Why not treat yourself to a scenic flight and enjoy uninterrupted views of the mighty Southern Alps, glacial lakes and tarns, hidden valleys and glaciers. By plane or helicopter, the beauty of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks is simply stunning.

Scenic Flights

There's no better way to experience Glenorchy and the Southern Alps than from above. Get the camera ready for panoramic views of alpine scenery and glacial turquoise rivers on these unforgettable adventures.

Check out these options:

Milford Sound: Heli - Cruise - Heli

Mount Earnslaw Glacier
 

Heli Hikes

Enjoy a stunning helicopter ride from Glenorchy up into our local mountain range and then hike down through our jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Enjoy the crisp, clean air and take in some stunning views.

Check out these options:

Mount Alfred Heli Hike

Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike

Richardson Mountain Heli Hike

 For more information and to book, contact us on [email protected] or 03 409 0401

This unmissable experience combines the thrill of a Dart River wilderness jet boat ride, and enables you to get even closer to untouched wilderness with an unforgettable float downstream on our inflatable canoes (Funyaks!).

Dart River Wilderness Jet

Experience the longest scenic jetboat ride in the region. Travel along the braided river through iconic landscapes, towering mountain ranges and ancient native forests. Learn about the culture and history of Te Wāhipounamu Southwest New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area from your passionate and knowledgeable driver on this unforgettable half-day adventure.

Funyaks

A full-day Funyaks experience combines a thrilling jet boat ride with a leisurely downstream float in an inflatable canoe. Marvel at breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters while exploring side streams and hidden chasms inaccessible by other means. You’ll even stop along the way for a wilderness picnic lunch giving you a chance to pause and really take in the incredible landscapes, flora and fauna that are abundant in this area.

Glenorchy is nestled near the base of the towering Richardson and Humboldt mountain ranges, meaning there's a walk for all levels of experience and fitness.

Guided Walks 

Take your pick from our full range of guided walks, all in the surrounding area. Our experienced local guides make the trip one to remember, sharing stories, folklore and knowledge of local fauna and wildlife.  

Options :

Routeburn Full Day Guided Walk | Duration: 5-7 hours | Distance: up to 18km

Lake Rere - Full Day Guided Walk | Duration: 5-6 hours |  Distance: up to 15km

Lake Sylvan - Half Day Guided Walk | Duration: 2.5 hours | Distance: 7 km

Invincible Gold Mine - Half Day Guided Walk | Duration: 3 hours | Distance: 5 km

Glenorchy is nestled near the base of the towering Richardson and Humboldt mountain ranges, home to some glorious walking tracks.

Heli Hiking

Take in 360-degree views of the Queenstown Lakes Region from above with a heli hike. Enjoy a stunning helicopter ride from the heart of Glenorchy and it's all downhill from there with plenty of stops along the way for some picture perfect moments.

Possible destinations include:

Mount Alfred Heli Hike

Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike

Richardson Mountain Heli Hike

An inspirational trip to the snowy peaks surrounding Glenorchy and the chance to explore this breathtaking “high place”. This trip has the 'wow' factor. Depart from the valley floor by helicopter and land in a winter wonderland. Choose to experience a night in our unique handcrafted circular hut (cosy!) or try our ski touring terrain on cross country skis or by snowshoe. We are happy to create a bespoke trip to suit your ability levels and curiosity.

Ideal group size is 2-5 people (10 max)

Guided day trip (4-6 hrs)

Guided overnight trips (24hrs)

Bookings essential. Gear hire available on request 24 hrs before booking date.

Enjoy dramatic snow-capped mountain and lake views without the crowds – suitable for the whole family or just for two!

A picture-perfect way to get in touch with nature and your surroundings, snowshoeing is an easy alternative to skiing or snowboarding. With minimal equipment needed, it's the chance to get outside in the snow at your own pace.

Your expert guide will make sure you're feeling comfortable and confident before taking you on a snowshoe circuit across some stunning terrain showcasing unbelievable views.

There's time to refuel with lunch at Kelly's Hut, overlooking the majestic Mt Earnslaw. Before the sun goes down our helicopter will arrive to pick you up for an equally exciting return flight to the valley floor. The perfect end to a picture-perfect day!

Hit the trails, or explore yourself on two wheels.

Biking around Glenorchy

Venture into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park to enjoy a bike ride that takes you through an alpine valley, lush beech forest and past towering snow-covered peaks. The range of landscapes includes locations used for well-known films such as Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Wolverine, and The Hobbit.

Heli Biking

Experience New Zealand’s epic backcountry by mountain bike. Fly high up into the Richardson Mountains and marvel at views overlooking Lake Whakatipu and towards Mt Earnslaw. Then the downhill descent will take your breath away as it flows down old scheelite mining routes and farm tracks back to the lake shore. Guided and un-guided options available.

