Central Otago Tours and Tickets

Located several hours from Queenstown by car and unreachable by public transport, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (part of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area) can be tricky for travelers to reach. Cover the journey there and back on this small-group tour, stopping off at several scenic spots along the route, before free time to explore the national park at your leisure. Take a hike along one of its trails, unwind with a hot chocolate (own expense), or take in the dramatic scenery.

See a side of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park that few travelers experience on a full-day tour from Queenstown, which takes you off the main tourist route and through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass. Enjoy free time to explore Mount Cook independently—tackling the trails and snapping photos of New Zealand’s highest peak—then sit back and relax on the return journey.

Exploring the Central Otago countryside on horseback lets you go at a leisurely pace while covering more ground than you could hiking on your own two legs. Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt. Pisa Range from the comfort of your horse. Go at the pace appropriate for your skill and experience level. Young kids can be led, if required.

Make the most of a travel day and let someone else do the driving so you can admire the views. This small-group, fully guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Aoraki Mt. Cook. Instead of just sitting in a bus all day, get out and explore Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, and other points of interest along the way.

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central Otago. Your day begins with a pickup in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. From there, travel in comfort and style aboard our luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicles as you leave the alpine landscapes behind and venture into a region shaped by pioneers, gold fever, and timeless beauty. Wind through dramatic gorges, past crystal lakes, and into historic settlements frozen in time. Along the way, discover hidden gems like charming, historic Clyde, and the hauntingly beautiful Blue Lake of St Bathans. In the highlands of Pukerangi, step aboard the legendary Taieri Gorge Train for a spectacular rail journey. As the train snakes through deep ravines, crosses towering viaducts, and dives into hand-carved tunnels, you’ll be immersed in one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences, before arriving in Dunedin

If you’re short on time but want to see the most impressive landscapes of the Southern Alps, this twelve-hour group guided tour packs in the best. Starting in Queenstown, you’ll travel over the Lindis Pass into Canterbury and onward to dazzling Lake Pukaki and Mt. Cook Village. Enjoy views of New Zealand’s highest mountain and spend free time exploring the village of the same name.

Don’t worry about organizing a hire car to get between Queenstown and Christchurch; make your travels as seamless and worry-free as possible by letting someone else drive on this small-group tour. As well as being able to relax and enjoy the views, you can learn as you ride, thanks to onboard commentary. Places showcased on the route include Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Southern Alps.

Discover some of New Zealand's finest wines on a full-day tour of the Central Otago wine region from Queenstown. Visit multiple wineries, sip wine in Australasia's largest wine cave, enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine pairings, and sample local cheeses. Visit the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and learn about the Otago Gold Rush, too. Numbers are limited on this small-group tour that includes wine tastings, lunch, transportation, and hotel transfers.

Make the most of a travel day—and avoid the hassle of self-driving—on a well-planned 1-way tour from Dunedin to Queenstown. Travel the first leg of the journey on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, passing deep river canyons and high bridges. From Pukerangi, continue the journey through Central Otago by road. Admire the mountainous landscapes without the distraction of watching the road, and be dropped off at your hotel in Queenstown.

Sample Central Otago wines without the stress of choosing a sober driver. Enjoy included hotel pickup from Queenstown on a leisurely drive around celebrated wineries in the Gibbston Valley. Have lunch at a winery restaurant (own cost), go behind the scenes at the country’s oldest wine cave and sample a range of varietals, from pinot noirs to various whites, and more.

Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between. This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the ground: Kawarau Gorge, the Mackenzie Basin lakes, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. Lunch, water and Kiwi snacks are included. WiFi and USB charging on board. At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have 2-2.5 hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, NZ's longest glacier, explore Mt Cook Village, or arrange a scenic flight on the day. From November 2026, Wānaka will replace the Kawarau Gorge stop where your guide collects lunch while you spend time at the lakefront, home of #ThatWānakaTree. The tour ends at Lake Tekapo beside the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Southern Alps behind it. Small group, maximum 16. Carbon neutral within Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Wānaka pickup available.

Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions, producing well-respected reds and whites in alpine vineyards, but it’s risky to sample wines and drive around the region. On this afternoon tour, visit four boutique wineries and taste some of their award-winning offerings. Learn the secrets behind the wines from the winemakers themselves, and enjoy a platter lunch matched with award-winning wines. The small-group tour provides an intimate atmosphere.

This action-packed 7-day tour encompasses the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands. It's ideal for first-time visitors who are short on time. Starting in Auckland, stop at Waitomo, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Queenstown, and elsewhere. Ride a scenic train and spot whales on a boat tour. Accommodation, all admission fees, and transportation are included, letting you see and do more than you could independently.

