Often called “the Yosemite of New Zealand,” this spectacular alpine park is packed with glaciers, waterfalls, turquoise rivers, and dramatic peaks. It sits between Wānaka and the West Coast via Haast Pass and is one of the best places on the South Island for hiking and wilderness scenery.
It’s less crowded than Fiordland National Park but just as beautiful. We didn’t hike here, but the drive through the park was well worth it. There is endless beauty in the South Island of New Zealand.
The Road to Paradise is the rustic backcountry road that continues past Glenorchy into the beautiful Paradise Valley — and despite the name, it truly feels like you’re driving into another world.
This is one of the most scenic short drives in New Zealand and a favorite for photographers and movie fans. We drove this from Glenorchy into Mt. Aspiring National Park.
- ~20 km (12 miles) beyond Glenorchy
- Part gravel road with potholes and washboarding
- Several one-lane bridges
- Farm gates & livestock crossings
- River flats, snow peaks, ancient beech forest