Top Queenstown Self-guided Tours

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.

You’re not following a tour guide — you’re following the clues! Armed with a curated map and a series of clues and riddles, you’ll self-drive through the Queenstown region, discovering local artisan food, hidden gems, scenic spots and fun surprises along the way. Build your own gourmet picnic as you go, with each stop revealing something new, then finish at a beautiful picnic spot to enjoy your discoveries. It’s a unique mix of self-guided adventure, food, sightseeing and scavenger hunt - giving you the freedom to explore Queenstown at your own pace.

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.

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.

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. The adventure begins at Thrillzone Queenstown, 53 Shotover Street.

With a return shuttle between visitors’ Queenstown accommodation and Arrowtown, and an e-bike for the day, this is exploring made easy. This activity is available from one to eight hours, allowing visitors to explore the trails and wineries at their own pace. This is life made easy, and an accessible adventure in the south of New Zealand.

Ride from Queenstown thru Arrowtown and onto Gibbston Valley on this self-guided e-bike tour connecting two historic churches. Follow the Wharehuanui Trail through farmland and scenic countryside, then continue through Arrowtown and into the Gibbston Valley wine region. Along the way, you can explore Arrowtown’s gold-mining history, visit the Chinese Miners’ Village, and stop at wineries, restaurants, and local food producers. You will ride over the AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge. Watch thrill seekers or have a jump yourself! Your day starts at Waikaka Church, where you’ll be fitted with a premium e-bike and given everything you need for your ride. Follow the provided route at your own pace, choosing where to stop and how long to spend exploring along the way. The ride finishes at The Church Cellar Door in Gibbston Valley, where you can relax and enjoy the wine-country atmosphere before your return transfer.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Located at the heart of the Queenstown Trail Better By Bike has some amazing ride options beginning right outside our location - literally! Ride completely at your own pace as you make your way through some of the most stunning and photographed scenery in New Zealand with breath taking scenery around every corner! Kiwi owned and operated we’d love to show you our backyard and introduce you to the best trails around. Thee trails once known only to locals and enthusiasts are now accessible to you! - Every season we provide a fleet of new season bikes to choose from. We’ll make sure you’re completely kitted out before you leave with a great bike, easy to read maps and the best advice. -Our bikes brand is Specialized and we have both Hard Tail Mountain Bike and Cruiser options available. - Our expert staff will pair you with your perfect bike, match you to the best trail and get you out on the trail quick-smart!

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. team, from personalised bike fittings, scenic shuttles 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.

Queenstown becomes the crime scene in this self-guided detective game, where the clues are hidden in plain sight in the streets around you. The case is the murder of Balthasar, and the evidence is scattered across the old centre - past St Peter's Anglican Church, the War Memorial, Williams Cottage and the TSS Earnslaw. You decode messages, photograph what does not add up and press digital witnesses whose stories never quite line up. Every puzzle you crack removes a name from the list of suspects. Play as a couple, bring the children along, or send two or three teams out at the same time and turn the investigation into a race - which is what makes this murder mystery game work as well for a team outing as for a day out. The last answer is waiting somewhere in the centre of Queenstown.

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.

This is the ultimate one-day Otago Central Rail Trail adventure, perfect for couples, groups, first-time riders, and families. 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 original Great Ride and you’ll see why. What sets us apart is unmatched service and premium e-bikes, plus our legendary CCT team. 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.

Admire landscapes shaped by Central Otago’s history as you cycle through this famous region. Let us help craft your ideal itinerary and make sure it all goes off without a hitch. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy the ride. Explore the trails your way, whether that is on a romantic getaway, a fun holiday or a family excursion.