Glenorchy is an attractive small town at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, featuring several pubs, cafes, shops and galleries. It’s about a 45 km and 45-minute drive from Queenstown, along the picturesque Glenorchy Queenstown Road. The surrounding scenery of the town is also fabulous. The Richardson Mountains tower above the town. Further north, Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi rises to 2,800 m, featuring prominent twin peaks and a glacier. Across the lake to the west, Mount Bonpland in the Humboldt Mountains stands at 2,343 m.
Often referred to as the Gateway to Paradise, Glenorchy provides literal access to Paradise, a place just 20 km to the north, as well as figuratively, with access to Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The town is popular for day trips, but also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Multiday hiking in the parks includes the Routeburn, the Dart and Rees Tracks, and the Greenstone and Caples Tracks. You can also take short walks from the start of these tracks, with numerous other short and day walk options.
The town itself has a historic wharf and a red boat shed on the edge of he lake, which have become popular photo spots. There is also a photogenic line of stunted willow trees in the lake next to the wharf, although less well known than the Wānaka Tree. Walking around the town only takes a few minutes, but be sure to check out the historic photo exhibition at the small outdoor museum and the quirky local gallery. For a longer local walk, take the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway, which starts north of the wharf and the red shed. The walk is an easy loop, and more challenging hikes such as the Mt. McIntosh Loop and Judah Tracks can be found in the Richardson Mountains. Adventure activities available in the area include jet boating, horseback riding, canyoning, kayaking, and scenic flights.
Glenorchy also featured in the 2013 BBC miniseries Top of the Lake, where it served as the fictional town of Laketop.
