Top Queenstown Outdoor Activities - page 2

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

(239)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $541

Likely to Sell Out

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.

4.7

(1,459)

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Experience the thrill of a helicopter ride and snowmobile tour on the only snowmobile wilderness tour available in New Zealand. Enjoy exclusive access to backcountry trails that can only be accessed via helicopter, ensuring that you won’t see another tourist for miles around! Your highly skilled guide will adapt the snowmobile ride to varying levels of ability, to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.

from $216

Queenstown Heli-Snowmobiling Adventure

5.0

(21)

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $774

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

(1,397)

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $120

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.

30-Minute Alpine Scenic Flight from Queenstown

(66)

30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $258

Join a Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown and discover this isolated gem deep within the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Travel by coach to Manapouri, take a ferry across Lake Manapouri and cross over Wilmot Pass, then down to Doubtful Sound to board your catamaran. Look out for dolphins, fur seals, and penguins amid a dramatic landscape of soaring forest-covered peaks and crystal-clear waters.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

4.7

(260)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $289

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.

Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

4.3

(113)

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour of Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell from Queenstown. Drive through valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history, and stop at four boutique wineries for tastings along the way. Numbers are limited to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers and personalized attention from your guide.

from $168

Special Offer

Enjoy your wine in the stunning sites of Central Otago

Queenstown Boutique Wine Tour - All-Inclusive 4 Wineries & Lunch

(707)

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from

$151

$168

Milford Sound Scenic Flight flyback from Milford Sound to Queenstown

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, but self-driving can be risky and the return road trip from Queenstown is long. Simplify your visit on this small-group tour from Queenstown. Travel there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing unobstructed views. Take a relaxing cruise on Milford Sound, beautiful in all weather, then return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the views.

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

(358)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $542

Get off the beaten path and enjoy sweeping views over Queenstown that would be otherwise difficult to find on this ATV adventure. Head to Queenstown Hill for a half-day tour on a fully automatic ATV and follow your guide over off-road trails (safety gear and all-weather clothing are provided). Enjoy informative commentary and sweeping views over Queenstown. Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with refreshments, are included in this small-group tour.

Queenstown Hill Quad Bike Tour

(245)

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.

from $210

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

(1,303)

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.

from $102

Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50-Minute Helicopter Flight

(135)

50 minutesFree Cancellation

from $531

4.6

(91)

Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour

45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $29

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.

Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo from Queenstown

4.6

(54)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $496

Set out on a thrilling ATV adventure, just five minutes from downtown Queenstown. Begin with a short training session before riding through a private 650-acre adventure park with a guide, navigating rugged trails and hill climbs that lead to panoramic views over the Shotover River, Coronet Peak, Central Otago, and the Southern Alps. Tours are tailored to the group’s skill level, with small group sizes ensuring personalized guidance. All your gear is included for ease, and finish your experience with complimentary photos.

Queenstown: ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour

(849)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $192

5.0

(181)

Guided eBike Tour 'Ride to the Sky'

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.

from $148

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

(586)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $197

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

(394)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $463

Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise (Stirling Falls)

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning fiord in a way few tourists will—by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

(189)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $915

Instead of rushing to keep up with a group, this self-guided e-bike adventure is a peaceful way to explore the cycle paths between Arrowtown and Queenstown at your own pace. Begin with a pickup at a time that suits your schedule—with e-bike rental included—then, get taken to the start point in Arrowtown. After that, independently explore the local area’s bridges, mountains, and stunning trails with breaks whenever you like.

Arrowtown to Queenstown Bike Tour with Shuttle

(113)

3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $69

4.5

(337)

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $72

bike ride the Twin River trail into the famous Gibbston Valley wine region.

For active relaxers, this self-guided bike tour is the perfect way to see Arrowtown and Gibbston while getting some exercise. Take a shuttle to either Arrowtown or Gibbston, where you can explore at your own pace before being picked up from your choice of vineyard or brewery in the Gibbston area. This tour is great for those who want to see the best of both towns without having to worry about organising a car (and designated driver).

Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines

5.0

(216)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $74

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.

Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular!

(157)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $301

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.

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

4.6

(560)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $192

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Top Attractions in Queenstown

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Attractions

What are people saying about Queenstown

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Susannah_B, Apr 2026

It’s a while since we did...

