| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.42 km loop |
| Time | 40 to 45 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Track surface | Fine gravel, boardwalk sections near lagoon |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Toilets | At car park |
| Parking | Free car park at Glenorchy waterfront |
| Cost | Free |
| Elevation gain | Flat, negligible |
This is a short, flat loop through wetlands on the edge of Glenorchy, with big mountain views from the moment you set off. The track follows a side arm of the Rees River out to the southern lagoon, crosses a boardwalk section through the wetlands, and loops back through the side of town. It’s well maintained, wide, and easy underfoot the whole way.
The sign at the trailhead says 1 to 2 hours. We did it comfortably in 40 minutes. The northern lagoon section can be added if you want more distance, but the southern loop is the better half.
Getting There
Glenorchy is about 45 minutes from Queenstown on a sealed road that follows the edge of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a good drive with stunning views.
Park at the waterfront car park at the northern end of Glenorchy. There are toilets here. Even in May there were plenty of cars, but the car park is large enough. In summer it gets busy with bus tours.
Do not park or access the track from Glenorchy-Paradise Road. DOC flags this as an accident hotspot.
The Walk
From the car park the track sets off with open views straight to the mountains, including Mount Earnslaw and its hanging glacier. The gravel is wide and well graded.
The track follows alongside a side arm of the Rees River before skirting the Glenorchy Golf Course fence line. It then turns north and the lagoon opens up in front of you with the mountains reflected in the water on a still day. Unfortunatly it wasn’t still for us today.
The boardwalk section takes you across the wetland edge of the southern lagoon. There are benches along the way if you want to sit and watch for birds. Pied stilts, oystercatchers, grey duck, and scaup have all been recorded here, along with the occasional New Zealand falcon overhead.
After the boardwalk, the track crosses a small wooden bridge over the creek and loops back along the road into town to the car park.
Good to Know
- Sandflies. The lagoon is known for sandflies. We were there in early May and didn’t encounter any, but in warmer months bring repellent.
- Flooding. In heavy or prolonged rain the lagoon section can flood. Check conditions before heading out.
- Lord of the Rings. The lagoon was used to film the Dead Marshes scenes, with Gollum leading Frodo and Sam through the wetlands. The landscape shots were taken here.
- Northern loop. At the signposted junction you can extend the walk by adding the northern lagoon section. We skipped it. The southern loop is the more interesting half.
- Facilities. Toilets at the car park. Cafes in Glenorchy town if you want a coffee before or after.
My Honest Take
We were there in May and it was quiet, which was nice. A couple of bus loads of tourists were enjoying it too, so even off-season it gets visitors.
The mountain views are the main event. From the first few minutes of the track the backdrop is spectacular, and on a still day the reflections on the lagoon are worth the drive out on their own. The walk itself is pleasant but straightforward. It’s not going to be the highlight of a South Island trip, but if you’re in Glenorchy it’s an easy hour and the scenery makes it worthwhile.
Do the southern loop and skip the northern section unless you want extra distance. Oh and don’t forget to have coffee and cake or a pie at Mrs Whollys cafe, they are divine.
