Top Queenstown On the Water - page 2

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.

Go beyond admiring the Kawarau River from afar and get on the water with a whitewater rafting experience through its rapids. Enjoy a hassle-free day with coach transfers, a wetsuit, and all equipment included. Meet at the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Queenstown before your trip, which features an optional cliff jump for extra thrill. Note that participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg to join.

See the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound from the air and water on this half-day tour from Queenstown by sightseeing plane and catamaran. Fly over Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed landscape, then touch down at Milford Sound for a nature cruise. This tour is perfect for photography and wildlife watching, and hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown hotels is included.

Discover Milford Sound on the original small-group glass-roof tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours. Travel in a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter featuring an expansive glass roof, panoramic windows, leather seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging. With a maximum of just 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience away from the crowds. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating commentary, local history and hidden gems as you journey through Fiordland National Park, stopping at iconic viewpoints and scenic locations along the spectacular Milford Road. A freshly prepared packed picnic lunch is included to enjoy during the day. In Milford Sound, board a small-group nature cruise and experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This is Milford Sound at its most personal and unforgettable.

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.

Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is a great way for animal lovers to immerse themselves in nature, but other tourists can sometimes dampen the experience. Avoid the crowds and explore a secluded wildlife sanctuary not open to the general public on this private kayaking tour across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island, a haven for flightless birds nestled in the Southern Alps.

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.

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.

Be amazed by Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes on this full-day, small-group tour by coach, boat, and air. This combo tour makes it easy to see a lot in one day. After a Queenstown hotel pickup, admire the dramatic scenery without having to drive yourself. Hop aboard a cruise on Milford Sound, then return to Queenstown by air, flying over Fiordland National Park and seeing views you couldn’t experience any other way.

Join a Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown and discover this isolated gem deep within the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Travel by coach to Manapouri, take a ferry across Lake Manapouri and cross over Wilmot Pass, then down to Doubtful Sound to board your catamaran. Look out for dolphins, fur seals, and penguins amid a dramatic landscape of soaring forest-covered peaks and crystal-clear waters.

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Travel in a comfortable luxury coach with a glass roof for premium views of the towering mountains. At Milford Sound, cruise past by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary.

Experience the beauty of the New Zealand high country on a scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Watch a sheepdog show, feed the animals, and enjoy a morning or afternoon tea in the charming old woolshed. Begin your combo tour with a relaxing scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu aboard a modern catamaran, the Spirit of Queenstown. Disembark the vessel and be greeted by your rural host. From the amphitheater, watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. Enjoy a walking tour of the farmyard, visiting the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then, stroll to the charming old woolshed for morning or afternoon tea. You may have time to wander through the lakeside gardens before you re-board the Spirit of Queenstown for your cruise back to Queenstown.

With waterfalls cascading down mighty cliffs and some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural scenery, Milford Sound is one the South Island’s must-see destinations—but its remote location makes it hard to reach alone. On this tour, spin through the New Zealand countryside in comfort from central Queenstown with your guide. Admire panoramic views from your glass-roof, low-emissions coach, and cruise the calm waters with a picnic lunch included.

Witness towering mountains, dense forests, and craggy coves on this Lake Whakatipu cruise. Listen to facts about local wildlife and the area’s delicate ecosystem from your skipper as you gaze at the Southern Alps, Bob’s Cove, and Mount Earnslaw, or relax at the onboard café and bar with the option to pre-order cheese and charcuterie boards as you sail across the lake.

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.

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.

Combine a serene cruise across Lake Whakatipu with a culinary adventure on this half-day tour. After gazing at the distant craggy mountains and dense forests as you sail across the lake, head to the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant for a buffet meal comprising a range of barbecue dishes, from salads to succulent meats to desserts. Finish with a farm demonstration before heading back to Queenstown.

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0 to 100kph in only 2.5 seconds, it’s the perfect activity in Queenstown for the adrenaline seeker. After your ride in our 620 horse-power boat, head over to our Oxbow Gun Club, our 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!)

What makes the 6-hour Queenstown fishing adventure truly unique is the rare chance to fish in one of the world’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes, Lake Wakatipu, framed by The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak. With six full hours on the water, you’ll have time to try multiple fishing techniques like trolling, spinning, jigging, and using downriggers to target trout and salmon in both shallow and deep waters. Our premium boat is fitted with a quiet electric trolling motor, offering a smooth, eco-conscious ride that keeps the experience peaceful and sustainable. With expert guidance and top-quality gear provided, this trip is perfect for those wanting more than a quick outing, it’s for those who want to truly connect with the lake, learn new skills, and chase their next big catch in comfort and style. Limited to just six passengers, it’s a relaxed and personal experience that feels more like fishing with friends than being part of a tour.

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.

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.

A private 6-hour fishing charter on Lake Wakatipu offers an exclusive opportunity to fish for trout and salmon amidst stunning alpine views. This tailored experience includes your own boat, expert guidance from a local skipper, high-quality fishing gear, and complimentary snacks and cold drinks. The charter is perfect for families, couples, and small groups looking for a personalized fishing adventure. Enjoy the flexibility to explore various fishing techniques and locations while being surrounded by the beauty of Queenstown. - Exclusive use of the boat for your group, maximum 6 guests - Expert guidance from a local skipper with insider knowledge - High-quality fishing gear provided, suitable for beginners and experienced anglers - Snacks and cold non-alcoholic drinks included; optional lunch available by request

An exhilarating journey awaits in Queenstown with this 3-hour cliff jump, abseil and swim adventure. Perfect for those new to the thrill of canyoning, this private tour offers a personalised experience with expert guides. Navigate natural rock faces, abseil into crystal-clear pools, and jump into refreshing waters, all while learning canyoning skills. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, you’ll build confidence and create unforgettable memories. Suitable for families and first-timers, this adventure is designed to be fun, safe, and full of laughter.