Top Queenstown How to Get Around - page 2

Combine a serene cruise across Lake Whakatipu with a culinary adventure on this half-day tour. After gazing at the distant craggy mountains and dense forests as you sail across the lake, head to the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant for a buffet meal comprising a range of barbecue dishes, from salads to succulent meats to desserts. Finish with a farm demonstration before heading back to Queenstown.

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to several filming locations around Queenstown. Admire views of Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and elsewhere as you listen to your guide’s stories and see where scenes were filmed. Also get the chance to dress up in authentic costumes and hold movie props while posing for photos—an experience you wouldn’t get going alone.

Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, taking you to places you couldn’t reach any other way. During the half-day tour, venture into the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park from Glenorchy, a short drive from Queenstown. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Listen to your guide’s stories about the area’s natural and cultural history en route.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountain scenery without having to self-drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown in a glass-roofed coach. Your driver will provide commentary along the way, to keep you informed. At Milford Sound, embark on a cruise on the water, all the way out to the Tasman Sea. Relax and take in the views as you enjoy lunch on board, too.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. 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.

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.

While the Southern Alps are a sight to behold from the ground, they're even more spectacular from above. Take to the skies on this helicopter tour from Queenstown and enjoy dramatic mountain views from a unique vantage point. Journey above Skippers Canyon and the Wakatipu Basin for unparalleled photo ops, and take a break during an alpine landing (weather dependent). Listen to the pilot’s commentary through personal headsets.

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.

Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Sail to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a buffet dinner featuring local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts, then watch farm demonstrations or relax in the bar. The cruise returns to the same central Queenstown location. The TSS Earnslaw undergoes winter maintenance, when the Spirit of Queenstown is available instead.

Take your time on a self-guided wineries cycling tour starting at The Church Cellar Door in Gibbston Valley. Follow the Arrow and Kawarau River gorges to the famous bungee-jump bridge over the Kawarau. Continue to the Gibbston Valley wine region, cycling 11 miles (17 kilometers) of easy trails suitable for varying abilities. Stop when and where you want along the way, including many top wineries.

Explore far more of the Milford Sound region than you could alone on this full-day small-group adventure. Set out from Queenstown and navigate the craggy mountainous landscape, listening to facts and stories about the region as you ride. Once you arrive in Milford Sound, enjoy a relaxing nature cruise and dine at the onboard restaurant while you gaze out at waterfalls and glacier-carved fjords.

Ride through the Gibbston Valley on a self-guided bike or e-bike tour from Queenstown that includes everything you need for a day of exploring. With a van to take you to the start and meet you at the finish, you can choose the distance you ride. Stop at the many wineries and other boutique food producers along the route, and admire the beautiful views as you pedal.

Skydive in Queenstown—New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital—and jump from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet (2,700, 3,600, or 4,500 meters). After a safety briefing, board a small plane and tandem skydive with an experienced guide. Free-fall at speeds of up to 124 miles (200 kilometers) per hour, then relax as you float beneath your parachute high above Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

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

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.

This Queenstown helicopter flight makes a grand circle over the Wakatipu Basin with a mountain landing in the Remarkables Range. Your 30-minute aerial tour covers scenic vistas above the wild Shotover River, which thunders through the sheer gorge walls of Skippers Canyon. Stand in the snow 5,045 feet (1,538 meters) above Queenstown for a not-to-be-missed panorama of Lake Wakatipu and beyond.

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.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park on this unforgettable small-group adventure from Queenstown. Travel through spectacular South Island landscapes as your knowledgeable guide shares stories and insights along the way. Journey through dramatic alpine scenery including the rugged Kawarau Gorge and the sweeping views of Lindis Pass, with scenic stops at iconic locations such as the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. You may also visit local favourites like High Country Salmon and seasonal fruit stalls. At Mt Cook National Park, enjoy free time to explore this remarkable alpine environment. Walk to the Tasman Glacier lookout for panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest glacier, glacial lakes, and towering peaks. NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This section still offers beautiful views, with the full track expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.

Take to the skies on a 50-minute Queenstown helicopter flight that includes a snow landing on Jura Glacier. Soar above Lake Wakatipu’s northern shores and discover unparalleled views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps from an aerial perspective. After your pilot lands atop the glacier, snap photos of surrounding alpine peaks, such as Mt Aspiring, before the return helicopter ride over glacier-fed lakes and the Rees and Dart River valleys.

There are many great places to enjoy the mountain views in Queenstown, but the best are undoubtedly from the air. Catch views of the Remarkables you can’t get any other way on a scenic helicopter flight. The pilot selects the route on the day. Hover close to peaks and land high above Lake Wakatipu, with unparalleled views of the Southern Alps. The package includes hotel transfers for your convenience.

Take a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown for a self-guided bike tour on the Queenstown Trail. The bike rental staff provides tips for your ride and directions for the basic route, which covers about 22 miles (36 kilometers) of varied terrain and hills. Mountain bike (or e-bike), helmet, and detailed trail map are provided, along with options for additional stops. Suitable for active people who enjoy a challenging bike ride.

Take a trip to the picturesque village of Glenorchy without having to drive yourself on this easy group tour from Queenstown. Focus on the beautiful mountain and lake views on the way, rather than the road. Your guide will keep you entertained and informed on the drive to Glenorchy, and you’ll have about two hours to explore the village independently. Take a short walk along the lake or enjoy a relaxed coffee or beer.

Cyclists who enjoy spending time in nature will love this easy shuttle and rental option. After a transfer from Queenstown to Arrowtown, get kitted out with a mountain bike or e-bike and helmet. With bike rental included, you won’t worry about whether your bike is suitable for the trails. A detailed map is included, so you won’t get lost, and you’ll have the freedom to cycle at your own pace.