Visiting the top of Lake Wakatipu, where the Dart and Rees Rivers flow out of the Southern Alps into the lake, is like stepping into a dreamscape where ancient forests, dramatic alpine peaks, pristine rivers, emerald-green farmland, and mirror-like lakes converge. The top of the lake is a remote and awe-inspiring part of the South Island. Travellers can access an array of natural wonders on the edge of the Southern Alps. The region has something for everyone: short walks, beech forests, multi-day mountain tramps, glacial rivers, and amazing mountain views.
Glenorchy, located 45 minutes north of Queenstown at the northeast end of Lake Wakatipu, is the first stop and gateway to the region, including Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. The small town has cafés, a pub, a general store, a historic wharf, a red boat shed that has become an Instagram icon, and the easy Lagoon Walkway. The location is spectacular, where the Rees River flows into the lake, overlooked by the 2,000-metre Richardson Mountains. You can explore the Richardson Mountains on the Mt. McIntosh Loop and Judah Tracks.
To the north and west of Glenorchy is the wide, braided river system of the Rees River and Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu. The two river valleys are separated by 1,375m high Mount Alfred / Ari. Further to the north is Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi, with 2,800-metre prominent twin peaks and a glacier. To the west of the town, across the lake, is the high point in the Humboldt Mountains, Mount Bonpland at 2,343 metres.
Head north on Glenorchy Paradise Road to access the Rees Valley and Paradise, the Dart Valley, Kinloch, and the National Parks. Famous multiday hikes include the Routeburn, Greenstone, Caples, Rees, and Dart Tracks. We also recommend shorter walks on the Routeburn, Greenstone, and Dart Tracks. Several other short to day walks get you high into the mountains, including the Invincible Mine Track, accessed from Rees Valley Road, the Earnslaw Burn Track from the end of Lovers Leap Road, the Scott Creek Track off Routeburn Road and the Glacier Burn Track from Kinloch Road. The Lake Sylvan Track from Sylvan Campsite, the Diamond Creek Walk from Priory Road and the Kinloch Nature Walk are easy, shorter walks. The 5- to 6-hour loop of the Lake Rere Track is a more challenging walk that includes part of the Greenstone Track.
The sealed Glenorchy Paradise Road climbs 80 metres above the Glenorchy lagoons, offering spectacular views of the confluence of the Rees and Dart Valleys and the surrounding mountains. Access to the Rees Valley via the rough Rees Valley Road is a few km north. Staying on the sealed road takes you over the Rees River. From there, you can head west on sealed Priory Road, below Mount Alfred, to the south end of the Dart Valley, Kinloch and the Routeburn, or continue north on gravel Paradise Road between Mount Alfred and Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi to Diamond Lake and Paradise.
The lowlands of Paradise were cleared of forest and tussock in the 1800s. Today, it is flat to rolling, emerald-green farmland surrounded by spectacular mountains and beach forests. As you head towards Diamond Lake, watch out for the high pointed cliff northeast of the road. This is Lovers Leap, and the cliff face rises to 300 metres high. Take the turnoff to Lovers Leap Road for the Earnslaw Burn Track. Diamond Lake has a basic campsite. Arriving at Paradise is denoted by a sign. There is a walking track and some accommodation, but no signage. Check here for how to find it.
From Paradise, the road is rougher with several fords as it heads into Mt Aspiring National Park and the start of the Dart Track in the Dart Valley. The 10 km drive is doable in a 2WD car, but take extra care. The Dart Valley is very beautiful, with golden grasslands surrounded by forested mountains with craggy peaks. It’s similar to the Eglinton Valley, but with far fewer tourists.
Priory Road is a short section of the sealed highway on the south side of Mount Alfred that connects the Rees and Dart Valleys. Access to the Diamond Creek Walk to Lake Reid is on the north side of the road (not to be confused with Diamond Lake). The road becomes Glenorchy Routeburn Road as it swings northwest along the west side of Mount Alfred / Ari. It then heads west past the Hillocks, a series of unusual rounded hills, and crosses the Dart River bridge to intersect with the gravel road that runs north to south on the west side of the Dart Valley. North takes you to the Routeburn, and south takes you to Kinloch on Kinloch Road.
Kinloch is a secluded hamlet on the northwest corner of Lake Wakatupu and nestled at the base of Mount Bopland. The hamlet is around 26 km from Glenorchy and halfway between the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks. It is best known for its wilderness retreat and DOC campsite, making it an option for trampers and anyone wanting to escape the tourist bustle of Queenstown. The hamlet was on the northwest edge of the lake, but the Dart River has shifted direction, and the river mouth is now 100 metres south of the historic wharf. The Kinloch Nature Walk provides a gentle introduction to the surrounding beech forests and lakeside south of the river mouth.
South of Kinloch, Greenstone Station Road curves through native forest and farmland, providing access to the Greenstone Track, Caples Track, and the Lake Rere Walk.
