Top Activities on the Ground in South Island - page 2

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.

The Tasman Glacier—located in the Mount Cook (Aoraki) National Park—is the longest in New Zealand. Take in views of the glacier from the skies with a helicopter ride on this half-day tour before landing 1,200 meters above sea level to explore the ice formations up close, with the towering Southern Alps in the distance.

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.

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy short guided walks and explore Fiordland's spectacular natural scenery with a local nature guide.

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.

Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife.

Be introduced to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks without having to do the whole thing on a morning or afternoon guided hike on a portion of the Routeburn Track. After a pickup from central Queenstown, head into the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Follow your guide at a relaxed pace through lush forests and experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls along the way.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning fiord in a way few tourists will—by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Explore the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park on this thrilling half-day tour. Start with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, You’ll be dropped at a hiking trail beside the Siberia River. Hike at your own pace, for around 4–5 hours. Once you reach the Wilkin River, hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline-inducing ride back to the starting point.

A very warm welcome from Lorelle, Greg & their team. “This is self-guided biking at its best & probably the most fun you'll have on a bike!” We are located at heart of Renwick, surrounded by bike paths & quiet roads plus 14 Cellar Doors who are as little as 5-10 minutes biking apart. We offer 2 bike hire time slots - 10am-4pm or 11am-5pm & includes a free shuttle service if you are staying within 15km of our base in Renwick (check Google) . Free parking if you drive yourselves to our base. Our bikes are “all about cruising” & come with comfy seats, a basket, dedicated wine panniers for 4 wine bottles & Hi-Vis Helmet. This is bike hire with extras… friendly up-to-date advice, tools to navigate your day, a detailed cellar door map, a video on the cellar doors to help you decide who you would like to visit, a full emergency backup service if you need help, free collection of wines. A day made for relaxing in beanbags, nibbling on cheese platters, and tasting beautiful wines.

Active, outdoor-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day jet boating and cycling combo. Zoom up the Upper Waiau River and across Lake Manapouri on a thrilling jet boat ride–don’t forget to take in the amazing views. After a short guided nature walk you’ll grab your bikes for a 7 mile (10 km) ride along a moderately challenging riverside trail. Learn about the area from your guide on the way.

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get ready for a mountain biking adventure. Climb to Grants Peak on your speedy e-bike. From the peak, enjoy 360 degree views of Queenstown’s natural landscape, including the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. You’ll learn all about High Country farming, and the Māori myths and legends that make up Queenstown’s heritage, before zipping back down to Frankton.

Experience the beauty on Marlborough Sounds on foot and by boat through a guided walk with round-trip boat service. You can choose from three walks of varying length and challenge. These include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service drops you at the beginning and collects you at the end of your tour. A day hike is the perfect opportunity to experience the natural tranquility of the track, particularly if you have a shorter time-frame.

Explore the idyllic landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, where filming for The Lord of the Rings movies took place, both by land and water, on this action-packed half-day tour from Wanaka. Zip along the pristine waters of the Matukituki River on a jet boat, then get even closer to nature on a guided wilderness walk past forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams.

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.

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic 16 km Wharehuanui Trail, taking in the stunning alpine views of the Whakatipu Basin. Start with a shuttle from Queenstown and enjoy brewery stops at Slowcuts, Gantley’s Tavern, The Cargo Collective, Canyon Brewery and Searchlight Brewery. You’ll ride on probably the best bikes in NZ, with access to premium equipment, helmets, maps, and full support via text. Enjoy flexible pickup options, either from the Pig and Whistle or your accommodation, and relax on the scenic shuttle rides. This tour combines biking, craft beer, and Central Otago’s beauty for a truly unique adventure.

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. Canine lovers will also enjoy being accompanied by Bella the dog.