For more information and to book, contact us on [email protected] or 03 409 0401

Horse riding in Glenorchy is a treat. It's a rare opportunity to take in the natural beauty of our landscape from a very different perspective!

Hop in the saddle (horses are chosen to match your level of ability and comfort) and enjoy the unique tranquility of the Glenorchy Basin with more than 100,000 acres of riding terrain (including river crossings!) to choose from. Support a New Zealand-owned and operated business that has opened up its beautiful farm and surrounding areas for you to enjoy by horseback.

Whether you're an experienced angler or would just like to experience the peace and tranquility of our river settings then why not book a half, full day or multi-day guided fly fishing experience around Glenorchy.

Our knowledgeable guides know every inch of these rivers and will take you to the best spots depending on weather and river conditions. You're in good hands as you experience the thrill of catching fresh trout (if you're lucky!) or 
just relish the natural beauty and babbling sound of the river.

Leave the driving to us, sit back, relax and enjoy a day among the multi-award-winning boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago.   When you've quaffed to your heart's content, add in some sightseeing at the AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge and Arrowtown (but you call the shots).

Our modern air-conditioned vehicle is designed for comfort and our drivers are the most knowledgeable around, happy to answer all your questions about the area's pioneering history. It's an entertaining drive with plenty of photo opportunities, and don't blame us if you come back with a few bottles.

Let us introduce you to this gorgeous family farm, surrounded by stunning scenery.

Enjoy fun encounters with a wide variety of friendly farm animals. Set just out of the township on an established third-generation family farm, the views are out-of-this-world. You see as far as Lake Whakatipu and the Rees and Dart valleys, the Humboldt Mountain range, and wetlands teeming with wildlife.

Daily sheep shearing demonstrations help you learn about shearing and wool processing. Feed and pat quiet and friendly goats, miniature horses, alpacas, llamas, sheep, cows, bunnies and guinea pigs, chooks, turkeys, roosters, and ducks, and get up close and personal for some cute photos!

Why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage at The Headwaters Eco Lodge. Our qualified masseuses are happy to ensure you receive the very best treatment available.

Restorative Relaxation massage

Tension Release Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Fly from towering mountains to rugged coast and experience the thrill of glacier flyover as we traverse the full length of Milford Sound to meet the Tasman Sea. Land on a remote West Coast beach and breathe in the fresh sea air before flying back towards Glenorchy to touch down on snow with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the Dart River and Lake Wakatipu.

Fly over the magnificent Milford Sound fiord, carved by ancient glaciers, that's famous for its cascading waterfalls, unique wildlife, and sheer cliffs. This World Heritage Area is accessible via a stunning scenic flight over the Southern Alps from Glenorchy.

Enjoy spectacular aerial views on the way into Milford Sound before taking to the seas for a Southern Discoveries cruise through the world-famous fiord. On the way back to Glenorchy, touch down for a snow landing on the Upper Humboldt Mountain range with breathtaking panoramic views of the Dart River and Lake Whakatipu.

Mount Earnslaw Glacier

Be transported to Middle Earth as you soar over awe-inspiring scenery and mountain ranges to the towering Mount Earnslaw. Experience a close-range flyover of the breathtaking 'hanging' Earnslaw Glacier before touching down in the lower basin to enjoy this incredible spot.

If one landing isn't enough, upgrade your flight and add a second landing!

If you're looking for adrenalin adventure, this is the place to be!

Abseil down cliff faces, zipline across deep chasms, abseil and slide down waterfalls, and scramble through canyon rocks. Climb through ancient beech forests and up canyon walls. Swim and float downstream in truly out-of-this-world surroundings. 

It's all go on this trip!

Hop in a kayak and head to Pigeon and Pig islands, or simply paddle on Lake Whakatipu. Learn about the ecological and historical aspects of the area with one of our experienced guides.

These trips leave from Glenorchy and take around 3 hours. The islands are a bird sanctuary and guests will hope to spot flightless weka, bellbirds, tui, fantail, and brown creeper during a stopover.

Just a stone’s throw from Glenorchy you can enjoy packrafting as a day trip, an overnight camping trip or as a three-day hiking, biking, and boating adventure in the Rees Valley. This is the most popular packrafting spot in the country and justifiably so. 

Suitable for absolutely anyone, breathtakingly beautiful, remote, and best of all, peaceful. You'll seldom see more than one or two people in this stunning valley, the river is more mild than wild, and the hike in is flat, easy, and not too long. A real slice of heaven in an historic high country station. This is real New Zealand.

This memorable experience includes 1,000 meters of zipping. It starts high above the treetops with expansive views out to Paradise, before 'zippers' make their way down through native red beech forest to follow the curves and rapids of a babbling alpine stream just metres above the water.

An unforgettable adventure, surrounded by forever-changing natural beauty. Return transport from Queenstown or Glenorchy included.