Top Queenstown Culture - page 3

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau. Travel in a comfortable luxury coach with a glass roof for premium views of the towering mountains. At Milford Sound, cruise past by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary.

Ride first - Drink after. 3-hour eBike ride traversing some of the most beautiful countrysides in New Zealand with 2 hours wine tasting in 2 wineries at the end of the ride. A ride through the vineyards and exploring the vine growing secrets. An exclusive personal wine tasting experience accompanied with the artisan local platter. Comments and tips about wine from our knowledgeable guide. An enchanting eBike ride over historic suspension bridges. Visiting the world’s first permanent Bungy jumping site. Historic information about the Central Otago area and feeding farm animals along the way. Small groups allow you to enjoy your tour in privacy with the nature. The tour is suitable for families with children. The alcohol drinks will not be served to minors (NZ minimum age) and it will be replaced with N/A soft drinks and snacks.

This half-day tour is not just a superb introduction to the Central Otago wine-growing region: it’s also an invitation to experience the culture and manaaki, or hospitality, of the local Māori community. Start with a traditional Māori greeting and receive the power of the ceremonial haka in a picturesque Otago location. Then visit several local wineries across the region to sample popular wines and enjoy a cheese platter.

Queenstown has a dramatic history of transformation. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a remote pastoral homestead on the shores of Lake Wakatipu became a chaotic gold rush camp, before evolving into a world-class resort. The tour starts at the Village Green, once the epicenter of the 1862 gold rush that transformed the landscape overnight. You’ll discover how the TSS Earnslaw steamship became the lifeline of remote lake communities and how A.J. Hackett’s first commercial bungy jump in 1988 sparked Queenstown’s reinvention as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The tour ends at the historic Queenstown Cemetery on Brecon Street, offering panoramic views across the town Rees founded.

Sample artisanal handmade cheeses paired with a variety of wines in this cheese room adjoining a local Queenstown cheesery and deli. Enjoy a 45-minute small-group tasting experience in which you’ll be guided through the intricacies of different pairings, sampling four different wines and tasting four different artisan cheeses, all handmade in Oamaru.

Explore the landscapes that featured in “The Lord of the Rings” movies on this small-group full-day tour. Traveling in a 4-wheel drive enables access to remote locations in the Queenstown area. Get out into the wilderness in the morning, with the chance to dress up in movie costumes and pose with props. Return to town for lunch, then spend the afternoon checking out more sites around Queenstown.

Discover Central Otago on this scenic self-guided audio tour drive from Queenstown Airport to Wānaka, tracing routes once travelled by Māori and gold miners. Pass through the Kawarau Gorge, birthplace of bungy jumping, past Gibbston Valley’s vineyards, and the towering Nevis Bluff. End beside the iconic “That Wānaka Tree.” During this two-hour drive, you’ll: • Hear about Bannockburn’s wild gold rush past • Admire Cromwell’s orchards, giant fruit sculpture, and Lake Dunstan’s new landscape • Learn why pinot noir flourishes here, what makes lavender fields glow, and why real fruit ice cream is a summer tradition • Glide past the Pisa Range and through Luggate and Queensberry Blending history, nature, and quirky local stories, this tour turns a simple transfer into an unforgettable journey

Learn to take beautiful landscape photos in magical surroundings with this half-day photography tour. Start your tour in charming Queenstown, getting out and taking a range of shots before making your way to the dramatic Skippers Canyon. Here you will be able to take some sunset photos before returning to your Queenstown accommodation.

Explore the best of Queenstown in a comprehensive 5-7-hour tour that blends adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Begin your day with a pick-up in Queenstown before heading to the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown. Experience the adrenaline rush of the Shotover Jet ride through breathtaking canyons, then unwind at the tranquil Lake Hayes. Savor world-class wines in the Gibbston Valley and witness the birthplace of bungy jumping at Kawarau Gorge. End your day in vibrant Queenstown . - Full-day tour covering Queenstown's top attractions - Enjoy thrilling activities like the Shotover Jet and bungy jumping - Relax at Lake Hayes and explore the historic Arrowtown - Experience wine tasting in the renowned Gibbston Valley

Get to know Arrowtown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own on this half-day small-group tour from Queenstown. Set off from the central meeting point in Queenstown and spend about 90 minutes in Arrowtown, learning about the history and culture of this former gold-mining town. Stop at other scenic spots along the way, such as Lake Hayes, the Kawarau River, and a honey farm.

Queenstown isn’t just New Zealand’s adventure capital. It’s a place where every bold experience, from bungy jumping to jet boating, grew from practical solutions to harsh terrain. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a gold-rush camp transformed into a global destination, while still preserving the calm spaces that make intensity sustainable. The tour starts at the Bathhouse, a 1932 building that reflects Queenstown’s early ambitions as a health and wellness destination. You’ll walk along Queenstown Bay, where Māori travel routes and European gold-rush logistics shaped the same shoreline. You’ll make your way up to the hillside streets where Queenstown’s earliest residents lived, and find out how William Gilbert Rees drove thousands of sheep over mountains to establish this settlement. The tour ends at the Bathhouse Playground, where you began, having traced a full circle through Queenstown’s past and present.

