Top South Island Self-guided Tours

Explore Arrowtown and the surrounding region at your own pace while covering a lot of ground when you rent an e-bike. You can rent the bikes for between one and eight hours. Whether you just want to make a quick trip around town or explore some of the longer-distance trails nearby, this service has options for you.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

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.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and with more than 30 wineries along the designated cycle trail through the vineyards, it’s an idyllic place for a cycling tour. Enjoy wine tasting along the Marlborough wine trail at your own pace with a self-guided tour, which includes bike rental, maps, recommendations on where to visit.

While the Southern Alps are a sight to behold from the ground, they're even more spectacular from above. Take to the skies on this helicopter tour from Queenstown and enjoy dramatic mountain views from a unique vantage point. Journey above Skippers Canyon and the Wakatipu Basin for unparalleled photo ops, and take a break during an alpine landing (weather dependent). Listen to the pilot’s commentary through personal headsets.

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.

Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

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!

Discover some of New Zealand's finest wines on a full-day tour of the Central Otago wine region from Queenstown. Visit multiple wineries, sip wine in Australasia's largest wine cave, enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine pairings, and sample local cheeses. Visit the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and learn about the Otago Gold Rush, too. Numbers are limited on this small-group tour that includes wine tastings, lunch, transportation, and hotel transfers.

From Marahau to Totaranui and return – it’s an adventure! Spend three days in the stunning Abel Tasman. The first two days see you kayaking from Marahau through to Onetahuti and then the third walking from Onetahuti to Totaranui before returning back to Marahau on a water taxi.

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.

With soaring peaks, rugged trails, and spectacular countryside scenery, Queenstown is the undisputed home of outdoor adventure on New Zealand’s South Island. Tackling this terrain can be difficult with children, but this ATV experience keeps kids in mind with smaller, age-appropriate ATVs while parents and teens 14 and over ride full-size vehicles alongside. Your guide adjusts pace and terrain to suit the youngest riders, so every child gets the right balance of challenge and confidence.

A Segway tour of Queenstown covers a lot of ground, providing you with an overview of the town even if you're short on time. Choose from a 1- or 2-hour tour depending on your needs, and pass by sights including Lake Wakatipu. Stop at several scenic lookouts along the way. Unlike car tours, you won't be stuck in traffic, and you see more than you would on foot.

Sample Central Otago wines without the stress of choosing a sober driver. Enjoy included hotel pickup from Queenstown on a leisurely drive around celebrated wineries in the Gibbston Valley. Have lunch at a winery restaurant (own cost), go behind the scenes at the country’s oldest wine cave and sample a range of varietals, from pinot noirs to various whites, and more.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the thrill of Nelson’s renowned trails with a Half-Day Electric Mountain Bike Rental. Ideal for both beginners and advanced riders, this rental features premium full-suspension Santa Cruz Vala Alloy eMTBs, equipped with full-power Bosch Performance Line CX motor 120Nm max torque, 750W Max power, 600% Max support factor and 600Wh batteries, allowing you to navigate diverse terrains comfortably. Enjoy 4 hours of riding at your own pace, exploring trails like Codgers or the Coppermine Trail while benefiting from custom bike fittings tailored to your preferences. - Choose between morning or afternoon sessions to fit your schedule - Includes a complimentary helmet, digital trail map, and personalized setup (including pedal choice and brake-side) - Suitable for individuals and groups, with expert trail advice available - Explore over 400 km of trails designed for all skill levels - Upgrade your experience by adding a qualified and experienced mountain bike Coach or Guide

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.

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.

Challenge yourself on Nelson’s world-class trails with a Half Day "Acoustic" (non-electric) Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Rental from Gravity Nelson. This rental includes high-performance bikes from Mondraker and Transition Bicycles, designed to conquer rugged terrain and provide an exhilarating ride. Explore iconic trails like Codgers, Sharlands, and the Coppermine at your own pace, perfect for intermediate to advanced riders or fit beginners. Enjoy personalized bike setup and trail selection guidance tailored to your skill and fitness levels. - Half-day rental available for morning or afternoon sessions - Includes premium full-suspension bike, helmet, and digital trail map - Custom bike adjustments for optimal performance (including suspension, and brake side) - Flexible options for pairing with our shuttle services to remote trails - Option to add a Gravity coach or guide to elevate your ride to the next level.

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.

Explore the stunning Queenstown Trails with this convenient e-bike rental and shuttle service. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, ride approximately 38km from Kinross Winery to Arthurs Point, enjoying scenic views along the Gibbston and Arrow Rivers. The rental includes a safety briefing, helmet, and bike accessories, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Set your own pace and discover local gems along the way. - 4-hour bike rental with approximately 2.5 hours of riding time, plus an additional 30mins of shuttle time - Includes e-bike hire, helmet, lock, and a one-way shuttle - Family-friendly e-bike options available for children aged 8 and up - Start and finish at the scenic Kinross Winery