Paradise
A breathtaking drive through dramatic landscapes to a secluded valley, famously known as 'Paradise', a filming location for Lord of the Rings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant weather
Paradise
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking drive through dramatic landscapes to a secluded valley, famously known as 'Paradise', a filming location for Lord of the Rings.
"Literally PARADISE. Beautiful scenery on the way there, you can make multiple spots including a lookout."
🚗 SUV Recommended for Gravel Road
A 4WD or SUV handles the unpaved road and creek crossings much better than smaller cars. :car:
🏞️ Stop at Multiple Viewpoints
The drive offers numerous pull-offs with stunning scenery. Don't rush, savor the views! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Drive to Glenorchy
Queenstown to Glenorchy
A breathtaking journey along Lake Wakatipu, revealing dramatic mountains and turquoise waters.
Earnslaw Burn Trail
Near Glenorchy
Hike through a valley of waterfalls, offering pure bliss and stunning natural beauty.
Horse Riding Adventures
Glenorchy
Experience the magical landscapes of Glenorchy on horseback, a truly immersive way to explore.
The 'Paradise' Signage
End of the gravel road
A quintessential photo stop marking your arrival at the aptly named 'Paradise'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey to Paradise
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 SUV Recommended for Gravel Road
A 4WD or SUV handles the unpaved road and creek crossings much better than smaller cars. :car:
🏞️ Stop at Multiple Viewpoints
The drive offers numerous pull-offs with stunning scenery. Don't rush, savor the views! :camerawithflash:
💧 Check Creek Crossing Conditions
After rain, creek crossings can be deep and challenging. Assess carefully before proceeding. :warning:
🥾 Hike the Earnslaw Burn Trail
This trail offers incredible waterfalls and a true sense of natural wonder. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 SUV Recommended for Gravel Road
A 4WD or SUV handles the unpaved road and creek crossings much better than smaller cars. :car:
🏞️ Stop at Multiple Viewpoints
The drive offers numerous pull-offs with stunning scenery. Don't rush, savor the views! :camerawithflash:
💧 Check Creek Crossing Conditions
After rain, creek crossings can be deep and challenging. Assess carefully before proceeding. :warning:
🥾 Hike the Earnslaw Burn Trail
This trail offers incredible waterfalls and a true sense of natural wonder. :hiking_boot:
🐎 Experience Horseback Riding
Explore the fairytale landscapes on horseback for a unique and memorable adventure. :horse:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, almost fairytale-like scenery on the drive to Glenorchy and the 'Paradise' area, often comparing it to Middle-earth. The adventurous gravel road and creek crossing add to the unique experience for some, though it can be bumpy for certain vehicles and passengers. While breathtaking, some feel the views, while beautiful, might not surpass other equally stunning locations in New Zealand.
"Nice drive on unpaved road for 5 km through the forest where LOTR was filmed, past Diamond Lake crossing a creek before reaching the Paradise Signage.
A 4 Wheel SUV can handle the creek easily. A bit bumpy for small compact cars but comfortable for a SUV"
K T Lim
"Literally PARADISE. Beautiful scenery on the way there, you can make multiple spots including a lookout. Make sure you stop at Glenorchy and explore around then head to a gravel road which is in great conditions. Fords were okay despite multiple days of rain. Stop, breath and enjoy the view"
Nicolás Velez
"My second time here, bringing my 70 year old parents. It was a little too bumpy for them, so I wouldn’t advise for people who have motion-sickness or people driving caravans. We are lucky to witness a little rainbow. Beautiful paradise but we seen more breathtaking views in NZ. I’m sure if we ride further in, the view will be better but I dare not risk. I came here in June before and the view was better with clear skies during winter."
Florence Tay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey starts with a scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, approximately an hour long, following the shores of Lake Wakatipu. From Glenorchy, continue on a gravel road towards 'Paradise'. This unpaved section is about 8km long and can be bumpy, with a creek crossing. While SUVs and 4WD vehicles are best suited, some reviews suggest smaller cars can manage if driven carefully, especially when dry.
The road to 'Paradise' is largely unpaved and includes a creek crossing. While reviewers with SUVs found it manageable, those with smaller cars or caravans might find it bumpy or challenging, especially after rain. It's advisable to check current road conditions and assess the creek's depth before proceeding. +1
The road becomes gravel after Glenorchy and can be bumpy. There's a creek crossing that can be deep and potentially dangerous when the river is in full flow. Even when dry, it requires careful navigation over rocks.