It’s a while since we did this tour and have been meaning to leave a review for ages. One of us is a massive LOTR fan, 2 really like it and one not that bothered but had seen it. We ALL had an amazing time and it was money well spent. Our tour guide was lovely. I can’t remember her name but she said she used to work on yachts. Her driving was also good which is an important thing to me on a tour on windy roads. All of the stops were well worth it and well paced. Our guide had lots of information which was delivered in a fun way. The group size was good. For anyone considering whether to do this or another tour- I would recommend this one because they have access to an important location that other tours don’t. I recommend making sure you apply sunscreen before you board the bus because the first stop is the one with the longest stretch of outdoor time and the weather changes quickly.

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

Karen_Z, Apr 2026

Worth it!

This is a beautiful drive through the NZ countryside. Our driver, Matt, was really great - witty, interested in our thoughts, sensitive to what would make the tour more enjoyable, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable. I couldn’t hear much of the commentary on the cruise.

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

Lynn_S, Mar 2026

Birdwatcher’s Delight

It was a lovely experience like walking through a garden. If you like birds and nature, it the trip for you. I have bird watching my entire trip to New Zealand, and through my visit to Kiwi Park I was able to see the elusive birds that I didn’t want to miss.

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Kyle_B, Mar 2026

This was honestly the...

This was honestly the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I went with my girlfriend, they kept us together in the same jumping group, were super helpful, and made us feel so safe! It was such an amazing experience and everything from the beginning to the end was truly 100/10. Super easy process, straightforward, and they ease your nerves if you have any. We felt super safe and comfortable the whole time! Highly recommend!!

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

Keith_L, Mar 2026

We just did the return...

We just did the return trip across Lake Walatipu without visiting Walter Peak Farm. The trip allowed great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but the best bit was the atmosphere of the old steamer. You could even go below and check out the workings of the steam engine. Great experience.

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Jennifer_B, Mar 2026

Once in a lifetime opportunity ...... I now understand what this means :)

Was not expecting the amazing views on journey with glazed roof of coach which enhanced the journey made the time go quickly. Loved the engaging coach guide, they were amazing, so knowledgeable, entertaining and related everything to what was around at that the time ... no time to doze off. Definitely an opportunity not to miss ....

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

Shelby_C, Mar 2026

Afraid of heights

We did the 2 zip lines with the jump off a deck at the end. Sydney & Shazz were our guides. Our own personal “Team Canada!”🇨🇦 They were professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. They were also friendly and funny! They made the experience so much fun. This was my first time zip lining and I am afraid of heights. I wanted to push myself. Without Sydney there is no way I would have made the 60ft drop after the two zip lines. I was scared to death and she encouraged me and walked me through it. I was successful. Overcoming my fears and positive support made it happen. Thanks, Sydney!

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Lucia_H, Feb 2026

Majestic!

We had a wonderful experience on this excursion. Thomas greeted us with a cheerful welcome. He created a welcoming environment for all the travelers to get to know each other with a fun individual introduction exercise. He shared cultural stories. He shared geographical knowledge of the region. He shared plant and animal details. He hosted a charming tea with yummy grilled cheese sandwiches with fresh slices of kiwi fruit. We experienced the rock, the water, the trees, the sky, the wind. It was majestic and he helped create this experience seemlessly. He was an excellent driver and made us feel safe on a windy and sometimes gravelly road. Everything was special. No complaints. Thank you!

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Molly_K, Jan 2026

Wine tour - a well spent half day!

I was hesitant to sign up as I’m not a “wine” connoisseur. But, it was one of the best half day tours I’ve gone on. Our guide, Ben was knowledgeable and entertaining. The wineries were each unique. The third winery, with the cheese board snack, was great! I went by myself and by the end of the day we were all friends!

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Susanna_C, Jan 2026

Way better than expected.

This tour was so much better than we expected. Steam ship is beautiful and you can really explore all of it. The animals at the farm are gorgeous and friendly. The food provided for afternoon tea was amazing and there was free time to walk around the gardens and the beach. Fab tour.

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

Sandy_S, Nov 2025

Absolutely amazing! Don’t miss this!

Absolutely amazing experience with Jeff, our tour guide for the day. There were plenty of bathroom stops and snack stops along the way. The mini bus with 16 passengers is definitely the way to do it. It’s pricier, but the experience and comfort is worth it. During our initial stop at Hooker Valley, where Mt Cook is viewable, there were clouds covering the summit (still gorgeous). We proceeded with the tour, but before we left that area, Jeff changed plans so we could all see the summit without obstructions! Would highly recommend this tour, and if you get Jeff as your guide, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed a single bit.