GLENORCHY

Glenorchy is known as the ‘head of the lake’ and is the gateway to a magical outdoors experience surrounded by mountains and worldrenowned Paradise Valley. The area hosts a number of the countries iconic walking tracks, including the Routeburn, the Rees-Dart and Greenstone-Caples. Plan plenty of time visiting and take your time – Glenorchy has so much more to offer for the discerning outdoors connoisseur.

Short walks

The Lagoon Walkway is a boardwalk track which crosses wetlands with plenty of opportunity to view bird life. There are also views of Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and the surrounding ranges. The track is fun for a family and starts at the northern end of Glenorchy and only takes about an hour. It’s a great way to start the day before the morning coffee.

Another well-defined track is the easy beech forested stroll into Lake Sylvan which can be done as a loop. The lake is home to brown trout and numerous small native fish.This walk is a hidden gem nestled in surrounding bush with good views of Mt Earnslaw’s Turret Head from the viewing platform.

It’s a great morning walk as it only takes around 2 hours to complete and the birdsong is incredible. In summer, take your togs and have a swim in the lake or just enjoy the rich bird life. If you are lucky, you’ll see a mohua/yellowhead.

Longer walks

Take a half day and enjoy the start of the Routeburn. Drive or arrange to be dropped off to the trail head, which is approximately 15 minutes from Glenorchy and journey into the World Heritage area of the Mt Aspiring National Park and experience the peace and serenity of a forest created thousands of years ago and virtually untouched since the last ice age. Throughout the walk a variety of landscapes opens up: mountainous peaks; sheer rock faces; alpine basins; pristine lakes; cascading waterfalls; turquoise rivers and million dollar views around every corner. This walk is on a well signposted easy track which will take you through ancient beech forest beside an impressive river gorge which is dotted with breathtaking jade-green pools. The area is a haven of native bird life - the bush robin, tui, bellbird and yellowhead. The Routeburn half day walk is a lovely short experience suitable for all fitness levels, and takes approximately 2 hours walking.

On the water

Depending on the weather and the lake conditions paddle across to Pigeon and Pig islands to explore the scenic reserves.

Around town

Take the Glenorchy Heritage trail, opened to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the settlement of the district. With a small map you can see the refurbished library, visit the museum or just get some inspiration from the local shops and art galleries.

Explore

Grab a picnic hamper and drive about 20min north of the village to Diamond Lake to the top end of Mt Alfred. The Middle Earth scenery here – it was a location in the Lord of the rings and Hobbit movies – is second to none.

Getting There

Easy 45 min drive from downtown Queenstown.

Stay – Camp Glenorchy

Camp Glenorchy is perfectly located at the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park. The team from Camp Glenorchy believe there is nothing nicer than sharing their region with guests. They offer guided walks to enjoy the great outdoors while also learning about the native fauna and wildlife with local knowledgeable guides. Alternatively, they will drop you off and pick you up, so you can explore the area on your own.

Camp Glenorchy has long recognised the impact we make on our environment and is somewhat of a leader in sustainability and by choosing Camp Glenorchy, you will choosing a low carbon footprint holiday. Camp Glenorchy has been built to one of the highest standards of sustainability in the world, the Living Building Challenge, and has recently been acknowledged with the world’s first ILFI Certification of Sustainability for visitor accommodations. Camp Glenorchy is now certified as, producing more energy than it consumes over a year through its solar panels.

All of the profits from Camp Glenorchy go to the Glenorchy Community Trust and benefit the local community. Feel free to pop in for a free sustainability tour to find out more about their sustainability story. www.campglenorchy.co.nz