Top Queenstown Wildlife Encounters

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.

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm and venture out on horseback with an expert guide. You'll board a Queenstown Lake Cruise for a round-trip ride across Lake Wakatipu then have morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience on the horse trek, with views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Observe more than 20 native bird species—including New Zealand’s famous kiwi—with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits, and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a darkened enclosure that mimics a nocturnal environment. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

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.

Unwind and reconnect with nature during a rejuvenating sauna and ice bath session beside the tranquil Kawarau River in Queenstown. Choose between a vibrant community session for 75 minutes, where you can mingle with like-minded individuals, or opt for a private 2.5-hour experience that includes guided sauna rounds. Feel the stress release as you transition from the warm, wood-fired sauna to invigorating cold plunges in the river or ice bath. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, enjoy herbal tea and the warmth of a fire pit, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and connection.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

Perfect for photography lovers, enjoy a full-day private photography tour in Queenstown and the surrounding area. Start your day in charming Queenstown and then head further afield. The exact itinerary is up to you, but possible destinations include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Skippers Canyon and more. Your guide is a local photographer, so will be able to give you lots of advice on how to get the best shots.

Take a scenic lunch cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a unique perspective of New Zealand high country. Travel round-trip by either vintage steamship or a more modern catamaran and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts, and local cheeses. Don’t miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm’s sheepdogs.