Glenorchy

Tours

Enjoy a small-group tour of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand, specially designed for fans of the films. Within minutes of leaving Queenstown, reach the Glenorchy Road, which follows the edges of the Great Lake Wakatipu, and has been voted  one of the top 10 drives in the world. Admire snowcapped mountains that arise around every corner of the journey. Your first stop will be the 12 Mile Delta. Here, enjoy a short nature walk over the 12 Mile canyon footbridge and spot trout and salmon in the crystal-clear water below. Learn about the local flora and fauna and visit the locations, where scenes from the films were shot. Next, refuel with a delicious morning or afternoon tea picnic near the famous Glenorchy red shed and wharf. Once you have eaten enough to satisfy a Hobbit, adventure further into the World Heritage Mt. Aspiring National Park, home of Lothlorien Forest, where you will have the opportunity to snap some photographs dressed as your favorite Lord of the Rings character with replica swords from the trilogy. Next, head up the Dart Valley through "Paradise" to Isengard for some time to enjoy this amazing location in this spectacular glacier-carved valley. Stories and behind-the-scenes secrets will be shared by your passionate local guides on the way back to Queenstown.

Take flight a small luxury plane leaving Queenstown. Admire the awe-inspiring scenery from your very own window seat as you soar over Fiordland National Park, listening to the pilot's commentary. Landing at Milford Sound airport you will be escorted to the Cruise Terminal either by shuttle or 15 minute nature walk to meet your boat. Enjoy 2 hours of spectacular scenery and wildlife on the Gem of the Sound, learn all about the history of the area from the skipper as he skillfully pulls the boat underneath waterfalls and right up to the base of famous Mitre Peak. Your pilots will meet you off the cruise at the Terminal and take you back to the awaiting plane for your return to Queenstown. Your complimentary shuttle will drop you back to your hotel with plenty of time to enjoy the legendary dining scene.

Take a guided tour by comfortable minibus to explore the natural beauty of Milford Sound and the surrounding area. Your tour includes a sightseeing cruise, a picnic lunch, and plenty of scenic stops along the way. Meet your guide in Te Anau and drive along the lakeside, making a stop at Te Anau Downs to soak in the scenery. Enter the Fiordland National Park and visit Eglinton Valley, to admire the landscape carved by an ancient glacier. Continue to Mirror Lakes and see the Earl Mountains reflected in these clear waters. Relax and take photos by Lake Gunn, before continuing towards Hollyford River. Pass the waterfall at Falls Creek as you head higher into the Darran Mountains, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Keep a look out for local wildlife, including kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot. Enter Homer Tunnel and learn this history of this hand-built tunnel, before arriving at Milford Sound. Board the boat for a sightseeing cruise and see impressive views of Mitre Peak. Back on dry land, take a bush walk through The Chasm and snap photos at Pop's View Lookout, on the return journey to Te Anau.

Combine wilderness jet boating with unique ‘Funyak’ inflatable canoes for a fun way to explore the Dart River located in the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. Your full-day adventure begins with a courtesy transfer to Glenorchy from Queenstown.  Admire lakeside scenery as your local driver shares entertaining commentary about Lake Wakatipu and its legends. The spectacular 46-kilometer drive is considered one of the world’s top 10 scenic drives. Meet your friendly, experienced guides at the Dart River visitor center who will kit you out with all the equipment you’ll need for the day. Enjoy 1-hour of high-speed wilderness jet boating through the clear waters of the Dart River into the Te Waipounamu World Heritage Area and your Funyak launch site.  Start your paddle, soaking in the tranquillity as you float downstream on sparkling water. Explore hidden side streams, rock pools, and dramatic chasms under the expert guidance of your guides. Savor a delicious picnic lunch, which marks the midway point, before continuing downriver. At Paradise, climb aboard the bus for a back-country tour through the valley to Glenorchy. Immerse yourself in scenes and backdrops from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your adventure concludes with your return to Queenstown. 

Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu and is home to what many say is New Zealand's best scenery and a slice of Middle-Earth magic. View stunning scenery and alpine vistas as you are guided in style aboard a luxury Mercedes van. Enjoy an overload of sightseeing and views packed into a fun half-day adventure to Glenorchy and beyond. Upon arrival in Glenorchy, you will be awe struck as you gaze at the mountain ranges and native beech forest which set the backdrop for this rustic town. You will have some time to check out the town's local sites and hidden gems, while also learning about Glenorchy and its fascinating Maori history. After Glenorchy, visit Paradise, view Diamond Lake, and explore the surrounding areas. There’s endless natural beauty and scenic stops along the way, ensuring you’ll go home with some postcard-worthy photos. View multiple Lord of the Rings movie locations, such as Twelve Mile Delta, where the first fight between Faramir's Rangers and the Giant Oliphaunts took place. In a location called "Paradise," you will also get to see the famous locations of Isengard and Saruman's Tower. Costumes are available, so you can re-create scenes and dress as a character from the movie. Whether you are a Lord of the Ring’s fan or not, you will be impressed with the stunning scenery surrounding these locations. Taste a kiwi-style morning and afternoon tea with a spectacular back drop. Your guide will set up the ultimate picnic in one of a number of picturesque locations, consisting of classic, kiwi delights. With a stunning natural backdrop comprised of majestic mountain ranges and native beech forest, Glenorchy is sure to leave you speechless.

If your main focus is to see as many Lord of the Rings locations as possible, then this is the tour for you! Head to Glenorchy on a scenic drive toward Paradise Valley, where Lord of the Rings and other movies were filmed. After pick-up from your hotel, set off on an adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery and Lord of the Rings filming locations. Journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy, stopping at breath-taking viewpoints for mountain and forest views along the shore of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley.  En route from Glenorchy, follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard, a location offering stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Head to Paradise discover the location for the Forest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown, you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. You'll also visit gorgeous locations from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Discover breathtaking World Heritage scenery, exhilarating wilderness, thrilling jet boating, and Maori heritage on a half-day adventure. Travel deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park with the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River. Throughout the day, your experienced guides will add a personal touch, sharing the area’s history, the Greenstone trail, and Maori legends.  Your half-day adventure begins with a courtesy transfer to Glenorchy from Queenstown. Admire lakeside scenery as your local driver shares entertaining commentary about Lake Wakatipu and its legends. The spectacular 46-kilometer drive is considered one of the world’s top 10 scenic drives. Arrive at the Dart River visitor centre and be equipped with everything you need for your jet boat experience. Climb aboard and discover a unique combination of breathtaking scenery matched with thrilling high speeds.  Enjoy 2 hours of thrilling high-speed on a jet boat ride through Dart River’s wilderness. Skim across braided, glacier-fed rivers into the Te Waipounamu World Heritage Area. You’ll travel as far up the river as possible, before returning to Glenorchy back down the Dart River to immerse yourself in scenes and backdrops from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Return to Glenorchy and join the courtesy transfer back to Queenstown.  Sample Itinerary: 08:30 AM Courtesy transfer from Queenstown to Glenorchy 09:30 AM Dart River jet boat experience 11:30 AM Return to Glenorchy 1:00 PM Arrive Queenstown

Start with pickup from your hotel in Queenstown and travel west along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and Paradise. Discover a wide variety of filming locations throughout the tour with your expert guide. Bring the films to life with a variety of movie props you can use to recreate movie scenes at the filming locations. Enjoy photo stops in the Paradise region of Mount Aspiring National Park, with some short walks on easy trails. Explore the Forest of Middle Earth and discover the settings for scenes of Lothlórien. Stand on the Isengard Lookout and admire the scenic views of the area. Return to Queenstown for lunch at a local café, before heading east of the city for the afternoon portion of the tour. Discover Gibbston and Arrowtown and visit the settings for Gladden Fields and The Pillars of the Kings. Pan for elven gold in the river, and journey along a portion of the scenic Skippers Canyon Road, which was the setting for scenes featuring The Ford of Bruinen. Enjoy the spectacular scenic views over the Wakatipu Basin throughout the tour, with drop-off back in Queenstown in the evening.

