that!) about a 25-minute drive from Glenorchy. To get there, take the Paradise-Glenorchy Road (deemed the “Road to Paradise”), which is partially unpaved and can be narrow in sections.
You won’t find much out in Paradise besides a photo-op of the famous “Paradise” road sign and nice scenery from the car, but for some it’s worth the short drive just for the experience of taking the “Road to Paradise.” Personally, I prefer to drive the other direction towards the Routeburn Track.
12. The Isengard Lookout
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, then you’ll love this viewpoint over the Dart River Valley. This spot was a filming site for Isengard in the films. It’s a beautiful viewpoint of the Dart River and surrounding mountains that really does make you feel like you’re in Middle Earth.
To get to the viewpoint, you’ll drive for about 15 minutes past Glenorchy and take the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road. When you reach a one-lane bridge that crosses that Dart River, you’ve reached the spot.
Just before the one-lane bridge, there should be a pullout area on the lefthand side of the road. If you can safely pull over your car and park here, then you can walk down to the riverbed to try and snap some photos. Otherwise, you’ll just need to admire the views as you drive over the bridge.
13. Lake Sylvan Loop Track (and Campsite)
5.3km (3.3 miles) return | ~ 2 hours | Easy | Trail Guide
Lovely Lake Sylvan is a hidden gem in the Glenorchy area.
To get to this pristine, peaceful alpine lake, you’ll follow an easy loop track in a mystical beech forest. The hike is delightful, with lots of birdsong and plenty of shade on a hot day.
I recommend bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy along the shores of Lake Sylvan.
If you’re planning to camp, there’s a great DOC campsite at the trailhead—the Sylvan Campsite. This is a basic, no-frills campground but it’s in an absolutely stunning setting! Do bring insect repellent though, as sandflies can be present.
14. Routeburn Track Day Hikes (to Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls)
Routeburn Flats Hut: Approx. 15km (9.3 miles) return | 4 hours | Moderate | Trail Guide
Routeburn Falls Hut: Approx. 18.2km (11.3 miles) return | 6 hours | Hard | Trail Guide
One of New Zealand’s best hiking trails—the Routeburn Track—is located near Glenorchy in Mount Aspiring National Park. The Routeburn Track is one of NZ’s Great Walks, and hikers usually complete the trail over 3 days, staying in mountain huts or tent camping sites along the way.
The thing is, you don’t actually have to do all of the Routeburn Track to enjoy it. You can do a day hike on the Routeburn Track instead! It’s one of my favourite day hikes in the South Island and I really can’t recommend it enough.
How to get to the start of the Routeburn Track
From Glenorchy, you’ll need to drive for about 30 minutes to reach the Routeburn Shelter, where you can hop on the Routeburn Track.
The drive from Glenorchy to the Routeburn Shelter is so incredibly beautiful. In spring and early summer, waterfalls pour down from the mountains all around you, but it’s absolutely gorgeous year-round.
After driving over a bridge above the Dart River, you’ll turn right onto Routeburn Road, an unpaved (but well-maintained) road. You’ll follow this road until you reach the Routeburn Shelter, which has a large parking area right at the start of the Routeburn Track.
How to Day Hike the Routeburn Track
To hike the Routeburn Track as a day walk, you’ll have two main options: you can either hike to Routeburn Flats (4 hours round-trip; moderate) or continue on to Routeburn Falls (6 hours round-trip; hard).
Both hike options are awesome, so it’s really just up to you to decide how long you want to hike!
Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water and lunch/snacks for the trail before starting your hike; Queenstown is the best place to pick up supplies beforehand.
Important note: If you’re planning to visit in winter, you shouldn’t hike to Routeburn Falls. The avalanche risk is too high, and there will be dangerous snow and ice on the track. You can usually still hike to the Routeburn Flats Hut in the winter, but check with the DOC Visitor Centre in Queenstown before you go (and be extra careful, as the trail might be icy).
And another note: If you want to stay at either the Routeburn Flats Hut or Routeburn Falls Hut, you need to book in advance via the DOC website. Spaces fill up months in advance. However, if you’re just doing a day hike to either hut, there’s no need to book or pay for anything.
15. Kinloch
Kinloch is a tiny township on the opposite side of Lake Wakatipu from Glenorchy. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Glenorchy to Kinloch, but the entire drive is very scenic.
There’s not much in Kinloch besides a lakeside DOC campground and the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, which has historic rooms and eco-cabins to stay in, and an on-site restaurant (which you should book ahead if you plan to visit).
If you’re looking for a good base to explore the area from, you may want to consider camping or staying a couple of nights in Kinloch. If you like hiking, then you’ll love spending some time out this way. This peaceful place is only about an hour from bustling Queenstown but feels a whole world away.
For a good 2-day hiker’s itinerary around Kinloch, consider the following: one day, do a day hike on the Routeburn Track one day (see #14 above); the next day, do a day hike on the Lake Rere Loop Track (see #16 below).
16. Lake Rere Loop Track Day Hike
14.2km (8.8 miles) return | 4-6 hours | Moderate | Trail Guide
For an underrated day hike in the Glenorchy area, head to the Greenstone-Lake Rere Loop Track.
The trailhead is 12 km from Kinloch, along an unpaved road with a couple of fords to cross. I don’t recommend the drive for just anyone, but if you’re an adventurous traveller who wants to get away from the crowds, you will love it out here. Just check up on the road conditions before heading out (and I’d avoid driving there in the winter months, or after a big rain storm).
I recommend doing this loop hike counter-clockwise. You’ll walk under beech forest along an emerald river (the Greenstone), wander through alpine meadows, and eventually reach Lake Rere, which is a great spot to have lunch.
