Top Queenstown Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 2

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.

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.

Explore the beautiful and famous Mt. Cook National Park while traveling to Tekapo on a fully guided small group tour from Queenstown. This is a 9 hour one way tour with free time in the middle of your journey to participate in the best activities. There is no better way to see the area! While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and the little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments, and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.

The Franz Josef Glacier near Queenstown is a frozen spectacle with deep icy crevasses, crashing waterfalls, and mountainous snowy scenery. Witness the Franz Josef from the sky with a helicopter ride above the glacier on this full-day small-group tour, before setting down for a hike to explore wondrous caves and chilling icefalls.

*Lord of the Rings* fans will feel like they're on Middle Earth during this air tour. Fly above beautiful Queenstown, and see the spots filmed for the fictional places of Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien; then land on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass.

The UNESCO World Heritage–listed landscapes of Milford Sound are even more spectacular from above. Take to the skies on a round-trip flight from Queenstown; spot natural wonders such as Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls from the air and enjoy unbeatable aerial views of the mountains, lakes, sounds, and fjords of Fiordland National Park.

Milford Sound lies in a remote corner of New Zealand’s South Island and, although remarkably scenic, the route from Queenstown is long. On this tour, reach Milford Sound by premium low-emission coach and spot native wildlife and gushing waterfalls during a nature cruise with specialist commentary. When it’s time to return home, take to the skies and return effortlessly to Queenstown—with unrivaled views over the wilderness landscapes from the air.

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.

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.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Take a 1.5-hour helicopter tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown, including a landing in Milford Sound and a remote alpine landing. Fly into the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, soaring over the South Island’s most dramatic scenery, such as Mitre Peak. You'll land in the remote mountains near the fiord. Hear entertaining live commentary from your professional pilot who points out remote alpine lakes and the rugged mountain peaks of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The round-trip helicopter flight includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Discover Milford Sound on the original small-group glass-roof tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours. Travel in a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter featuring an expansive glass roof, panoramic windows, leather seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging. With a maximum of just 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience away from the crowds. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating commentary, local history and hidden gems as you journey through Fiordland National Park, stopping at iconic viewpoints and scenic locations along the spectacular Milford Road. A freshly prepared packed picnic lunch is included to enjoy during the day. In Milford Sound, board a small-group nature cruise and experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This is Milford Sound at its most personal and unforgettable.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

This Epic Snow Day Tour offers a delightful alpine adventure for families, couples, and travelers wanting to enjoy the snow without skiing. Travel along the stunning Crown Range Road to Snow Farm, where you can engage in snowball fights, craft snow angels, or simply relax amid breathtaking mountain views. Warm up at the iconic Cardrona Hotel before exploring the picturesque town of Wānaka, famous for the That Wānaka Tree. The day wraps up with a visit to the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct, making it a perfect mix of fun and history. - Enjoy nearly two hours of snow play at Snow Farm - Visit iconic locations like the Cardrona Hotel and That Wānaka Tree - Relax in small groups aboard comfortable minibuses - Full-day tour lasting approximately 8 hours, with pick-up from Queenstown

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.

Queenstown is famous for its adrenaline-inducing adventure sports, but if you want a more relaxed adventure, combine a Lake Wakatipu cruise with a horseback-riding adventure. Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm, then fuel up with morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience on the horse trek for a personalized experience. Admire great views of the Remarkables mountains.

With soaring peaks, rugged trails, and spectacular countryside scenery, Queenstown is the undisputed home of outdoor adventure on New Zealand’s South Island. Tackling this terrain can be difficult with children, but this ATV experience keeps kids in mind with smaller, age-appropriate ATVs while parents and teens 14 and over ride full-size vehicles alongside. Your guide adjusts pace and terrain to suit the youngest riders, so every child gets the right balance of challenge and confidence.

Take your South Island adventure to new heights during a 50-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing. Soar above the spectacular scenery of Mt. Aspiring National Park, gliding above turquoise ice formations, hidden alpine lakes, and towering mountains, before landing atop an alpine glacier for photos. Scenic highlights include the Earnslaw Burn valley, which is usually only accessible on foot.

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.

Enjoy an informative short tour of the vineyards, winery, and wine cave at Gibbston Valley Wines. See how beloved Central Otago pinot noir wines are produced with behind-the-scenes access at the winemaking facility. Sample four premium wines and learn about the local varieties. This is a handy tour for travelers who are just passing through, or who don’t have much time in the region.

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.

Saddle up for a horseback ride through the wild landscapes of the Cardrona Valley near Wānaka. Trace the path of the 19th-century gold rush, climb the mountains for a thrilling view over Lake Wānaka, and trot or gallop through the valley plains. Rides can be tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders—state your experience level when booking so you are paired with an appropriate horse.

With waterfalls cascading down mighty cliffs and some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural scenery, Milford Sound is one the South Island’s must-see destinations—but its remote location makes it hard to reach alone. On this tour, spin through the New Zealand countryside in comfort from central Queenstown with your guide. Admire panoramic views from your glass-roof, low-emissions coach, and cruise the calm waters with a picnic lunch included.