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Scenic Tours

Glenorchy Scenic Tour

ADULT
From NZD $179
CHILD (0-15YRS)
From NZD $99
DURATION
Half Day: 4.5hrs
(AM & PM Departures)

Discover the top of Lake Wakatipu & beyond on our amazing Glenorchy Paradise Explorer Tour.

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  • The Red Shed in Glenorchy
  • Views on the Glenorchy Road
  • Visit Paradise
  • You'll find Gandalf in Paradise if you're lucky
  • Epic views in Glenorchy
  • The road to Paradise
  • Viewpoint on Glenorchy Road
  • Local kiwi morning tea
  • Kiwi Morning Tea
  • Glenorchy Wharf
  • Lord of the Rings dress up anyone?

    • Let's go to Paradise.

    A magical half-day scenic Glenorchy & Paradise tour departing central Queenstown daily at 9am & 2pm.

    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

    ADULT
    From NZD $179
    CHILD (0-15YRS)
    From NZD $99

    Discover the top of Lake Wakatipu & beyond on our amazing Glenorchy Paradise Explorer Tour.

    Book Now
    Gift Voucher
    Small Group Scenic Tour (max. 16 people)
    Famous Movie Locations (LOTR)
    Kiwi Morning/Afternoon Tea
    Departs 9am & 2pm (4.5 hours)
    Onboard Wi-Fi
    Play Scenic Tour Video

    The people have spoken

    Amazing day! Had an amazing day! Glenorchy and Paradise were beyond beautiful. The picnic provided was so lovely and the host, Do, was great! She was friendly, knowledgeable and made the day very enjoyable! Will do this again when we come back! Could not recommend more!
    - Alana_E
    From Gorgeous to Gandolf To Charming Glenorchy. We took the Glenorchy tour, having flown into Queenstown two hours earlier. What an introduction! The van housed a smaller group which led to a more flexible itinerary, increased questions, and a more intimate setting for guide and guests to get acquainted. A highlight was stopping for afternoon tea, and the guide encouraged my wife to dress up like Gandolf. We made a memory. It is a beautiful tour; the guide is knowledgeable and very friendly. I'd encourage everyone to make this a "Don't Miss" on your discovery of the South Island.
    - Paul_M
    Was very glad we took this excursion! Glenorchy and Paradise are most scenic places to see in New Zealand. The tour guide, Alana, was very patient and knowledgeable.
    - Kumar_S
    Wow! Our driver/guide shared lots of local knowledge along the way. Lots of stops along the way to enjoy the amazing scenery and take photos. We had morning tea beside Diamond Lake. The reflections in the lake were stunning. Small group tour. Highly recommended!
    - Sandra_C
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    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.

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    Magical half day scenic tour of Glenorchy paradise
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