Glenorchy - An Introduction

Welcome to Glenorchy! What you need to know from the locals.
After a stunning 50-minute drive from the center of Queenstown, you would reach the end of Lake Wakatipu and arrive in the small village of Glenorchy, home to approximately 400 people.
Back in 1861, the first settlers arrived to begin farming sheep, before the gold rush had hopeful miners pouring in. Shepherds Alfred Duncan, and George Simpson are the most celebrated names, with peaks such as Mt Alfred, and streams, Simpsons Creek, to remember their efforts. During the peak of the Gold Rush, there were around 3000 residents in Glenorchy, before the easy gold was found and miners moved to the next location. Since the gold rush, the town evolved to sawmilling, scheelite mining and even tourism – the amazing scenery, as well as hunting, fishing and sailing couldn’t keep people away from this Paradise for long.
The town in its current state still holds the same tranquility and peace once felt by the first settlers. The quietness offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, and still offer magnificent, if not better, scenery.
The small-town charm Glenorchy offers many things, free parking, everything in walking distance, quiet cafes and one petrol station. Parking anywhere in town is free, and walkable to the most famous and picturesque spots such as the Red Shed, and the Glenorchy Lagoon. A range of food options are available, from Akin Café, Mrs Woolly’s for a coffee fix, or Glenorchy Hotel Pub and Mr and Mrs Glens to dine in. The Petrol Station is open 9-5, with after-hours pay available when shut (closed on Sundays).
So, what are you waiting for? Escape the crowds and drive out to explore Paradise