Witness the stunning blue ice and majestic landscapes on the Glacier Express Scenic Flight. This unforgettable alpine adventure begins in Glenorchy and takes you soaring over the shimmering Lake Whakatipu and near the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Touch down on fresh snow atop an ancient glacier and soak in panoramic views while capturing incredible images of New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. Along the journey, expert pilots provide insights into the unique ecosystems and conservation efforts of the area. Ideal for adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts, this 40-minute experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the untouched wilderness. - 40-minute scenic helicopter tour including a glacier landing - Discover the pristine beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park - Learn from experienced pilots - Complimentary return transport from Central Queenstown available

Master the art of taking dramatic landscape photographs on this half-day photography tour. Starting your tour in Queenstown, head to the charming settlement of Glenorchy, famous for its beautiful views. Here you will be able to photograph a range of natural scenery, including snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and pristine lakes and rivers.

Explore the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of New Zealand's Deep South on a 5 day journey from Queenstown. This tour features a scenic ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Train, wildlife encounters on Stewart Island, and a cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound, complete with lunch. Enjoy the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of the Catlins Coast, stay in premium accommodations, and travel in comfort with small group luxury transport. Experience the best of New Zealand without the planning hassles, guided by passionate locals. - 5day loop tour from Queenstown, visiting Dunedin, Invercargill, and Milford Sound - Includes scenic Taieri Gorge Train ride and guided Ulva Island experience - All transportation and entrance fees covered, with hotel pick-up and drop-off - Relax in luxury accommodations and small-group settings for personalized experiences

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First settled a mere 160 years ago, these alien landscapes became home to thousands of fortune seekers from around the world. Shanty towns sprung up overnight, collections of shops, pubs and brothels catering to the needs of the men. These towns were outposts in a harsh wilderness. Some, like Cromwell and Alexandra, grew to become the civic centres of today, others shrank or disappeared altogether. We explore the back roads, cross the tor studded hills and mountains, visit the ghost towns and capture the history of this stunning and fascinating region.

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth. Our journey heads to Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes. From there, venture to the stunning Mavora Lakes, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor. You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, and even original scripts. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters, and let the spirit of Middle Earth guide you. This is an epic quest you’ll be talking about long after you leave the Shire!

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Step into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth on our ‘Middle-earth Marvels’ tour, a cinematic journey that brings the world of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to life. The journey begins at Glenorchy Wharf, where the epic tale of “The Lord of the Rings” truly began. Gaze upon Isengard Lookout, once the home of Saruman the White, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Bennets Bluff Lookout, a place where wizards and warriors once roamed. Follow in the footsteps of hobbits along the Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove Track, where lush forests and serene lakes create a mystical ambiance. Finally, stand in awe of the majestic Mount Aspiring, a real-life backdrop for Tolkien’s epic. This tour is more than a journey; it’s a story waiting to be told, a connection to a world where fantasy and reality intertwine, captivating hearts of all ages.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a 5.5-hour private wine tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. Begin your journey in Gibbston, the “Valley of the Vines,” where you’ll explore picturesque vineyards and indulge in the region’s renowned cool-climate wines, including the celebrated Pinot Noir. Continue to Bannockburn, a wine sub-region with a unique terroir that contributes to the exceptional flavors of its wines, particularly the renowned Pinot Noir. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, followed by a visit to Cromwell itself, where orchards, vineyards, and lakeside views provide a scenic backdrop for culinary and vinicultural exploration. Relish a curated lunch at one of the region’s top vineyards, savoring local flavors paired with exceptional wines. Throughout the tour, you’ll experience the diverse and distinctive offerings of Central Otago’s wine country.

Experience Queenstown and Wanaka like a local with our personalized, small-group tours led by passionate local guides. We go beyond the typical tourist spots, offering exclusive insights, scenic routes, and hidden gems that only locals know. Whether you’re chasing stunning photo opportunities, cultural stories, or nature-filled adventures, our flexible and friendly approach ensures an unforgettable experience tailored just for you

Cruise Milford Sound and explore Fiordland on a full-day trip from Queenstown by luxury coach. See some of the South Island’s most dramatic scenery along the way. Then, cruise on Milford Sound past towering waterfalls and seal colonies to the Tasman Sea. The views are great, whatever the weather. Handy Queenstown transfers are included so you don’t get distracted driving yourself in this beautiful mountainous area.

Take away special memories from your time in Queenstown with this private tour with a personal photographer. Visit some of the most special spots in the region, including beautiful Lake Hayes, Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Coronet Peak and more. In each spot, a photographer takes wonderful photos of you, your family and/or friends, which are supplied digitally to you after the tour.

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed in this beautiful place creating images you'll treasure for decades to come. All of our tours are private and our Land Rovers have full leather interiors. You won't be sharing the vehicle with anyone other than your guides and your party. Nor will we be rushing, we want you to wind down. We are DOC concession holders, SMS Safety Management Audited and NZTA Licensed Operators, so you can relax knowing you're in very safe hands.

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This region inspires Graeme Sydney, painter of some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Home to tiny towns and locations that once swarmed with settlers, toiling to win riches from this sparse, rugged and graphic landscape. Imposing mountain ranges edge the wide splendour of the Maniototo Plain. Candid skies of brilliant blue dance across the land. A tantalising magenta sunset slides behind flinty, tussock-clad ranges when evening falls. Humble farming settlements are dotted thinly across the plain, huddled on long, straight roads that never end. Isolated they may be, but these are involved, connected communities where people look out for each other. Steeped in nature’s rhythms, locals share an enduring bond with this place. The sweeping silent spaces, the contrasting hues of seasonal changes & the expansive beauty of starry black nights.

Leave bustling Queenstown behind for the scenic beauty of Skippers Canyon on a small-group half-day 4WD tour of the gorge. An experienced guide traverses the rugged roads through the canyon, which you might feel nervous navigating alone. Stop for outstanding views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River. Stop at Skippers School for morning or tea with homemade cheese and refreshments.