Situated at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, around 45 kilometres from Queenstown is the sleepy town of Glenorchy. This picturesque township is a great place to relax in and the drive along the edge of Lake Wakatipu is stunning. Dart River Safaris operate Jet Boat wilderness tours from here and these 4 hour adventures are a must do. Just a little further along is tiny hamlet of Paradise situated on the edge of the lake just outside Mt. Aspiring National Park. There are many day and multi-day walks to explore in the Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks including some of New Zealand's iconic ‘Great Walks’ such as The Routeburn and Milford tracks.
This half-day Lord of the Rings tour starts from Queenstown and visits Glenorchy, Paradise, The Dart River Valley and Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area. Take a journey deep into Middle Earth and visit Lord of the Rings filming locations. On your scenic guided tour, you will explore Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien. You will also visit a location from the recently filmed, The Hobbit! Stories and secrets will be shared by guides who have great insight into the filming.
A perfect half day option for Experienced and Novice riders. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the top of the lake with picturesque Mountain views, and glacial fed river-crossings. Be captivated by stories of the area, rich history and many filming locations from Lord Of The Rings. A magical ride with experienced riders having the opportunity to canter and beginners have the chance to learn - it's a real Kiwi experience!
The Paradise Ziplines experience is an 8-line zipline wilderness adventure, which takes you on a very diverse journey by wire and walking track through the pristine native forest of the Oxburn stream valley. The lines vary; from up high with stunning views out to Mt Aspiring National Park and Paradise, through the beautiful native forest canopy, to just metres above an alpine stream. All different lengths with a total of 1km over the 8 lines. During the whole experience you are surrounded by beautiful native beech forest.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. Please see here.
Ride from the farm located between the Rees and Dart Rivers. It’s not hard to immerse yourself in this amazing place while riding a beautiful horse. The perfect opportunity to spend an hour in the saddle.
A great way to learn more or ride different terrain and enjoy a day up the top of the lake. Ride our Rees River Trail in the morning and then enjoy lunch in the township of Glenorchy. After lunch we will take you into Paradise to ride the area involved in the Lord of the Rings. By the end of the day you would have crossed rivers, ridden in Virgin Beech forest, looked out over Isengard and seen vistas that will take your breath away. A fantastic horse ride for all levels of riding experience - come and enjoy the lifestyle! A great way to make the most of a unique day in Glenorchy.
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Discover New Zealand is part of the New Zealand Fine Touring Group of companies. It specialises in self drive, seat in coach and guided coach touring holidays across New Zealand's North & South Islands. We have hundreds of tour ideas listed to inspire you or give you an indication of what is possible to achieve on your New Zealand adventure. Whether it is a luxury fully guided coach tour or a self driven off the beaten track adventure, we have something suitable for everyone. Our wide range of tour lengths and tour prices give you options and are tailor-made so we can build the itinerary to suit your interests and needs.
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