Top Queenstown Self-guided Tours

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

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.

Enjoy riding the impressive trails around Queenstown without feeling exhausted at the end of the day with this electric mountain bike (e-bike) hire service. Upon pick up, receive a comprehensive briefing to help you get the most out of your bike. A helmet and map of local trails around Queenstown are included.

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.

Our latest model hardtail Mountain Bikes have been specifically chosen for exploring the 130 km of the beautiful Queenstown Trail network. As the Queenstown Trail's most experienced bike hire operator, our team have spent years exploring these trails. Our fleet of bikes are maintained to a high standard by our in-house mechanics, ensuring your ride will be "sweet as". We cater bike hire for the whole family. For the kids, we have 16", 20", and 24" bikes; for infants we have trailers and half-bikes/tag-alongs available. Get out there and see more of the Queenstown area with us!

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.

This is the ultimate one-day Rail Trail adventure, perfect for couples, groups, first-time riders, and families with older kids. Whether you're short on time or just want the best in a single day, this ride delivers maximum scenery with minimum stress. Our route from Auripo to Clyde is handpicked for its world-class highlights, dramatic tunnels, the majestic Poolburn Gorge, sweeping high country, and charming towns like Ophir, Lauder, Omakau, and Chatto Creek. It’s the most loved section of New Zealand’s Great Ride and you’ll see why. What sets us apart is unmatched service and premium e-bikes, plus our legendary CCT trail support. We handle all the logistics - shuttles, bike setup, safety briefings, insider tips, so you can just ride and soak it in. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just want a fun, scenic ride with a glass of wine at the end, we’ll get you there confidently and comfortably. This is bucket list biking — done your way.

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.

This adventure takes you from Arthurs Point to the Gibbston Valley, connecting two beautifully restored churches via one of NZ's most scenic and culturally rich cycle routes. Unlike typical bike hires, this is a fully curated experience—ride the Wharehuanui Trail beneath the ranges, pass through farmland and luxury golf resorts, explore Arrowtown’s gold rush history and the Chinese Miners’ Village, and glide across dramatic swing bridges into wine country. What makes it truly unique is the combination of local heritage, premium wine tasting, and seamless e-bike support. Perfect for couples, solo travellers, and active families looking for a half-day escape with historic charm and vineyard indulgence, this tour gives you the freedom to ride at your own pace—with expert support when you need it. Finish your journey at The Church Cellar Door, a stunning final destination for more hospitality, before we transfer you back. This is not just a ride, it’s an unforgettable story on two wheels.

This is more than just a bike ride, it’s a crafted journey through Central Otago’s vineyard country. Cruise lakeside trails, roll through the gold-rush charm of Cromwell, and wind your way into the Bannockburn Inlet — a region world-famous for Pinot Noir and dramatic landscapes. What sets this experience apart is the seamless service from the Central Cycle Trail Co. tea, from personalised bike fittings and scenic shuttles to on-trail support and insider tips. Ride a premium e-bike, enjoy a gentle itinerary, and finish with a glass in hand at the beautiful Carrick Winery, with the option to upgrade to a private cabana and shared platter. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a group outing, or a solo wine-lovers’ ride, we make it easy to relax, explore, and taste the best of the region; effortlessly, safely, and in style.

A self-drive adventure awaits in Queenstown, where culinary exploration meets playful riddle-solving. Spend 4-5 hours discovering local flavors while gathering picnic delights from artisanal spots. Kick off your journey with a warm beverage and a gourmet picnic basket, then embark on a scavenger hunt through scenic lakeside views and charming boutiques. Conclude your day at a picturesque picnic spot, where surprise activities and tastings await, making this experience perfect for couples, friends, or families looking to savor the region’s hidden gems.

Get to know Queenstown better while having fun with your family or friends on an outdoor adventure that combines scavenger hunt, escape room, and augmented reality elements. Choose from three different experiences of differing lengths that are suitable for a range of ages, including kids as young as five. Problem-solve as a team and race against the clock to complete your tasks.

Enjoy a wet-and-wild adventure in Skippers Canyon on this family-friendly rafting adventure from Queenstown. Take a scenic drive into Skippers Canyon and learn about the region’s rich gold-mining heritage. On arrival at the base, strap into your safety kit and paddle onto the Shotover River’s class I and II rapids. Paddle and splash as you enjoy the views over the mountain landscape, led safely by a guide.

Renting a bicycle in Cromwell gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding Central Otago countryside at your own pace. See and do what you like when you rent a bike for as long as you like. Regular or e-bikes are available, to suit your needs and preferences. Cycle trail options include the 34 mile (55 kilometer) Lake Dunstan Trail, for which shuttles can also be arranged.

Exploring the Central Otago countryside on horseback lets you go at a leisurely pace while covering more ground than you could hiking on your own two legs. Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt. Pisa Range from the comfort of your horse. Go at the pace appropriate for your skill and experience level. Young kids can be led, if required.

Unlock some of New Zealand’s longest and highest mountain bike trails with a Cardrona mountain biking lift pass and bike rental. Ride lift-accessed terrain reaching up to 1860m elevation, with two chairlifts giving access to two basins packed with flow and technical trails for every level. Descend a thrilling 345 vertical metres on trails designed to challenge and excite, including the iconic 10km peak-to-pub run. With half day and full day options, there’s plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Whether you're just building confidence, mastering technical features, or just soaking in the alpine views, Cardrona delivers an unforgettable ride.