This post will give you information about how to get to Glenorchy from Queenstown.
Glenorchy is a small town with less than 1000 people living there year-round. But it’s a popular place for people to visit from Queenstown.
What is the most popular way to get from Queenstown to Glenorchy? Car. Driving along the beautiful 46km road connecting Queenstown and Glenorchy is an experience in itself.
But we’ll cover the rest of the options below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Drive
2. Organised tours
3. Bus
4. Uber and Ola
5. Hitchhike
6. Bike
HOW TO GET TO GLENORCHY FROM QUEENSTOWN
You can’t help but notice the General Store when you visit Glenorchy (they’ve got great pies).
1. DRIVE
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is a tourist attraction in its own right with lots of places to stop off such as Bob’s Cove and Moke Lake.
That said, the highlight for most is the view from Bennetts Bluff Lookout (photo above).
It’s easy to figure out the route as the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road is the only road connecting the two. The scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is ~46km and can take anywhere from 45 – 60 minutes if you don’t make any stops along the way.
The wide timeframe is because the road twists and turns a lot and that means people drive at a wide variety of speeds. Drive safely, and don’t do what infuriates locals and stop in the middle of the road to take photos thinking there’s no traffic around.
Admire the views, but stay focused on the road and if you want to stop, use the safe pull-over areas.
2. ORGANISED TOURS TO GLENORCHY
Glenorchy makes for a great day trip from Queenstown given the easy access to the town. There are various operators who will do all the planning for you, allowing you to:
- safely enjoy the views on the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy
- get a glimpse of what the area has to offer
Here are a couple of the options you can book:
- VIP Glenorchy & Paradise Expedition
– a 4 – 4.5 hour trip on a 4×4 safari with a glass roof so you can premium views on the drive. You’ll also get to see Diamond Lake and Paradise after exploring Glenorchy. Then have the classic Kiwi experience, watching sheep shearing. - Glenorchy & Paradise Scenic Half-Day Tour from Queenstown
– A 4 hour trip that stops off at various Lord of the Rings locations near Glenorchy (they’ll provide costumes if you want photos) and you’ll get to see some of Glenorchy, Paradise, and Diamond Lake. - A Lord of the Rings Tour
– This tour takes you to Lord of the Rings filming locations on the way to, and around Glenorchy. You’ll also see X-Men and The Hobbit filming locations, meaning you get to see Diamond Lake and sample a little of Mount Aspiring National Park via the Dart River Valley.
So the tours are going to overlap a little, but take note of the reviews that’ll help you determine the best choice for you.
3. THE QUEENSTOWN TO GLENORCHY BUS
There’s no public bus between Queenstown and Glenorchy, but you can catch the bus service with Glenorchy Journeys between the two places (departing Queenstown from 37 Shotover Street (minimum numbers apply).
Check the website for up to date departure times, but at the time of writing this they depart:
- from Queenstown to Glenorchy at 8 am, 11.45 am, and 4 pm
- from Glenorchy to Queenstown at 10.15 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm
You can book online ($25 for adults/$20 for children).
This isn’t a solid option if there are a few of you. They offer private transfers as well, so if there’s a larger group you might want to enquire with them about that option.
They also offer rides to various places around Glenorchy such as the Routeburn Shelter, Kinloch Lodge, and the Greenstone Caples Track. They could get you to the Earnslaw Burn trailhead too.
RELATED: ROUTEBURN TRACK TRANSPORT OPTIONS
GREENSTONE CAPLES TRACK TRANSPORT OPTIONS
4. UBER AND OLA
Zoomy doesn’t operate in Queenstown, and Ola doesn’t allow you to select a ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy as it’s outside their regional boundaries. Uber has the price at about $120 but there’s not always a vehicle available.
If there are four of you, that’s not such a bad price compared to the bus, but then again…rent a car?
5. HITCHHIKING TO GLENORCHY
Hitchhiking in Queenstown is pretty easy, and that includes getting to Glenorchy.
The best place to stand in Queenstown to get a lift to Glenorchy is just past the One Mile Car Park Roundabout.
If possible, try to get to the hitching spot by 9 am to capture those going to Glenorchy for the day.
On your return, don’t leave things too late as there can be minimal traffic later in the evening and you could get stranded (keep in mind there could be a 6 pm bus departure as mentioned earlier).
I’ve had success hitching from Queenstown to Glenorchy several times. That said, only hitchhike in NZ if you’re confident.
6. CYCLING TO GLENORCHY
It’s possible to ride between Queenstown and Glenorchy, but I would only recommend this for those who take road cycling somewhat seriously and are confident on bikes.
Personally, even though I’ve done a little cycle touring in New Zealand, I wouldn’t be confident riding on this ride given the twists, turns, and narrow sections.
That said, people ride from Queenstown to Glenorchy and back for training so you can’t rule it out. If you’re planning to do this, try and go early in the morning when there’s less traffic on the road.
You could always cycle one way, and meet your friends later who come via car and you return with them as well.
If you have any questions about how to get from Queenstown to Glenorchy leave a comment below or email me jub@churnewzealand.com
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Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.