Top Activities on the Ground in Queenstown

While in Central Otago, head to the Oxbow Gun Club in the Gibbston Valley for a bit of fun. Enjoy one-on-one guidance in clay bird shooting from an experienced instructor. Take your friends for some healthy competition and experience the natural beauty of New Zealand’s magnificent mountainous backdrop at the same time. This activity facilitates six shooters per session, so is an excellent group activity suitable for ages 13 and up.

Located several hours from Queenstown by car and unreachable by public transport, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (part of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area) can be tricky for travelers to reach. Cover the journey there and back on this small-group tour, stopping off at several scenic spots along the route, before free time to explore the national park at your leisure. Take a hike along one of its trails, unwind with a hot chocolate (own expense), or take in the dramatic scenery.

Soar through the forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. Choose from three different courses, one with a thrilling 68-foot (21-meter) drop. Or, tone down the adrenaline a notch on a longer course, perfect for families with kids. Expert guides supervise your launch so all you have to do is take in the panoramic mountain and lake views.

Enjoy an active adventure from Queenstown without having to plan any of the logistics on this half-day canyoneering trip that’s even suitable for beginners. Walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you descend by zipline, abseil (rappel) down waterfalls, plunge into natural pools, float down narrow passageways, and cascade down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on your skill level.

Take a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown for a self-guided bike tour on the Queenstown Trail. The bike rental staff provides tips for your ride and directions for the basic route, which covers about 22 miles (36 kilometers) of varied terrain and hills. Mountain bike (or e-bike), helmet, and detailed trail map are provided, along with options for additional stops. Suitable for active people who enjoy a challenging bike ride.

If you’re looking for the best Off-Roader experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in Oxbow’s Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built, all-terrain vehicle that goes everywhere. The Ultimate Off-Roader is a 4-Seater, 4WD, 4-wheel steer vehicle with an extremely low centre of gravity, allowing them to practically go anywhere! After custom-designed compact sporting field set against one of New Zealand’s most magnificent backdrops. Equipped with eight automatic clay target throwers to suit all abilities; it also includes the run-away rabbit across the ground (don’t worry, it’s not the real thing!)

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.

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.

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.

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.

Explore Queenstown in a unique and entertaining way with this private photo scavenger hunt. Perfect for groups of all kinds, including family groups, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and corporate team building events, set off around Queenstown with trivia questions and puzzles to solve. This is your chance to get to know Queenstown while enjoying time with friends or colleagues.

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.

Adventurous travellers will love this thrill seeking experience which includes driving off-road vehicles, jet boating, and clay bird shooting. This experience is unique as it includes all three activities, meaning visitors will make the most of the exciting opportunities available in the Queenstown region. Enjoy thrill seeking against New Zealand’s magnificent backdrop.

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.

Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail from Clyde to Cromwell on a moderate e-bike tour with shuttle service. Enjoy varied landscapes including vineyards, Lake Dunstan, Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, with a relaxing ride suited for confident cyclists. The trail includes some steep, narrow Grade 3 sections requiring good fitness. Premium e-bikes and equipment are provided, with opportunities to stop for lunch and wine tastings (own expense).

Ride through the Gibbston Valley on a self-guided bike or e-bike tour from Queenstown that includes everything you need for a day of exploring. With a van to take you to the start and meet you at the finish, you can choose the distance you ride. Stop at the many wineries and other boutique food producers along the route, and admire the beautiful views as you pedal.

Today is all about value. Your day starts with a bike fit out of our Clyde depot, an Historic New Zealand Railway Station. We'll whisk you up to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct in our deluxe airconditioned vans, take a photo of you on your phone or camera and answer any last minute questions. You'll then experience the fabulous Lake Dunstan Trail, whizzing along quality Sinch E-Bikes with the largest capacity batteries. Since you're riding back to your car or accommodation in Clyde you'll have plenty of time to experience all this ride has to offer. That's the benefit of getting the transport part over and done with in the morning, no riding to a rigid timetable or waiting around when you finish to get transported again. This trail has so much to offer and you're in the safe hands of a local company with 15 years experience in the region. All you need to do is keep those pedals turning and snap those photos.

Cyclists who enjoy spending time in nature will love this easy shuttle and rental option. After a transfer from Queenstown to Arrowtown, get kitted out with a mountain bike or e-bike and helmet. With bike rental included, you won’t worry about whether your bike is suitable for the trails. A detailed map is included, so you won’t get lost, and you’ll have the freedom to cycle at your own pace.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

Take your time on a self-guided wineries cycling tour starting at The Church Cellar Door in Gibbston Valley. Follow the Arrow and Kawarau River gorges to the famous bungee-jump bridge over the Kawarau. Continue to the Gibbston Valley wine region, cycling 11 miles (17 kilometers) of easy trails suitable for varying abilities. Stop when and where you want along the way, including many top wineries.

Ready for a full-day adventure? Begin with a scenic shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, where you’ll be fitted with a premium electric bike, helmet, & given a map and full safety briefing. Enjoy a self-guided cycle along the stunning Arrow & Kawarau River Trails toward Gibbston, crossing the Edgar Swing Bridge & the famous Kawarau Suspension Bridge — the world’s first bungy site. Enjoy winding trails past historic gold-mining cottages with breathtaking scenic views. At Gibbston Valley Winery, you swap your bike for the Wine Hopper Shuttle then relax as our friendly Qualified Wine Guide takes you to boutique wineries, cellar doors, & even a charming church or tavern. Enjoy wine tastings, divine platters or lunch options, & soak in the spectacular vineyard scenery. After a day of adventure, you'll return to Queenstown CBD around 6PM, relaxed, happy, & full of great memories! Pickup: Queenstown, Frankton, or Arrowtown Dropoff: Arrowtown, Ayrburn, Frankton, or Queenstown

- Experience nature in a whole new way - Small groups sizes of up to 10 persons maximum - No experience required - Enjoy an array of thrilling activities - Climb, abseil, swim, slide and explore - All equipment included - The 9am tour has a lunch voucher inclusion - Queenstown transfers included

This thrilling full-day heli-canyoning adventure combines stunning helicopter flights and exhilarating canyon descents in New Zealand's picturesque Valley of Hanging Glaciers. Departing from Queenstown, experience an awe-inspiring journey over Lake Wakatipu before landing in a remote canyon, where you'll tackle impressive abseils of up to 80 meters. Guided by experienced professionals, enjoy a mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline as you navigate crystal-clear waters and towering rock walls. A fresh picnic lunch is included, ensuring you stay energized for this unforgettable day of exploration and excitement.