Why you should definitely visit Glenorchy this WINTER

Trying to decide where to visit on your holidays this winter?

Maybe you are a Kiwi-staycationer, an intrepid backpacker or a short-term tourist looking for somewhere special for a winter break. 

Sunshine, views, great accommodation and endless activities can all be found in Glenorchy and Kinloch.

Here's why you should visit this winter.

The drive

A picture paints 1,000 words so let's just let the below photograph do the talking.

The 46km drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most spectacular driving routes in New Zealand if not the world.

It's beautiful any time of year but in the winter months its quieter and the cool air can create mesmerising mists over the beautifully clear, crisp Lake Wakatipu.

No words needed: The Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. Photo by Engaged Media

The accommodation

Whether you're on a budget break or looking for a bit of luxury, on a romantic winter getaway or travelling with the family, there is accommodation for everyone in Kinloch and Glenorchy.

At Kinloch Lodge we offer warm and cosy backpacker accommodation in our Wilderness section from bunk rooms, to triple share rooms, doubles and a Queen en-suite.

All rooms are heated but extra blankets and hot water bottles are provided to keep you nice and toasty. There is also a communal kitchen lounge with a log-burning fire and a warm movie room with over 200 DVDs and videos to watch - plus free popcorn!

To book, or for more information, click here. 

Hosting guests since 1868, these six rooms are ideal for guests wanting that home-away-from-home experience.

Our two Queen rooms enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Wakatipu while all guests have access to the lake-view terrace.

There is a cosy lounge too with a huge, open, burning-fire - perfect for curling up in front of with a good book in the winter months.

The two bathrooms are both equipped with large, claw-footed baths and powerful showers. 

For more information or to book, click here.

Lake view from our Heritage terrace

If out and out luxury is what you're after then there are options here in Kinloch or over the water in Glenorchy too this winter.

Our amazing EcoScape rooms offer views you simply have to see to really appreciate.

The whole structure, which is made from environmentally friendly materials, is designed around the view. 

But when the sun goes down, or you just fancy something different, just push a button and cinema projector screen folds down in front of the King-size double so you can watch your favourite show on Netflix or use the in-room Apple TV.

Breakfast in our on-site restaurant is included; alternatively, enjoy breakfast on your own verandah. 

Guests also have access to a lake-view spa pool.

In Glenorchy - a 1hr drive from Queenstown and 25 minutes from Kinloch Lodge - we have out luxury sister accommodation, the Glenorchy Lake House bed and breakfast.

With amazing views, comfortable beds accompanied by tasteful decor, a therapeutic massaging spa, and a hearty wholesome breakfast, the Lake House offers guests a home-from-home experience - with a little bit extra.

Guests enjoy the comforts of the house to themselves, with staff slipping in of a morning to clean, tidy and set up breakfast for the next day. If you need assistance there will be staff nearby to see you personally during the day and only a phone call away in the evening.

Right next door is our café The Trading Post - selling the BEST coffee in the area, tasty treats, great gifts, books and, of course, our FAMOUS carrot cake. 

The sights

Welcome to Kinloch and Glenorchy, welcome to one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, if not, the world.

Surrounded by a ring of jagged, often snow-capped mountains, and on the banks of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, by just being here you feel you are in the midst of somewhere special.

But venture a little further from and there are some amazing sights to be seen.

The Routeburn Track - one of the nine New Zealand Great Walks - is just 18 km away, Paradise Valley - where films such as Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Mission Impossible 6 and the Chronicles of Narnia have been shot is a less than 30-minute drive.

The majestic Dart River is on your doorstep as is the Diamond Lake in Paradise, there are glaciers to explore, forests to hike through, mountains to climb, sunrises to wake up to and sunsets to marvel at.

The list, is not quite but almost, endless.

The sunshine

Glenorchy, especially, is a sun trap. And winter's here, although cold, can be dry for long periods. 

So rap up warm and enjoy the winter sun and beautiful views that come with it.

The peace and quiet

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the world around you in Kinloch and Glenorchy.

You can wake up to the sound of bird song, read a book while staring over the lake or take a walk on one of the numerous trails at this end of Lake Wakatipu - chances are you'll have the route to yourself...