Top Queenstown Outdoor Activities - page 5

Fear Factory Queenstown

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to land at this hidden gem, Heliworks provides exclusive access to this remarkable destination. Experience panoramic views over historic Skippers Canyon and rugged schist slopes, making this helicopter tour a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you visit in summer, when waterfalls flow abundantly, or in winter, when the glacier is capped in fresh snow, each visit promises an unforgettable spectacle of nature’s wonders. - Exclusive landing rights at the stunning Earnslaw Burn glacier - Scenic flight over Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining sites - Spectacular views of seasonal waterfalls and vibrant blue ice - Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike

Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier

1 hourFree Cancellation

Discover Central Otago’s wine country by bike on this 3/4-day guided tour from Queenstown. Ride down the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers and across the iconic Kawarau suspension bridge. Follow the wine map at your own pace to more than 10 wineries along an easy biking trail. Take in the scenery and stop to taste delicious wine as you go. Transfers and equipment, including bike and helmet, are included.

Bike The Wineries (3/4 Day) - Ride Through Queenstown Vineyards

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day kayaking excursion on Moke Lake, a short drive from Queenstown. With a small group you’ll be taken to the lake and given a thorough safety briefing and a map before enjoying free time to paddle at your own pace on the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Learn about the area from your guide during the bus journey. Refuel with refreshments after.

Moke Lake Kayak Experience

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Milford Extended Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Avoid the risk of self-driving around the mountainous South Island on this handy 2-day tour starting in Queenstown, ending in Christchurch, and with an overnight stop in Franz Josef (own expense). See the changing landscapes as you travel from semi-arid Central Otago to the West Coast rainforests, and then over the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains. Glimpse the near-sea-level Franz Josef Glacier and learn about goldrush history in Hokitika.

Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour

2 daysFree Cancellation

Explore the landscapes that featured in “The Lord of the Rings” movies on this small-group full-day tour. Traveling in a 4-wheel drive enables access to remote locations in the Queenstown area. Get out into the wilderness in the morning, with the chance to dress up in movie costumes and pose with props. Return to town for lunch, then spend the afternoon checking out more sites around Queenstown.

Lord of Rings Tour around Queenstown Lakes by 4WD (full day)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Thrill seekers will enjoy this fun adventure activity combo that includes jet boating and off-roading near Queenstown. Be amazed by the speeds you’ll get to in the four-seater Jet Sprint boats, which can accelerate to 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour in just 2.5 seconds. Follow this with a ride on land in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that can venture over the most rugged terrain. The activity starts at 2696 Gibbston Highway, Gibbston.

Jet Sprint Boating & Ultimate Off-Roading in Queenstown

45 minutesFree Cancellation

Mt. Cook Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Jet Sprint Boating, Ultimate Off-Roading & Clay Target Shooting

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Travel to Milford Sound from Queenstown the most scenic way: by helicopter. Swap the roadways for the skies, soaring over the Southern Alps then landing at Fiordland National Park while your pilot-guide provides commentary along the way. After an informative cruise on Milford Sound, with plenty of photo opportunities at waterfalls and Mitre Peak, enjoy a second landing on a snow-capped peak.

Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Experience some of the best Central Otago landscapes with this e-bike hire and transport service for the Lake Dunstan Trail. Start out in Clyde where you will receive a full briefing on your e-bike. Then get transported to the start of the trail, from where you can wind your way back to the starting point. Along the way, take in wonderful views of vineyards, gorges, historic buildings and much more.

The Great Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Adventure

The Great Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Adventure

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 12-hour day trip from Queenstown to the turquoise wonder of Lake Tekapo. Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes, charming towns, and shimmering lakes — with the freedom to stop anywhere along the way. - 12-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace - Travel via Wanaka or Cromwell (Your Journey, Your Way!) - Visit Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel, Lake Pukaki, and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd - Enjoy fresh salmon at Lake Pukaki and seasonal lupin blooms (late spring/early summer) - Optional stop at the unique Clay Cliffs near Omarama - Flexible itinerary — add photo stops, short walks, or local food breaks anytime - Comfortable, modern vehicles with your own friendly local driver-guide - Perfect for couples, families, small groups, or solo adventurers Breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and total flexibility — this is the ultimate way to experience Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie region in a single day.

Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown

11 hoursFree Cancellation

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners at Mitre Peak Cruises, to experience the Fiordland National Park from the sky, land and water. A remote alpine landing tops off this up close exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and the Fiordland Crested penguins roaming around Milford Sound. This is an experience you will never forget in the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover New Zealand’s most picturesque golf hole—a must-play experience for every golfer—high in the Southern Alps. This unique par-3 hole, accessible only by helicopter, overlooks beautiful Queenstown from 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). Fly in, tee off, chip (if necessary), and putt out. The scenic helicopter flight, a Queenstown hotel pickup and drop-off, and golf clubs and balls are all included.

Altitude Golf by Helicopter from Queenstown

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Enjoy a fun combination of swimming, sliding, climbing, and rappelling during an adrenaline-fueled canyoning adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park. See places you can’t reach any other way as you follow your guide into the canyon. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to discover the stunning scenery. Includes a picnic lunch, round-trip transportation from Queenstown or Wānaka, and use of all equipment.

The best photos of this incredible landscape that would otherwise be in-accessable

Mt Aspiring Full Day Canyon ex Queenstown or Wanaka

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown is paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts, but it’s hard to know the best biking routes if you’re new in town. Enjoy an active morning or afternoon e-bike ride along Queenstown’s lakeshore with a guide and small group to stay on track. Pedal-assisted e-bikes make it easy to cover more ground, and are suitable for riders of all levels. Admire mountain and lake views as you ride.

Scenic Guided eBike Tour Ride to the Lake

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Avoid the crowds and experience the grandeur of Milford Sound from the seat of a helicopter. This exclusive two-hour ride via helicopter will take you the full length of Milford Sound and, weather permitting, enjoy a glacier or alpine landing in Fiordland National Park. Listen to informative commentary from your skilled pilot during the trip and stop for a short walk and photo opportunity at Milford Sound.

2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown is one of the South Island’s most popular spots for those looking to take in the majestic mountainous landscapes the region is known for. Take to the skies on this small-group tandem hang-gliding experience, launching from Coronet Peak to soar above the forests, lakes, and mountains surrounding the town. Pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown mean you don’t need to drive to Coronet Peak.

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Tandem Hang Gliding

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance to be genuinely involved. Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’ve fished for years, the experience is adapted to you. Beginners are guided through everything, while experienced anglers can get more involved with techniques, gear and the Lake Wakatipu fishery. Once fishing, we use a fully electric trolling motor, meaning no engine noise while we fish. Its clever GPS route-following system can automatically guide the boat along our fishing route, giving your skipper more time to interact with guests, help with the fishing, answer questions and share his knowledge. Quality fishing gear, a comfortable purpose-built boat, experienced local guide, locally sourced treats and cold drinks are all included, creating a relaxed and personal way to experience Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown from the water.

Queenstown Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Queenstown: The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter Flight

35 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

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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!