Things To Do
in Glencoe
Nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, Glencoe is a picturesque village surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking in the area. The nearby Lake Tekapo offers crystal-clear waters for water sports, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd is a popular attraction for its stunning views.
Glencoe is a peaceful and charming destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
- "Kia ora" - Hello
- "Haere mai" - Welcome
- "Ka kite" - See you
- "Tēnā koe" - Thank you
- "Māori ora" - Be well
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $4 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Then hit the trails for a guided hike to explore the breathtaking landscapes.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river while soaking up the sun. Afterward, venture into nearby waterfalls for some tranquil views.
Wind down with a visit to a local pub for dinner. Enjoy live music or simply relax and share stories of your day.
Kick off with an early morning drive through scenic routes to capture the stunning vistas. Stop at lookout points for picturesque photos.
Visit local artisan shops and galleries to appreciate the craftsmanship of the area. Grab a light snack in between your explorations.
Dine at a restaurant offering traditional New Zealand dishes. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and share your favorite moments from the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, including mountains and lakes.
- Access to a range of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing.
- A tight-knit community with a friendly atmosphere.
- Rich in history and culture, with opportunities to explore Maori heritage.
- Excellent for adventure tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.
- Remote location may lead to limited access to urban amenities.
- Harsh weather conditions, particularly in winter.
- Potentially higher cost of living due to its tourist appeal.
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and seasonal work.
- Transport options may be restricted, especially in off-peak seasons.
Best Activities in Glencoe
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning trails of Glencoe, with options ranging from short walks to challenging multi-day hikes that showcase the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Enjoy scenic bike rides on a variety of trails, catering to both beginners and experienced cyclists, with breathtaking views of the landscape.
Experience the tranquility of Glencoe's lakes and rivers by kayaking, allowing you to get up close to the stunning natural scenery.
Test your climbing skills on the various rock formations in the area, with options for all skill levels, guided by local experts.
Take part in guided tours or self-exploration to spot local wildlife, including native birds and unique flora, in their natural habitat.
Join a guided photography tour to capture the breathtaking landscapes of Glencoe, perfect for both amateur and professional photographers.
Enjoy fishing in the pristine lakes and rivers of Glencoe, offering opportunities to catch local fish species amidst beautiful scenery.
Places to Visit in Glencoe
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic viewpoint on the road to Glenorchy, offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, ideal for stunning landscape photography.
A serene and picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for capturing reflections and vibrant sunsets.
A charming wharf with views of the tranquil waters and Mount Aspiring in the background, great for capturing both the water and mountain scenery.
One of New Zealand's Great Walks with numerous scenic spots along the trail, offering breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
A stunning valley known for its lush greenery and striking mountain backdrop, often used as a filming location, making it great for capturing dramatic landscapes.
Food in Glencoe
Glencoe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These plump and flavorful mussels are a local specialty, often served in a creamy white wine sauce. For a must-try experience, head to The Wharf Kitchen & Bar, known for their delectable seafood dishes.
Must-Try!
Glencoe's lush landscapes are home to high-quality deer farms, and the venison pie is a beloved local comfort food. Visit The Alpine Café to savor their renowned version of this hearty pie.
Kumara, a New Zealand sweet potato variety, is transformed into crispy, golden fries. Stop by The Trading Post Eatery, where these delectable fries are a customer favorite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Saturday, locals and visitors flock to the Glencoe Farmers Market to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and indulgent street food offerings like gourmet burgers and fusion tacos.
Along the scenic lakefront, you'll find a cluster of food trucks dishing out an array of international street eats, from wood-fired pizzas to Korean BBQ. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the diverse flavors offered here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
New Zealanders value their privacy. It's important to be mindful of personal space and not to intrude on others' private matters. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their property.
In areas with a significant Māori presence, such as Glencoe, it's respectful to use Māori greetings like 'Kia ora' when meeting people. This shows appreciation for the local culture and enhances rapport.
Kiwis have a strong connection to nature and the environment. Participate in sustainable practices, such as recycling and respecting natural sites. Always follow local guidelines when enjoying outdoor activities to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Safety
Tipping in Glencoe
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Glencoe, New Zealand, is not a customary practice and is generally not expected. However, if service exceeds expectations, such as in restaurants or for taxi services, a small tip may be appreciated but is not required. New Zealand has a strong culture of valuing service as part of the job, and wages are structured accordingly.
In Glencoe, payment practices are similar to those across New Zealand, with a preference for cashless transactions. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, and contactless payment options are widely used. Eftpos is commonly available. While cash is accepted, locals and visitors alike tend to prefer using cards for convenience and security.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (December to February) is warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. Expect temperatures around 20-30°C (68-86°F) and longer daylight hours. It's a great time for water sports in nearby lakes.
Autumn (March to May) sees cooler temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F) and beautiful fall foliage. It's a quieter time to visit, perfect for photography and enjoying the serene landscape. Ideal for tramping and experiencing mild weather.
Winter (June to August) brings cold temperatures, often dropping below 0°C (32°F), and snow in the mountains. This season is great for skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts. Expect shorter days and a picturesque snowy landscape.
Spring (September to November) features a gradual warming with temperatures rising from 10-20°C (50-68°F). It’s a time of blooming flowers and rejuvenated scenery. It's excellent for hiking as trails become more accessible and wildlife becomes active.
Glencoe at Night
Hiking in Glencoe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, culminating at the summit of Ben Nevis.
A scenic trail that winds around Lake Wanaka, offering picturesque views of the lake and the Southern Alps.
A well-known multi-day hike that connects Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes.
A relatively easy walk that leads through the stunning Hooker Valley to the Hooker Glacier, with spectacular views of Mount Cook.
A popular, moderately steep hike that provides panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range.
A steep climb that rewards hikers with awe-inspiring views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks, particularly rewarding at sunrise and sunset.
Aiports
How to reach Glencoe by plane.
The main airport serving Queenstown, with significant international and domestic flights, located approximately 35 kilometers from Glencoe.
The largest airport in South Island, serving both international and domestic flights, located about 450 kilometers north of Glencoe.
An international airport serving Dunedin, with mostly domestic flights and some international services, located roughly 270 kilometers southeast of Glencoe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Glencoe, comprising primarily of New Zealand European residents.
The indigenous Maori population, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
A smaller demographic group representing the various communities from the Pacific Islands.
Includes residents of various Asian backgrounds, though smaller in number compared to other groups.
A diverse group encompassing all other ethnicities not specifically categorized.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is a popular sport in Glencoe, often played by local clubs and schools, with a strong community support and history.
Cricket enjoys popularity in Glencoe, with seasonal leagues and tournaments that engage the community.
Netball is widely played among women and girls in Glencoe, with several teams competing in local competitions.
Soccer, or football, has a growing following in Glencoe, with youth leagues and adult teams actively participating in regional contests.
Given its scenic landscapes, hiking is a favored outdoor activity in Glencoe, attracting nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Glencoe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Glencoe's dining scene is accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with numerous eateries offering creative plant-based dishes. Cafe Allium and The Raw Kitchen are noteworthy for their extensive vegetarian and vegan menus.
Visitors adhering to a gluten-free diet will find a plethora of options. The Raspberry Cafe is hailed for its gluten-free baked goods, while The Hungry Frog offers a dedicated gluten-free menu replete with flavorful choices.