After Lake Rere, you’ll make your way back to your car, eventually skirting alongside Lake Wakatipu. Make sure to go for a swim at Elfin Bay if it’s a hot day—it feels glorious after hiking!
From Elfin Bay, it’ll take about another hour to walk back to your car. This section goes through private farmland, so ensure you’re respectful and don’t disturb the livestock.
Tips for the Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive
- I’ve listed out 16 of the best stops on this drive. However, know that you won’t have time to do everything on the list in a day. You’ll want to pick and choose what stops sound best to you before you hit the road.
- If you’re pressed for time, you can of course just do the drive and not stop along the way. But I hope you can take some time for at least a couple of stops—it’ll be worth it!
- I recommend fuelling up your car in Queenstown before heading out to Glenorchy. Queenstown isn’t exactly a cheap place for petrol, but you’ll have more options than in Glenorchy.
- If you’re planning to go camping around Glenorchy, make sure you’ve stocked up on food and drinking water in Queenstown, as there aren’t any supermarkets in Glenorchy (although Mrs Woolly’s sells some supplies).
- Bring layers! Even if you’re just day-tripping to Glenorchy, the weather can change dramatically from morning to afternoon. I recommend wearing layers (a t-shirt, mid-layer, and warm jacket) so you can take off or add clothes as needed throughout the day.
- Also pack a swimsuit, insect repellent (for sandflies) and sunblock. You just never know what the day may bring!
- Food options are limited in Glenorchy. If you’re planning to get lunch in Glenorchy, I recommend the following places, but make sure you check online before going to make sure they’re open when you plan to visit!
- Mrs. Woolley’s General Store: This adorable shop & cafe is a good spot for picnic supplies.
- Tacos Jaguar: Go here for awesome Mexican food.
- Queenie’s Dumplings: Grab some freshly-made dumplings or a steamed pork bun to enjoy by the lake.
- Akin: This cosy cafe is a good place for coffee and a treat.
- Mrs. Woolley’s General Store: This adorable shop & cafe is a good spot for picnic supplies.
Some Itineraries for the Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive
For the Perfect Glenorchy Day Trip Itinerary
After leaving Queenstown, stop at Bob’s Cove and Bennett’s Bluff on the drive to Glenorchy.
Once you’re in Glenorchy, pick up picnic supplies at Mrs. Woolly’s General Store, then head to the Glenorchy waterfront.
Enjoy your picnic by the lake, check out the Glenorchy Red Shed, and maybe do the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway for a nice, easy walk!
For the Avid Day Hiker
Head straight to the Routeburn Track trailhead and do a day hike to either Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls.
Make sure you pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water and sun protection.
After your hike, if you have the energy, consider popping into Bob’s Cove for a refreshing swim in Lake Wakatipu on your drive back to Queenstown.
For a Short Hike
It’s going to be hard to choose, but take your pick between Bob’s Cove, Moke Lake, the Mt. Crichton Loop Track, or the Lake Sylvan Loop Track.
For Lord of the Rings Fans
Stop by the Twelve Mile Delta Campsite to see the filming site for Ithilien Camp (see #4 above) then continue on past Glenorchy to view the Isengard filming site along the Dart River (see #12 above).
FAQs for the Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive
Yes, Glenorchy is 100% worth visiting! While the town itself is tiny, it’s located amongst one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of New Zealand.
If you enjoy scenic, natural places, you won’t want to miss Glenorchy. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit on the South Island, and the drive to get there is simply stunning.
There is so much to see on the road between Glenorchy and Queenstown—that’s why I’ve written this guide, to help you decide where to stop along the way! There are lakeside beaches, forested hikes, and non-stop amazing views along the drive.
The Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is fully paved (sealed) and you can drive any vehicle on it, whether you’re in a car, campervan, or RV—you don’t need 4WD to do this drive. Do note that it can get quite narrow and windy in spots, so you’ll want to take care.
However, the Glenorchy-Queenstown Highway can occasionally get washed out after a major storm, so check up on the road conditions before heading out.
If you plan to drive past Glenorchy, note that the roads become gravel (unsealed). Most vehicles can make it just fine to Paradise, the Routeburn Track trailhead, and Kinloch (all locations past Glenorchy), but again—check the road conditions before you start driving.
One other thing to note: There is only one road in (and the same road out!) of Glenorchy: the Glenorchy-Queenstown Highway. So, if you miss some spots on the drive in, you can consider stopping at them on the drive back.
Yes, you can usually do this drive in winter without issues. However, if you’re planning to drive in winter (June through August), try to be on the road between 10 am and 5 pm to avoid black ice.
Avoid driving after dark in winter. Take it slow and be cautious, as it can be icy on the road.
In winter in Queenstown, you may not be able to access all of the stops mentioned in this guide, particularly some of the hikes. When I’ve suggested a hike, I’ve tried to note which ones are okay to do (or not) in winter. That being said, check on the DOC website for updates on hikes before you head out. And make sure you wear plenty of warm layers, as it will be cold out there!
There is no public bus service from Queenstown to Glenorchy. The best way to visit Glenorchy is to drive yourself; or, if you’re visiting Queenstown without a car, you can take a tour.
Thanks for Reading my Guide to the Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive!
I hope this guide has helped you plan your drive to Glenorchy.
If you have any questions about this drive (or New Zealand travel in general), feel free to reach out in the comments and I’ll be happy to help!
Want More New Zealand Adventures?
- Another amazing, must-see scenic road is the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Don’t miss it if you’re planning a South Island itinerary!
- If you’re after a longer road trip on the South Island, check out my guide to the drive from Christchurch to Queenstown.
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