Around Queenstown: Adventures & Alpine Views

With Queenstown proper checked off on Day 1, it was time to head out and enjoy the surrounding views of the Remarkables and lake Wakatipu, along with some of the outdoor adventures the area is known for.

Day 2: Stepping into Middle Earth with a LOTR Scenic Tour

Duration of the tour: 4 to 4.5 hours.

Tour company: Pure Glenorchy

This was a must-do tour in our itinerary. As a massive fan of the trilogy, my husband was absolutely thrilled, and it was wonderful to see him acting like a kid in a candy store! Covering Glenorchy, Paradise, and several iconic filming spots like Arcadia Station, this 4-5 hour afternoon adventure picked us up right from the Queenstown centre. The guide shared captivating behind-the-scenes stories, and even if you don't remember every single scene, they provide a helpful picture book to refresh your memory.

Even though I didn’t recall every scene from the trilogy, the breathtaking scenery mixed with the insider crew stories (yes, many of the former film crew now work as guides on such tours giving us tourists an insider scoop of the movie production) made this an unforgettable experience.

Such is the sheer beauty of this place that I highly recommend this trip irrespective of whether you are a LOTR fan or not!

Check out these pictures from our trip!

With a picture book at every film location :)

Another beautiful halt at the LOTR tour near the Dart river.

On the way to Glenorchy in the LOTR tour. Dancing clouds created a delightful, dappled display on the green meadow below.

A Glimpse of Glenorchy & Paradise

A scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu takes you to Glenorchy, a breathtaking village framed by dramatic snow-capped peaks and pristine waters. This rustic village of Glenorchy with its untouched wilderness served as the filming locations for many a films including Lord of the Rings, and Narnia.

Known as a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and iconic hikes like the Routeburn Track, Glenorchy is every adventurer’s dream come true. Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, jet boating, or simply soak in the rustic charm and stunning scenery, it is the ultimate South Island escape.

We had a 30-minute halt there as a part of our LOTR tour and we couldn't stop clicking pictures. It was as if we wanted to capture these beautiful moments with us for eternity.The Red Shed, the boardwalk and the scenes all around us were absolutely mesmerising. No wonder, Peter Jackson chose this area for its magical beauty - perfect for his fantasy epic.

Take a look:

The Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway, an ideal place for an easy stroll with families.

The boardwalk again…

The Red Shed at Glenorchy - A 19th-century storehouse for steamship cargo, and now a local museum showcasing the history of the town.

Pure Glenorchy provided us with replica capes, cloaks, crowns, elf ears, and weapons, allowing us to re-enact scenes and dress as characters in this authentic setting of the beech forests - which represents the elven kingdom of Lothlórien.

Paradise…

Just 13 km (about a 30-minute drive) past Glenorchy lies Paradise, again a place so untouched and beautiful that it is sure to leave you spell-bound. The journey from Glenorchy to Paradise too is again considered exceptionally scenic, winding through ancient beech forests and the rugged Dart River Valley. Within this landscape sits the Arcadia station, a large historic sheep farm which today has become a cinematic icon with all the visual delights it offers.

Diamond lake and the snow capped peaks as seen from Paradise/Arcadia Station.

Diamond lake near Arcadia Station, a country farm famous for its LOTR filming location.

Day 3: Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience Aboard TSS Earnslaw

We had booked the Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience at Queenstown. This was a 3.5 hour tour focusing on the biodiversity and conservation practices followed by the locals in the region.

Tickets can be bought at RealNZ Visitor Centre at Steamer Wharf, Queenstown or from their website, RealNZ.

The Colonel's homestead at the Walter Peak High Country Farm

The experience began with a scenic 45-minute voyage across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw. It was fascinating to watch the coal-fired engine room in action, and having a bar and café on deck made soaking in the lake views even more enjoyable.

Our time at the farm began with an insightful description of the local flora and fauna, followed by a delicious vegan meal made from fresh farm produce. Before leaving, we even had the chance to plant a native shrub on the nearby slopes—a wonderful way to learn firsthand about the region's conservation efforts.

The delicious Garden to Table vegan spread at the farm.

Conservation efforts at the farm.

New Zealand is globally recognised for its commitment to environmental protection and has robust conservation strategies in place. The tour was a fantastic firsthand experience that made it easy to connect with and understand the local conservation practices.