The Experience
"A guided tour through The Hillocks, a landmark natural formation never before open to the public. Journey through time with cinematic virtual reality - then venture out on your own AR wildlife safari, taking in the breathtaking Dart River Valley and the ultimate Isengard Lookout for all Lord of the Rings fans."
What to Expect
Duration
Plan 2 to 2.5 hours to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Accessibility
No steep climbs, no rough terrain - fully accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Clothing
Glenorchy's mountain weather can change quickly - sturdy outdoor footwear and a weatherproof layer will keep you comfortable throughout your visit.
Age
Designed for curious minds of all ages - from 8 to 88, and beyond.
Interactive Trail Map
01
Arrival at the Visitor Center
Located at the Dart Bridge on Glenorchy-Routeburn Road, we welcome you at our Visitor Center with plenty of parking available.
Experience Part 1 - Guided VR Nature Walk
Step into our custom-built VR Hides for a 180-degree plunge into New Zealand's past, present and possible future.
VR Hide 1 - Wild Encounters
Travel back to a New Zealand untouched by humans. Stand in the presence of the majestic, extinct Moa as it roams its ancestral home.
VR Hide 2
VR Hide 3
VR Hide 4
Experience Part 2: Self-Guided AR-Safari
After the guided VR tour, explore The Hillocks at your own pace using "The Hillocks Safari" app on your own mobile or tablet device, bringing extinct giants to life in stunning augmented reality along the trail.
Moa Encounter
Come face to face with one of history's most extraordinary birds. Observe, feed, and interact with a life-sized Moa in its natural habitat - an encounter 600 years in the making.
Haast Eagle Encounter
Look to the skies. The world's largest eagle circles overhead, its massive 3-metre wingspan casting a shadow across the landscape. Get closer than you ever imagined possible.
Kiwi Encounter
Get up close with New Zealand's most beloved national icon and lend a hand as it carefully constructs its nest - a rare and intimate wildlife moment unlike any other.
Viewing Platform
Your trail culminates at our elevated viewing platform, perched on the southern hillock overlooking the Dart Valley. From here, you'll find unobstructed 360-degree views of the Southern Alps, the mighty Humboldt Range, and the iconic 'Isengard' Lord of the Rings filming location. It's the perfect place to pause, reflect, and take in the raw beauty of The Hillocks — before heading up under a sky that's been recognized as among the darkest and clearest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Under the Dark Sky
Glenorchy was awarded Dark Sky Sanctuary status in late 2025 — one of the most significant astronomical designations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Our viewing platform offers the perfect spot to experience the Southern Night Sky at its finest. Positioned in the middle of this vast, open valley, it provides unobstructed views in both directions — South and North — framed by the mighty Humboldt Range to the West and the iconic Mount Alfred to the East.
Free from city light, it is among the finest night sky observation points in the Southern Hemisphere.
Exclusive evening experiences for private groups, corporate events, and local lodge partners.
Available for special group & lodge arrangements
Have questions about the experience?
Get in touch to learn more about our VR hides, AR safari, and exclusive night sky experiences.