Glenorchy Red Shed, New Zealand with My Fujifilm (Part 2)

Location: Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy Wharf and Glenorchy Red Shed, Queenstown New Zealand (South Island).

Taken with Fujifilm XT-50 and Fujinon XF 23mm f2 lens; Edited in Lightroom. Photos taken in last week August 2026.

Following up from my first post on the most photographed shed in NZ, here is Part 2 and we are focusing on the beautiful surroundings of Glenorchy Wharf and Viewpoint at Lake Wakatipu.

This is part of the Lord of The Rings tour I booked, as a pit stop for morning tea. I visited in the last week of August, which is the end of New Zealand's winter, so the trees were stripped bare or still an orange tinge from Autumn. As you can see, the views are breath-taking.

The wind was crisp and snappy, but our tour group still made our way out to the Wharf out onto the lake. Here you just saw mountains. Mountains. Of many colours: forest green, fern, olives, sepia, yellow ochre, chocolate, white, light grey. I made a mental note to watercolour these views in my art book later. To the right of me, the mountains seem to be hidden behind mist fading off into the distance.

Selfies taken on my phone (Samsung Flip6)
More photos of the Glenorchy Red Shed here.

I went on this tour by myself, because it was recommended that children under 5 years old not attend; and honestly I wanted to enjoy the views without the chaos. My tour guide was fantastic, and it was me and five other people on this mini-bus tour. We were seated comfortably and Dan was very accommodating. 

These photos were taken with my Fujifilm XT-50 and it performed well despite my fingers freezing. 

Below are the settings. Please note the weather was overcast with alot of cloud cover at this location. Every once in a while the sun peeked out, hence the ISO variation; I find its the easiest  setting to change in a hurry. Also, I forgot to mention in my last post, that I used a UV filter to help cut through the glare, and you get crisper textures. If that makes sense. I use a K&F one and it doubles as a glass protector.

Equipment: Fujifilm XT-50 and Fujinon XF 23mm f2 lens

K&F UV Filter (43mm - fits the 23mm lens)

Camera Settings - Shutter: 1/125; Aperture: F11; ISO 400-800

Fujifilm Recipe: Reggie's Porta; also edited in Lightroom

Location: Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy Wharf and Glenorchy Red Shed, Queenstown New Zealand (South Island). Photos taken in last week August 2026.

OK so while this specific location was not used in a LOTR scene, you can see why Peter Jackson chose New Zealand, for its dramatic snow-peaked mountains and crystal waters. Just breathing in the air feels different and this was just a pit stop for morning tea. I heard you can hike along the lake if you didn't want to make the drive. I will have to look into it. It was worth coming here for the photo opportunities even though I sometimes think seeing places with your own 2 eyes is better. 

Thank you for visiting and let me know if you've ever made your way down here?

Good To Know: Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy Wharf and Red Shed

Booked the half day LOTR mini-bus tour via Viator; Morning and Afternoon sessions available.

Time from Queenstown by car to Glenorchy: 45mins

Facilities: Free carpark on-site and public toilets

It can get muddy when it rains so pack suitable shoes

Souvenir bought at Mrs Woolly's General Store in Glenorchy (toilets and cafe also available)

Photos taken in last week August 2026 (end of Winter in NZ) 

❤︎ Natalie