Queenstown · GLENORCHY & PARADISE TOURS
14 reviewed
The road to Glenorchy runs 45 minutes along the lake into the valley that played Middle-earth, and it only improves past the tar seal. These are the best Glenorchy and Paradise tours: which travel by 4WD, which add a Dart River jet boat, and which chase film locations. Good for a half day, better for a full one.
Jet-boat thrills on the glacier-fed Dart River plus Mt. Aspiring National Park views from Glenorchy, with naturalist guide and winter-warm gear.
“It was a thrilling experience, totally worth the money! Pedro, our jet boat driver was such an amazing guy, he took good care of us, did some thrilling stunts on the water and gave lots of good info. Would do it again!”
Ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy chasing LOTR and Hobbit filming spots, including Mt Aspiring scenery, costumes, and replica swords for $124.
“Nice excursion! The road to Glenorchy was amazing! The views on the mountain and the lake 😍. The guide was friendly and tried to communicate his passion for LOTR. Tea and cookies for breakfast and costumes of LOTR to take pictures.”
Half-day Glenorchy & Paradise scenic tour from Queenstown with Māori storytelling, film locations, costumes, and included tea. Small group, big views.
“It was a beautiful half day driving and walking through the quaint small towns of Glenorchy and Paradise. It rained a bit, but Altitude Travels gave us umbrellas. It was a very small group and we felt like being privately chauffered. Aragella was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Through her we got to know the country a bit better. The morning tea was simple but delicious.”
Jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a funyak back down in Mt Aspiring National Park, with pickup, picnic lunch, and Middle-earth views.
“We had an amazing trip! All of the staff were upbeat and knowledgeable! Ellie and JJ were an absolute blast. The sand flies were a pest but not enough to make the trip bad. Our favorite park was kayaking into the chasm and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters before lunch. Highly recommend this duo trip of jet boat and funyak to experience all the Dart river has to offer!”
Half-day Queenstown to Glenorchy and Paradise with LOTR film stops, optional costumes, and kiwi-style morning tea in a Mercedes.
“Amazing tour as we were only 3 Filipinos in the group plus the tour guide. Shanay, our tour guide, was really great and funny. She even gave us small gifts to end the tour. Thanks so much for this wonderful experience.”
Half-day Glenorchy 4WD from Queenstown to Isengard, Lothlórien and Ithilien Camp with hotel pickup and refreshments.
“Being in Hobbiton with all the hobbit houses and props felt like being in the movie! Topping it off with a drink of ale at the Green Dragon was the icing on the cake!”
50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown to Mt Aspiring glaciers, with an exciting glacier landing when conditions allow.
“I am so glad I decided to do this, it was the highlight of my trip.”
Ride a jet boat, paddle a Funyak, picnic by the Dart River, then tour Paradise Valley film sites from Queenstown.
“Extremely well organised, ran like a boot camp. All staff so nice and friendly. Felt completely confident at all times. Equipment lent, all perfect. For improvement, Meet INSIDE the station building.”
50-minute Queenstown helicopter with hotel transfer, Skippers Canyon and Earnslaw Burn views, and a glacier landing for photos.
“From the minute we were picked up to when we were dropped off we had a fantastic experence. The checkin was quick and the safety well explained. The flight, just amazing. We didn't feel rushed or frightened in any way. Alfie was an amazing pilot answering our questions and engaging the whole flight. I would highly recommend going.”
Glenorchy from Queenstown on a luxury small-coach: Maori legends, Lake Wakatipu views, photo stops, and 1.5 hours to explore.
“The tour was great! Our guide was amazing & quite funny! His McDonalds joke is one that will stay with me for a long time. Very interesting facts learnt on this tour.”
Jet boat the glacier-fed Dart River from Glenorchy with Maori stories, LOTR film backdrops, and optional Queenstown transfers.
“Brilliant fun and spectacular scenery, our driver/guide Dean was superb. A must do jet boat safari!”
Fly Queenstown to Milford Sound, soak up aerial Fiordland views, then enjoy three easy walks and fly back with local pilot commentary.
“This trip was excellent! We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and even though the flight was smooth, our pilot (Annabelle) warned us every time there could potentially be bumps. She was very professional and informative on the flight, and friendly! Milford Sound is stunningly beautiful and worth the journey!”
Small-group half-day from Queenstown to Glenorchy with Māori storytelling, big lake views, and time to explore the village.
“It was very good and enjoyable trip. Specially the stories about the place and view was awesome even driver knows everything as well”
Fly from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook, explore Mt Cook Village, hike Hooker Valley Track, then return by air with small-group care.
“The views from the plane were stunning and Jim was an excellent guide. Also enjoyed hiking the Hooker Valley.”
