Top Queenstown Outdoor Activities

Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

2 hoursFree Cancellation

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

1 hourFree Cancellation

Enjoy an active adventure from Queenstown without having to plan any of the logistics on this half-day canyoneering trip that’s even suitable for beginners. Walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you descend by zipline, abseil (rappel) down waterfalls, plunge into natural pools, float down narrow passageways, and cascade down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on your skill level.

Queenstown Half Day Canyoning Adventure

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.

Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

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.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Shoot the rapids on the Shotover River on this half-day tour from Queenstown, a great choice for thrill seekers. Under guide supervision, you'll brave six wild rapids including Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball, raft through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, and drop into Cascade Rapid. Instruction and all necessary equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet) are included. This trip requires confident swimming, moderate fitness, and participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg due to safety restrictions.

Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Observe more than 20 native bird species—including New Zealand’s famous kiwi—with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits, and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a darkened enclosure that mimics a nocturnal environment. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

The cliffs, fjords, and waterfalls of Milford Sound are among the most impressive natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island. This tour is ideal for those short on time, including round-trip flights from Queenstown and up to two hours of free time at Milford Sound. Enjoy spectacular aerial views over the Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Lake Wakatipu; then touchdown to hike around the Sound with views of Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls.

Milford Sound Scenic Fly & Explore Day Trip from Queenstown

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

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.

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

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.

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

50 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Queenstown scenery

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.

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

4.7

(1,472)

from $211

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.

Glenorchy Air Milford Sound Fly | Cruise | Fly scenic flight past Lake Erskine

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

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.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Top Attractions in Queenstown

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Attractions

What are people saying about Queenstown

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Xiaohua_G, Aug 2026

A pleasant half day trip

The scenery throughout the trip was absolutely breathtaking — the snow-capped mountain peaks created a stunning contrast with the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Ash, our tour guide and driver, was genuinely passionate and knowledgeable. He shared a wealth of interesting background information about Queenstown and Glenorchy that really enriched the experience. The morning tea included in the tour was also thoughtfully prepared and delicious.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

April_S, Aug 2026

Walter Peak Farm

My family and I live on a farm, but just seeing how they do things at Walter Peak was well worth it. From the cute Valais Sheep to the Highland cows, this was an absolute masterpiece experience. And if you don't like the sound of a farm, at least go for the views; they're incredible. After taking a trip across the lake from Queenstown aboard the TSS Earnslaw, complete with a cafe on board and incredible views of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake, we were greeted by the Lovely Georgia. She is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, no matter the weather. Her special bond with Kimberly, the Herding Dog, was so special. The High-Tea was absolutely delicious. Every Staff Member was so lovely and friendly. Just be prepared for wet weather, but don't let that scare you off and enjoy everything it has to offer.

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

SHIN_R, Aug 2026

Amazing! Really enjoyed...

Amazing! Really enjoyed the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise! The whole experience was lovely, from the beautiful lake views to the old steamship itself. The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were friendly and helpful. It was nice to sit back, enjoy the scenery and watch the steam engine in action. Definitely a memorable experience during our New Zealand trip. Would recommend it to anyone visiting Queenstown!

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Richard_B, Aug 2026

A Must For Any Lord of the Rings Fan

Incredible experience! Our guide Dan was both extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the tour. He took us all over, providing insights, trivia knowledge, offering to help with pictures, and answering any questions we had about the country as a whole. The sights were great, truly a highlight of our trip. We are big LoTR fans and pride ourselves on our knowledge of the films, but we learned so much! Thank you Dan we had a great time! This experience is a must for any LoTR fans or anyone who is just excited to experience the natural beauty of NZ!

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

Anthony_P, Aug 2026

A relaxing and peaceful activity for animal lovers!

We did this activity because our other tour fell through but this activity was super nice and fun. It’s much cheaper to buy tickets through Viator than through the main website. When we got there, one of the conservation talk show just started (11:30) so we joined. It was nice listening to a staff talk about the local animals and showing some to us. We then made our way to the 12:15 kiwi encounter session towards the back of the park. Please note you cannot use your phones nor cameras because kiwis are nocturnal animals and can be frightened by the lights. When it was time, we went into the dark room and got to see 4 kiwis behind glass panels. Then we simply explored the entire park. Some animals like reptiles were hibernating since it’s winter and cold here. Overall it was a nice visit other than the fact we couldn’t take pictures of the kiwis but they have QR codes with professional pictures taken so it was still good. The staff were all friendly and it was a nice and relaxing visit that lasted about 2 hours. A must visit for animal lovers for a quiet and relaxing activity!

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

Isabelle_M, May 2026

Beautiful scenic trip with fantastic commentary

We had a wonderful day on this trip, our driver was Matt - who was wonderful! He gave us so much information along the drive, and could answer any question we had. It was an informative, entertaining and beautiful 4.30ish hour drive over which we were thoroughly enjoying. The cruise itself was busy, but was beautiful. We ended up flying home after the option was raised by our driver, which was great too! We would’ve enjoyed the trip home just as much on the road with the scenery and the fantastic Kea stops too, but it was magnificent to see from above.

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

Jenna_W, May 2026

Calling all Coeliacs! Highly recommend…

Coeliacs…! You are catered for so well on this experience. We have one Coeliac in the family and she was so well looked after. When booking I alerted them to having a Coeliac within the group and when we arrived they sort them out and walked them through what was safe (which was a lot!) and what was unsafe. They made sure that Miss Coeliac went up first before everyone (to ensure no cross contamination) and encourage her to take loads of food to make sure she would be full and satisfied - which she did and she was very very full! The food was incredible and experience was definitely one of our favourites of the trip. It is worth it!!

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

Mary_F, Apr 2026

Fun times up on a zipline

I'm 73 and had never taken a zipline adventure before. I went with 5 friends, and we all had a blast! Saucer, Stephen and Emelie were wonderful, not only calming us all down, but showing us a wonderful, fun filled adventure. They showed us they all had a great sense of humor, while teaching us all about the area we were in on each platform. (I'm a Grade 1 teach and was impressed with their teaching skills!) One of my friends had injured her knee earlier in the day. All 3 of them made sure she was super safe, while still having fun! There was also a family of 4 with 2 young fearless girls who they catered to. We all had a delightful, very exhilarating time & a great way to end our day. I highly recommend this adventure to everyone.

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Jitendra_S, Mar 2026

Wonderful scenic tour of Queenstown!!

Great experience! Tour narrator (and Captain) Dan was insightful and kept the tour entertaining. Very scenic and informative tour! Refreshments available for purchase on the tour was a plus. Captain Dan took pictures of those wanting a scenic photo, as well as allowed a select few to steer the boat. Overall, a wonderful tour and experience!! Highly recommend!!