From the Glenorchy Walkway, you can enjoy views of Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and the surrounding mountain ranges. Explore Glenorchy via nature trails, a half-day river experience and local history.
Wetlands and trails
The Glenorchy Walkway is a short walk through a wetland with diverse birdlife. The boardwalk takes you across wetlands, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching along the way. The walkway is also particularly suitable for children, provided normal track conditions allow.
Another trail option is the Bucklerburn Track: it is 1 km long and rated easy. From Glenorchy, walkers and cyclists can travel to just before the Buckler Burn Bridge. This gives you the choice of a short walk or a trail with a specified length and difficulty rating.
Half a day on the Dart River
The Wilderness Jet Experience is a half-day jet boating adventure along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. From Glenorchy, the tour takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Knowledgeable guides bring the landscape to life with stories about Māori legends and the Greenstone Trail. The difference in time commitment is clear: the walkway is a short walk, while the jet boat experience is a half-day adventure.
The wharf: views and local history
Glenorchy Wharf & Viewpoint is a lakeside landmark at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and serves as a viewpoint. The Red Boat Shed is located at the wharf and is one of New Zealand’s most photographed historic landmarks. The wharf also serves as a departure point for lake and adventure activities; individual departures and providers may vary. Recreational fishing is another activity there. If you plan to fish, observe local water safety conditions.
The wharf was originally built for steamships carrying passengers, livestock and freight between Glenorchy and Queenstown. It is also a testament to Glenorchy’s historical heritage.
Insights into local history
The historic Glenorchy Library was established in 1891 as part of Rees Valley School. Visitors can enter an enclosed Plexiglas entrance hall in the old library. Together with the wharf’s transport history, this offers another glimpse into Glenorchy’s past.
The wider Queenstown Lakes District
The Queenstown Lakes District encompasses three major lakes—Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea—which are used for boating, swimming and other water sports. A different scale of hiking is represented by the Ben Lomond Track: from Queenstown, it is a challenging, full-day hike with 1,438 m of elevation gain. The route offers panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges; alpine conditions can vary. Its duration and elevation gain differ significantly from the short trails in Glenorchy.
Discover more destinations: Queenstown, Moonlight, Gibbston, Closeburn, Cardrona, Hawea Flat, Wanaka, Kingston.
For the wider travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.
