Glenorchy Scenic Tour
Let's go to Paradise.
Join Altitude Tours for a magical half-day small group tour to Glenorchy and Paradise. This small settlement is full of characters and charm, and home to some of the most famous and scenic sights found in the region.
Top Scenic Drive
Begin your day meeting your friendly guide in the Queenstown Town Centre. Starting with a spectacular scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy along the lake edge, with scenic photo spots and entertaining stories from your local guide about Lake Whakatipu and its legends.
Glenorchy Township
Glenorchy township is home to approx. 400 permanent residents and the gateway to Paradise Valley and the Mt Aspiring National Park. Once we arrive in this quaint country town, you will have the chance to explore the picturesque lakefront including the iconic red boat shed.
Paradise Magic
From Glenorchy, we join a dirt track road into the National Park. The Glenorchy-Paradise Road travels past rich farmland, through native beech forests, and across river beds. Not many live up in this direction, with its most famous residents being the mystical characters from The Lord of the Rings and other movies, TV series, and commercials. Your guide will show you famous filming sites, with the chance to dress up as your favourite Middle Earth character for a fun photo opportunity.
In true Kiwi South Island hospitality, we will prepare a morning/afternoon tea at a picturesque location, complete with cheese rolls, a ginger slice, L&P, and Whittaker’s chocolate.
The Journey Back
After Paradise we will return back through Glenorchy, where we will have a brief stop, before allowing you to sit back and relax and enjoy the sights then being dropped back in the Queenstown Town Centre. For a full day of fun combine our morning Glenorchy Tour with a Dart River jet boat ride.
Tour Overview.
Glenorchy Scenic Tour
Glenorchy Tour FAQ's
The Glenorchy Tour operates in all weather conditions, wet days can set the scene for moody, misty Lord of the Rings (LOTR) style movie locations.
We pick up and drop off from the Station Information Centre, Cnr Camp and Shotover Streets. Which is right downtown Queenstown – very central.
Although we have never seen Frodo, we have had a number of people on tour that attest to seeing Frodo in and around the Glenorchy pub. Keep your eyes out and if you can please snap a photo.
The minimum numbers we need to confirm a tour is 3, the maximum we will take is 16 people in one vehicle.
There is no minimum age for the tour, yes it is a family-friendly tour great for people of all ages.
You need to bring a good attitude and fun adventurous spirit. We will be exploring some of the most beautiful scenery. Comfortable shoes and a couple of top layers is advised. If the day looks like it would rain, a rain coat would be a good idea. We have umbrellas on board.
To drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes 45 minutes, however on our Altitude Glenorchy Tour it will be over an hour as we stop at key locations so you can take in the ultimate views and learn about the area – it’s a fascinating part of New Zealand and well worth being guided.
Yes we have a few optional short walks throughout the tour. These are very easy on flat land and no longer than 1km each.
Yes, you can dress in Lord of the Rings costumes on tour, we have a few locations which will make your look like you are in the movie. We carry costumes and props on tour.
Your guide will set up a New Zealand (Kiwi) inspired morning or afternoon tea in a picturesque outdoor location. You will be able to taste local delicacies such as cheese rolls, kiwi-fruit, L&P, tea, coffee and Whittakers chocolate.
We do not have any facilities to lift you into our vans, please get in touch to discuss your requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you.
TRANSPORT
Travel in premium style
Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with panoramic windows for superior viewing with complimentary wifi and videos onboard so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
