Glenorchy is a small rural settlement close to the busy Queenstown. It is a gateway to many hiking trails and also one of the must-go ‘Middle Earth’ locations for The Lord of the Rings fans.
Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway
Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway is an easy walking track featuring the spectacular landscapes of mountains and lakes.
The figure-8 track goes around the Glenorchy Lagoon. Walking time ranges around 30 minutes for the first loop and 1 hour for the full loop.
Black swans and tall mountains.
Paradise, Glenorchy
Yes, Paradise is a place on Earth. The road to Paradise is unsealed, your car would be shaky and be leaving a trail of dusk clouds as you drive, but good enough for most cars. The only part you might not be able to drive across with a 2-wheel-drive is a ford just before the Paradise signboard. You may park at the side and walk to the signboard instead.
If you are feeling adventurous and have an off-road vehicle, you could drive over multiple fords to reach The Lord of The Rings Isengard film location lookout. If you can’t, fret not, there’s another more accessible location for Isengard lookout, which I will cover below.
Lothlórien (The Lord of the Rings Film Location)
Discover the enchanted elven forest of the Middle Earth, located in Paradise Valley. This is the magical filming location for The Lord of The Rings’ Lothlórien.
Isengard Lookout, Glenorchy (The Lord of The Rings)
Right over there amongst the mountains, is the Lord of The Rings filming location for Isengard, the Iron Fortress of the wizard Saruman. In the movie, Isengard Tower was digitally added on the flat land surrounded by the mountains. This Isengard lookout point is located below the bridge that crosses the Dart River, where you might see jet boats shooting past along the river.
Nan Curunir/The Wizard's Vale (LOTR)
Not sure if this was an actual film location for the Lord of The Rings or just the general location idea of Nan Curunir/The Wizard’s Vale as it is close to Isengard.
Lake Sylvan Track
Lake Sylvan Track is located in Kinloch, a rural town just next to Glenorchy. It is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Lake Sylvan Track is a well defined loop track through red beech forest to the lake, about one hour for the return loop.
Twelve Mile Delta - Ithilien Camp Lookout (LOTR)
On the way leaving Glenorchy back to Queenstown, you will pass by Twelve Mile Delta. With a short hike, you can reach the Lord of The Rings film location of Ithilien Camp lookout.
The lakeshore of Wakatipu at Twelve Mile Delta is a pretty nice spot to hang around or have a picnic too.
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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