Enjoy a real Dor-to-dor private Panoramic Tour, fully flexible! Designed for travellers who want comfort, scenery, and personalised exploration. This curated day trip showcases historic gold‑rush towns, alpine roads, peaceful lakesides, and local favourites in Arrowtown, Cardrona, Cromwell, and Wanaka. Every season offers its own beauty. Travel at your pace, choose the stops you love, and enjoy the freedom of a custom itinerary. -Private 7‑hour tour tailored to your interests -Visit Arrowtown, Crown Range, Wanaka, Lake Dunstan, and more -Optional scenic walks,artisan food, wine, and even an Optional real fruit ice cream -Panoramic and Spacious vehicles for a smooth and comfortable ride -Friendly local guides with genuine local insight -Fully flexible itinerary — add, skip, or extend stops anytime Ideal for couples, families, small groups, and solo travellers Breathtaking views, rich history, and complete flexibility — a refined way to experience Wanaka and the Central Otago region.

If you don’t have your own car when traveling around the South Island, you might miss out on some of the best attractions as long-distance buses don’t stop everywhere. Make the most of a travel day—and explore a place you might not access otherwise—with this fully guided small-group transfer from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo. Stop for a few hours en route to explore Aoraki Mt. Cook before continuing your journey.

Explore the stunning scenery of New Zealand on this small group tour from Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook. Journey through the breathtaking Aoraki National Park, and enjoy free time for optional hikes or scenic flights. With expert guides sharing fascinating stories and insights, this tour promises an enriching experience. Relax in modern minibuses while taking in the majestic views of the Southern Alps and charming towns like Omarama and Cromwell along the way. - Duration: Approximately 9 hours - Small group tour for a more personalized experience - Free time to hike or engage in optional activities - Snacks and refreshments provided throughout the journey

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie District to Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Your guide leads the day with local knowledge, te reo Māori place names, and stories of the land. At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have two to two and a half hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, New Zealand's longest glacier or Hooker Valley, or explore Mt Cook Village. Scenic flights available on the day. Heading home: the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs, the Cardrona Hotel (1863), and a Crown Range lookout over Queenstown from the highest main road in Aotearoa. Lunch, water and snacks included. WiFi and USB charging on board. Group capped at 16. Carbon neutral within the national park.

Welcome to a Wine Lover's Paradise! Join us as we embark on a wine tasting - sightseeing adventure like no other visiting wineries around Wanaka - Pisa - Cromwell - Bannockburn - Bendigo. It is a day full of new mates, scenic beauty, a beautiful gourmet lunch platter and some seriously good wine. Meet the winemakers who are pouring their passions and get an insider's look into everything that is involved in creating the perfect glass of wine from vineyard to bottle. Living the Dream Tours is a wine tour company that encourages guests to unwind for an unforgettable day and let us do all the work. It's not just a tour; it's a connection with the artisans who make the magic happen.

Witness the majesty of the Southern Alps from both the ground and the air on this full-day, small-group combination bus, helicopter, and ski plane tour. Most travelers miss the opportunity to see the area from so many different vantage points. Heading out from Queenstown, see the azure waters of Lake Dunstan and Lake Pukaki before spotting Mount Cook’s (Aoraki’s) snow-capped peaks cresting the horizon. Then, hop aboard your aircraft for a flight through the mountains, including a landing at Tasman Glacier.

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover historic gold towns, alpine roads, peaceful lakesides, and hidden local gems. Whether it’s spring blooms, summer sunshine, autumn colours, or snowy winter scenes, this journey offers something special year-round — all tailored to you. - A 7-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace - Visit charming Arrowtown, the Crown Range, Wanaka town, and Lake Dunstan - Stop for optional walks, famous photo spots, or local food & wine - Travel in comfort with modern, clean vehicles - Hosted by friendly local guides who share real stories and insider tips - Flexible itinerary — skip or add stops anytime along the way - Ideal for couples, families, small groups, or solo explorers Breathtaking views, rich history, and total flexibility — this is how Wanaka and its surrounds are best experienced.

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 12-hour day trip from Queenstown to the turquoise wonder of Lake Tekapo. Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes, charming towns, and shimmering lakes — with the freedom to stop anywhere along the way. - 12-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace - Travel via Wanaka or Cromwell (Your Journey, Your Way!) - Visit Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel, Lake Pukaki, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd - Enjoy fresh salmon at Lake Pukaki and seasonal lupin blooms (late spring/early summer) - Optional stop at the unique Clay Cliffs near Omarama - Flexible itinerary — add photo stops, short walks, or local food breaks anytime - Comfortable, modern vehicles with your own friendly local driver-guide - Perfect for couples, families, small groups, or solo adventurers Breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and total flexibility — this is the ultimate way to experience Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie region in a single day.

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to drive a Formula 1 race car, you’ll love this private Radical U-Drive experience. Guided by a professional race driver, you’ll zoom around the track seven times–long enough to enjoy the feel of the aerodynamic bodywork, thrilling cornering speeds, and the sounds of the engine accelerating. This is the closest you’ll feel to driving a Le Mans vehicle without actually being in one.

This is the ideal tour for wine lovers. Spend a day going on a wine tasting journey to some of the best vineyards in Central Otago. You won’t have to worry about organizing transport as hotel transfers are included. Various tailor-made packages are available, including options with a helicopter flight or golf along with your winery tours. Enjoy the ultimate stress-free day with lunch and wine tastings included.