Glenorchy Road — Queenstown to Glenorchy &Paradise.

Distance

75 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

500 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Glenorchy Road — Queenstown to Glenorchy & Paradise.

Often rated one of the world's most scenic drives, the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road hugs the shore of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables before reaching the tiny settlement of Glenorchy. Beyond it, a gravel road runs into Paradise — the Dart Valley filming country of Lord of the Rings.

Quick facts

SurfaceMixed

Distance75 km

Days1

Total climb500 m

DifficultyModerate

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

5 stops

QueenstownStart · Start in Queenstown, the adventure capital. Head northwest on the lakeshore road — fuel up first, Glenorchy fuel is limited and pricey.

Bennetts Bluff LookoutScenic Point · The signature viewpoint of the road — a sweeping panorama over Lake Wakatipu, Pig and Pigeon Islands, and the surrounding peaks. Pull-off parking.

GlenorchyRestaurant · The red lakeside boatshed is one of NZ's most photographed scenes. Cafe and pub in the village; mountains rise straight from the lagoon.

KinlochScenic Point · Across the head of the lake by gravel road — a remote historic lodge and jetty with views back across the water to Glenorchy.

ParadiseEnd · The road ends in Paradise, the Dart Valley beech forest used for Lothlorien and Isengard in Lord of the Rings. Gravel and fords beyond Glenorchy — ride to conditions.

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