While the primary way to reach Glenorchy and Paradise is by car, there are bus services that run from Queenstown to Glenorchy. From Glenorchy, you would typically need to arrange local transport or a tour to reach the 'Paradise' area.
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes about an hour. The subsequent drive on the gravel road to 'Paradise' can take another 20-30 minutes, depending on road conditions and how often you stop for photos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit the 'Paradise' area itself. It's a public access area, and the main attractions are the scenic drives and natural landscapes.
Paradise is an outdoor natural area and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
Yes, many tour operators in Queenstown offer guided tours that include visits to Glenorchy and the 'Paradise' area, often combined with activities like hiking or horseback riding. +1
Yes, there is a well-known 'Paradise' sign at the end of the gravel road, which serves as a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
Absolutely! A day trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy and Paradise is very popular. You can drive yourself or join a guided tour to experience the highlights. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway for easy strolls with great views, the Routeburn Nature Walk for a taste of a Great Walk, and the Earnslaw Burn trail for its stunning waterfalls. The Invincible Gold Mine Track and Mt Judah Track offer more challenging options.
Besides scenic drives and photography, you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding through the landscapes famously featured in 'Lord of the Rings', and exploring areas like Bob's Cove. Ziplining is also available nearby. +3
While the scenery is beautiful, the unpaved road and creek crossings might be bumpy for very young children or those prone to motion sickness. Shorter walks like the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway are more suitable.
The stunning, untouched landscapes of Glenorchy and Paradise served as filming locations for several scenes in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, adding to its magical allure. +1
Facilities are limited in the 'Paradise' area itself. You'll find more amenities in Glenorchy, including cafes and restrooms. It's advisable to use facilities in Glenorchy before heading further into Paradise.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive itself offers numerous pull-offs with incredible mountain and lake views. Don't miss the 'Paradise' sign, the creek crossings, and the general expansive vistas. The Earnslaw Burn trail is also a photographer's dream with its waterfalls. +1
Golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. However, the dramatic mountain scenery is impressive throughout the day, especially with clear skies.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current New Zealand drone laws and any local restrictions before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
While not always dedicated 'photography tours,' many scenic tours of Glenorchy and Paradise will stop at prime photo locations, allowing ample time for visitors to capture the scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider joining a family-friendly tour that handles the driving and can point out interesting sights. Horseback riding can be a fantastic activity for older children, offering a unique way to explore the landscape.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Ensure your vehicle is suitable for unpaved roads and potential creek crossings. Plan for ample time to stop, explore short trails like Earnslaw Burn, and soak in the dramatic landscapes. The journey itself is an integral part of the 'Paradise' experience, offering a sense of discovery and immersion in New Zealand's wild heart.
🏞️ Nature & Hiking Lovers
Beyond hiking, the sheer natural beauty of the mountains, forests, and waterways provides endless opportunities for exploration and photography. Pack your hiking boots, a good camera, and be prepared to be awestruck by the raw, untamed landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Drive to Paradise
As you leave Glenorchy, the road transitions to gravel, leading you deeper into a more remote and wild landscape. This unpaved stretch, approximately 8 kilometers long, winds through native beech forest and requires careful driving. A notable feature is the creek crossing, which can be a minor challenge, especially after periods of rain. While reviewers with SUVs and 4WDs found it manageable, those with smaller cars or caravans should proceed with caution and assess the water depth.
This adventurous drive is a key part of what makes 'Paradise' feel so special and secluded. It filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the effort are rewarded with a more tranquil and immersive experience in nature. The anticipation builds with every bump and turn, making the arrival at the 'Paradise' sign a satisfying culmination of the journey.
Activities and Adventures in Paradise
For a truly immersive experience, horseback riding through the picturesque valleys is highly recommended. This allows you to traverse the landscapes that famously doubled as Middle-earth in the 'Lord of the Rings' films, offering a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty.
Beyond these, simply exploring the area by car, stopping at various lookouts, and enjoying the tranquility are rewarding in themselves. Activities like skimming stones on the lake shores or visiting Bob's Cove add to the diverse range of experiences available in this stunning corner of New Zealand.
The 'Lord of the Rings' Legacy
Fans can retrace the steps of hobbits and elves by visiting filming locations and experiencing the same awe-inspiring scenery. Popular spots include areas used for Isengard and Lothlórien. Many tours and activities in the region highlight these connections, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the cinematic magic.
Even if you're not a die-hard fan, the 'Lord of the Rings' connection adds an extra layer of enchantment to the already breathtaking scenery. It's a reminder of how this natural paradise has captured the imagination of filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
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