Top Queenstown Hiking Tours

Hike a section of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, on a guided day trip from Queenstown. This premier tramping trail is located in beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Trek at a moderate pace, with some challenging uphill and downhill sections, toward the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, learning about the local flora and birds from your guide. The tour includes snacks, lunch, and hotel transfers.

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound save you hours of road-travel time in Fiordland National Park. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to dramatic places you'd miss by sticking to the road. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected central Queenstown accommodations.

Combine hiking on the famous Routeburn Track with a canyoning adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park on a single active tour from Queenstown. Hike along the Routeburn Track while a guide points out the endemic flora and fauna, then reach the canyonlands, where you will rappel and swim through the caves, canyons, and pools. Refuel with a picnic lunch to wind up your strenuous tour.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Be introduced to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks without having to do the whole thing on a morning or afternoon guided hike on a portion of the Routeburn Track. After a pickup from central Queenstown, head into the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Follow your guide at a relaxed pace through lush forests and experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls along the way.

Explore the stunning alpine landscapes of New Zealand on a guided hiking tour to Lake Alta, famously featured in the Lord of the Rings films. Trek through the Remarkables Mountains while following in the footsteps of Boromir, played by Sean Bean. Dress in your favourite LOTR attire and capture memorable photos with authentic props, enhancing your Middle Earth experience. With expert guides sharing insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories, this tour is perfect for fans of all ages. - Guided hike to Lake Alta, the filming location for LOTR - Dress up and take photos with licensed replica props - Includes transport and access fees - Private tours available for families with young children

Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is a great way for animal lovers to immerse themselves in nature, but other tourists can sometimes dampen the experience. Avoid the crowds and explore a secluded wildlife sanctuary not open to the general public on this private kayaking tour across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island, a haven for flightless birds nestled in the Southern Alps.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Glenorchy sits along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road from Queenstown to the (aptly named) rural settlement of Paradise. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s shops and café, take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops, and see some of the locations where scenes from famous movies were filmed.

Join a small group, no more than 8 travellers, with a friendly local Kiwi guide on part of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks with over 140 years of history. Depart Queenstown or Glenorchy and follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu toward Mt Aspiring National Park. Climb through ancient red beech forest, with a total elevation of 343 metres over 15 kilometres on a well-formed track, moderate enough for regular hikers and achievable for those who don't hike often. Pass Forge Flat and Bridal Veil Falls, with the track running above the Routeburn River gorge. Listen for bush robins and kea as you cross a swing bridge into the alpine meadows of Routeburn Flats, where you'll stop for a picnic lunch surrounded by mountains before the gentle two hour descent back to Queenstown. Approximately 8 hours total, including 4.5 to 5 hours of walking. 8am start from Queenstown, 9am from Glenorchy.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

Soar through the forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. Choose from three different courses, one with a thrilling 68-foot (21-meter) drop. Or, tone down the adrenaline a notch on a longer course, perfect for families with kids. Expert guides supervise your launch so all you have to do is take in the panoramic mountain and lake views.

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

This full-day adventure includes a “funyak” (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take the complimentary return coach from Queenstown or make your own way to Glenorchy. From there, speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.

The towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Gibbston Valley Canyon offer a dramatic backdrop for a canyoning adventure. This family-friendly half-day tour from Queenstown is suitable for anyone over 10 years. With a small group, get your adrenaline pumping as you scramble up rocky cliffs, abseil down waterfalls, and tackle natural water slides. The morning tour includes a picnic-style lunch.

See an enormous range of New Zealand highlights and have unforgettable experiences over 11 days on this tour. See both the North and South Islands, visit secluded natural spots and big cities, take in truly spectacular scenery, enjoy a thrilling range of adventure activities from jet boating to zip-lining, and much more. This is the perfect way to see the whole country in less than two-weeks, at an affordable price.

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Remarkables during a private hiking tour to Lake Alta, a key filming location for the Lord of the Rings. Guided by expert “LOTR Nerds,” this 4.5-hour adventure includes 2 hours of hiking and opportunities to dress up and take memorable photos with authentic film props. Gain insider knowledge about the film's production and historical context while enjoying the breathtaking alpine scenery. This tour is ideal for fans of the films and those looking for a unique outdoor experience. - Private tour accommodating up to 9 passengers - 4.5 hours of exploration, including 2 hours of hiking - Expert guides with in-depth knowledge of the Lord of the Rings - Includes transport, water, and snacks for your journey

Perfect for photography lovers, enjoy a full-day private photography tour in Queenstown and the surrounding area. Start your day in charming Queenstown and then head further afield. The exact itinerary is up to you, but possible destinations include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Skippers Canyon and more. Your guide is a local photographer, so will be able to give you lots of advice on how to get the best shots.

You’re not following a tour guide — you’re following the clues! Armed with a curated map and a series of clues and riddles, you’ll self-drive through the Queenstown region, discovering local artisan food, hidden gems, scenic spots and fun surprises along the way. Build your own gourmet picnic as you go, with each stop revealing something new, then finish at a beautiful picnic spot to enjoy your discoveries. It’s a unique mix of self-guided adventure, food, sightseeing and scavenger hunt - giving you the freedom to explore Queenstown at your own pace.

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in your back pocket, you will not be able to access Pigeon Island. These Islands are fantastic places with wildlife, beaches surrounded by mountains, and away from the crowds