Wanderyn
poi · NZ

Paradise, Glenorchy

Getting around: About an hour's drive from Queenstown, past Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, on a mix of sealed and unsealed roads. A car (ideally with some ground clearance for the gravel sections) is necessary.
Hours: Open access at all times, though it's remote enough that visiting during daylight with enough time to drive back is worth planning around.

Paradise is a sparsely populated area of farmland and forest near Glenorchy, at the head of the Dart River valley, whose dramatic mountain and river scenery has made it a popular filming location, including scenes from The Lord of the Rings and Wolverine. Despite the evocative name, it's mostly private farmland with a scattering of walking tracks and river access rather than a developed tourist site.

It's typically visited as part of a scenic drive beyond Glenorchy, often combined with a jet boat trip on the Dart River or a wander along one of the area's short walking tracks.

Paradise, Glenorchy FAQs

Is Paradise an actual named settlement?

Yes, it's a real, very sparsely populated locality near Glenorchy, named Paradise, known mainly for its scenery rather than any township.

Was it used in any films?

Yes, it's been used as a filming location for parts of The Lord of the Rings and other productions, thanks to its dramatic mountain and river scenery.

Can I drive there myself?

Yes, though some sections beyond Glenorchy are unsealed gravel road, so drive cautiously and check your rental car's terms if applicable.

What's there to do?

Mostly scenic driving, short walks, and river access; many visitors combine it with a Dart River jet boat tour.

How far is it from Queenstown?

About an hour's drive past Glenorchy.

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