Day 1 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Marvel at the stars at the Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo. Visit The Church of the Good Shepherd. Hike up Mount John for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Day 2 - Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook (return) Spend the day at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Hike the Hooker Valley Track to Hooker Lake. Day 3 - Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Enjoy a buffet dinner with panoramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant (At your own expense). Day 4 - Queenstown free day Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown. Day 5 - Queenstown to Glenorchy day trip Cruise past the lake, soaking up the views, and onto Glenorchy for some short walks. Day 6 - Queenstown to Wanaka Roys Peak hike (6-hour return). Take in breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka (only accessible from November to May). Mt Iron hike (alternative to Roys Peak) that provides 360-degree views of The Pisa range. Visit the famous Wanaka tree. Day 7 - Wanaka to Franz Josef Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park. Head to Lake Matheson, famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Day 8 - Franz Josef Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop (included). Walk the Glacier valley walk in Franz Josef Day 9 - Franz Josef to Christchurch Take a scenic hike across Arthurs Pass, walk the Castle Hill track, and visit Devils Punchbowl waterfalls.

Day 1 - Auckland to Hot Water Beach •Explore Cathedral Cove •Relax at Hot Water Beach; by digging your own spa pool. Day 2 - Hot Water Beach to Waitomo •Hike through the Karangahake Gorge •Magical Glowworm Caves in Waitomo Day 3 - Waitomo to Rotorua •Hike through the Ruakuri Reserve •Spend the evening and night at a Māori village where you'll learn about the history and culture of the locals. •Opportunity to visit Hobbiton (not included) •Immerse yourself into Maori culture and history by exploring Rotorua. Day 4 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park via Taupo •Walk the Huka Falls walkway •Soak under a waterfall or in the naturally heated rock pools at Spa Park. Day 5 - Tongariro National Park •Hike the Tongariro Crossing; one of New Zealands best one day hikes (shuttle not included) •Go skiing or snowboarding on Mount Ruapheu (equipment not included) Day 6 - Tongariro National Park to River Valley •Hike the Taranaki Falls walk •Spend the day at River Valley Lodge; nestled on the Rangitikei River •Go white water rafting on the Rangitikei River or Horse trekking (not included) •Enjoy an organic group roast dinner. Day 7 - River Valley to Wellington •Buzzing city vibes in the capital Wellington Day 8 - Wellington to Kaikoura •Inter-Island transport across the Cook Strait; one of the most enjoyable and beautiful ferry journeys in the world •Wine tasting in the Marlborough region •Visit Kaikoura Seal colony. Day 9 - Kaikoura to Christchurch •Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway •Enjoy the amazing panaramic views of Kaikoura •Discover hidden gems of Christchurch in a city street art trail Day 10 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo •Marvel at the stars at the Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo. •Visit the The Church of the Good Shepherd. •Hike up Mount John for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Day 11 - Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook (return) •Spend the day at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. •Hike the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake. Day 12 - Lake Tekapo to Queenstown •A buffet dinner with panaramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant. Day 13 - Queenstown free day - Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown. Day 14 - Queenstown to Glenorchy day trip - Today we'll cruise past the lake, soaking up the views and onto Glenorchy where we will do some short walks. Day 15 - Queenstown to Wanaka •Roys Peak hike (6 hour return); take in breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka (only accessible November to May) •Mt Iron hike (alternative to Roys Peak); providing 360-degree views of the The Pisa range. •Visit the famous Wanaka tree Day 16 - Wanaka to Franz Josef •Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park. •Lake Matheson; famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Day 17 - Franz Josef •Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop (included) •Walk the Glacier valley walk in Franz Josef Day 18 - Franz Josef to Christchurch •Scenic hikes across Arthurs Pass •Walk the Castle Hill track. •Devils Punchbowl waterfalls.