Top Queenstown Outdoor Activities - page 4

Gourmet Food & Wine Tour Queenstown: 4 wineries & 5 dish lunch

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(383)

from $196

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 Scenic Flight flyback from Milford Sound to Queenstown

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Half-Day Canyoning in Gibbston Valley from Queenstown

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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

3 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

See Arrowtown and Wanaka through the eyes of a local rather than a first-time visitor on a half-day tour from Queenstown that explores local history and landscapes. You’ll have time to stroll Arrowtown’s charming main street, built during Otago’s 19th-century gold rush, then enjoy an hour of free time to see Wanaka at your own pace for a balanced sightseeing experience. Return to Queenstown through the Crown Range, winding through towering peaks and high passes.

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

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

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Likely to Sell Out

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

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.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(44)

from $573

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown Segway Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience the most comprehensive Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown. An expert nature guide accompanies you throughout both the coach and cruise journeys. Travel in a premium glass-roof coach through Fiordland with scenic photo stops along the way, while your Nature Guide shares the region's rich stories of history, geology and wildlife. Arrive at Milford Sound ready for your extended cruise through this world-famous scenery aboard a spacious vessel. The boat features both indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks, perfect for watching wildlife and feeling the spray of waterfalls. With multiple language options via our app and free refreshments onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience

Milford Sound Coach & Extended Cruise from Queenstown

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Explore Queenstown's Scenic Trails with an Electric Bike

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Routeburn Track Guided Hike (Full Day)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

On a rainy day, an animated show is perfect way to learn about the fascinating history of Lake Wakatipu while keeping warm indoors. This state-of-the-art animated show takes you on a journey through time, from the moment the earth was formed to the present day. You'll learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, how the lake was carved out by a giant glacier. Then view the marine life that now calls it home from the comfort of Queenstown underwater observatory.

Queenstown Underwater Observatory

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Thrill-seekers in New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ will love free-falling over the river on the Shotover Canyon Swing. A jump instructor prepares both first-timers and seasoned daredevils to swing solo or tandem along a special rope and cable system suspended between two cliffs. You’ll swing safely in a secure harness and hear encouragement throughout your pendulum ride above the Shotover River.

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Shotover Canyon Swing

When soaring in a fixed-wing plane from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier, you may think the one-hour scenic flight is the highlight of this tour. But the best is yet to come. Switch to a helicopter and fly up to a landing point high on the glacier, where you’ll embark on a hike on the snow and ice. Wearing crampons, you’ll explore caves and see remarkable landscapes inaccessible any other way.

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Avoid the risk of driving on icy mountain roads with this handy shuttle service from central Queenstown to Coronet Peak. Choose from various departure times and enjoy a smooth ride up to the ski field. Play in the snow, ride the lifts, rent some skis (own expense), or relax inside the warm café and admire the winter landscape. The timing of your return shuttle depends on your upward journey time.

Coronet Peak Snow Touch Experience from Queenstown

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30mins

30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to drive a Formula 1 race car, you’ll love this private Radical U-Drive experience. Guided by a professional race driver, you’ll zoom around the track seven times–long enough to enjoy the feel of the aerodynamic bodywork, thrilling cornering speeds, and the sounds of the engine accelerating. This is the closest you’ll feel to driving a Le Mans vehicle without actually being in one.

Radical U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most impressive natural wonders, but the remote fjord lies around four hours by road from Queenstown. Save time and maximize your experience with this airplane tour to Milford Sound, which allows you to explore the region from both the air and land. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Skippers Canyon, Sutherland Falls, and the Fiordland National Park; and touch down to experience the fjord up close with a self-guided walk along the shore.

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour - Glenorchy (half day)

4 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Milford Sound Scenic Flight from Queenstown

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Queenstown

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What are people saying about Queenstown

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Hanna_B, Sep 2026

An Unforgettable Family Experience! Worth Every Penny!

From the beautiful steam boat ride, to the delicious high tea, feeding the animals, and the amazing dog and sheep show, this 3-hour experience was worth every penny! We made such beautiful and special memories as a family, and it’s honestly so hard to choose a highlight because every part of the experience was fantastic. The whole afternoon was so much fun, relaxing and memorable. A truly wonderful experience that we would highly recommend to anyone visiting! ❤️

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

Scott_H, Aug 2026

Quotes, facts and an absolute wholesome day.

Lord of the rings fans, this is the one... Knowledge, facts, fun and pure epic scenery. Not only did we learn new info, but it just felt so accommodating and Dan is amazing, keeps the day flowing, keeps the quotes going and surpassed all expectations. Would highly recommend. And if you want your main character moment listening to the soundtrack whilst passing the scenes of LOTR, I can tell you, you'll get it.

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Prabha_L, Aug 2026

An interesting half a day

It was a wonderful experience. Ana our guide was great-friendly and informed and easy to talk to. She played a super collection of music on the radio for us, which matched the mood and the scenery. Would recommend to anyone who loves seeing and moving around in beautiful country side settings

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!

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!!

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!!

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

Laura_H, Mar 2026

Flying high in Queenstown

This was a ton of fun. We did all 6 ziplines. 3 were shorter and another 3 longer. Wide variety of people in the group and the guides, Ava and Steve, were great! Note that there is a 25 downhill walk with quite a few steep steps and ruggis terrain, so be careful if you have any movement concerns (they do offer a partial car ride as an alt).

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 ....

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

Rachel_H, Jan 2026

We did the half day tour...

We did the half day tour & would recommend! Loved: - Both drivers (Kerry & George) - Mt Rosa (1 - small great vibe), Nockies Palette (2 - beautiful views & scenery), the Winery in Arrowtown (3 - so fun to dispense the wine ourselves and I think a really fun way to start), Gibson Valley (4 - could take or leave but I think it’d be better if we did a formal tour with them) - we fit in 4 stops! Felt like we made good use of our time. Tour ended approx 5-5:15pm. - drivers offered to call and make bookings for tasting when we got on the bus - bus very comfy, not super windy or bumpy Of Note: - you get a timetable & map immediately upon getting on the bus. You need to be a bit flexible with the wineries you go to since you don’t have access to it beforehand. There must be some reason they don’t give it out but 🤷🏼‍♀️ - the stops are approximately 50mins so it’s fast!! You would definitely need to spend two spots for lunch in order to have enough time to get your food & eat it. Since we were the halfway, we ate beforehand and had plenty of time to get a cheeseboard, bread, fries, etc during one stop Overall really fun & would do again!