Top Queenstown Day Trips

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

(913)

from USD 159

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

(3,422)

from USD 222

Special Offer

Cruise the Milford Sound fiord on a two hour nature boat cruise.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime. ***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Spring 2026.***

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

(425)

from USD 165

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(1,414)

from USD 119

Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural farm of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar, sometimes dangerous country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s waterfront, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

(651)

from USD 228

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

See Arrowtown and Wanaka through the eyes of a local rather than a first-time visitor on a half-day tour from Queenstown that explores local history and landscapes. You’ll have time to stroll Arrowtown’s charming main street, built during Otago’s 19th-century gold rush, then enjoy an hour of free time to see Wanaka at your own pace for a balanced sightseeing experience. Return to Queenstown through the Crown Range, winding through towering peaks and high passes.

(441)

from USD 114

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

6 hours

(277)

from USD 126

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.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

(1,314)

from USD 102

Special Offer

Discover boutique cellar door and vineyard locations

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Unbelievable Apline views up to Mount Cook

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

(247)

from USD 168

90-Minute Scenic Cruise on Lake Wakatipu – Explore Queenstown from the Water

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(1,534)

from USD 47

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

There are so many Lord of the Rings-related sights to take in across the area surrounding Queenstown that it’s tough to know where to start when adventuring solo. Enjoy an in-depth journey exploring filming locations across the region on this full-day small-group tour, including Lake Hayes, Paradise Valley, and Gibbston. Includes the chance to snap photos with replica props from the movies.

(241)

from USD 539

Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour

Full Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(92)

from USD 233

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

(2,791)

from USD 123

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

ARROW RIVER TRAIL | Ride over suspension bridges and scenic trails, soaking up the golden sunlight and stunning colours on your Wine Hopper e-bike adventure.

Queenstown Electric Bike and Wine Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(6)

from USD 114

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(358)

from USD 63

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners at Mitre Peak Cruises, to experience the Fiordland National Park from the sky, land and water. A remote alpine landing tops off this up close exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and the Fiordland Crested penguins roaming around Milford Sound. This is an experience you will never forget in the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(11)

from USD 983

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

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.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Sample Central Otago’s famous wine and food on a half-day tasting tour from Queenstown. Enjoy a lunch of traditional New Zealand food and delicious wine in a local restaurant. Travel through the scenic Kawarau Gorge to three boutique wineries and explore the biggest underground wine cellar in New Zealand at Gibbston Valley. Sample premium wines and gain insight into the different grape varietals that flourish in the region’s fertile soils.

(263)

from USD 288

Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!

Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(289)

from USD 150

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.

Fly Carbon Free! Ziptrek has been certified as Carbon Zero for business

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Sail to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a buffet dinner featuring local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts, then watch farm demonstrations or relax in the bar. The cruise returns to the same central Queenstown location. The TSS Earnslaw undergoes winter maintenance, when the Spirit of Queenstown is available instead.

(980)

from USD 71

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, but self-driving can be risky and the return road trip from Queenstown is long. Simplify your visit on this small-group tour from Queenstown. Travel there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing unobstructed views. Take a relaxing cruise on Milford Sound, beautiful in all weather, then return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the views.

(641)

from USD 114

Milford Sound Scenic Flight flyback from Milford Sound to Queenstown

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

10 hoursFree Cancellation

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

(364)

from USD 540

Jet boating on the Shotover River | Queenstown

1 hourFree Cancellation

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

(617)

from USD 89

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Top Attractions in Queenstown

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What are people saying about Queenstown

Hannah_S, June 2026

I absolutely that loved...

I absolutely loved this tour! Max was a delight you could really tell how much he loves Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings franchise. Would completely recommend this to anyone looking for a visually beautiful tour that highlights all the amazing world of Middle Earth.

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

Lauren_C, May 2026

Loved every second of this tour!

Being able to visit Wanaka & Arrowtown on the same day was an amazing experience. Both places are breathtaking, even more in Autumn. We even got lucky with the weather. What I really enjoyed with this tour is that we were traveling with a small van to all the spots, it was very confortable and we also had some free time in some locations as well. Thank you to Remarkable Scenic Tours for the lovely day. I will remember it for a long time! If you are short on time, this is the tour for you.

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

Jenna_W, May 2026

Calling all Coeliacs! Highly recommend…

Coeliacs…! You are catered for so well on this experience. We have one Coeliac in the family and she was so well looked after. When booking I alerted them to having a Coeliac within the group and when we arrived they sort them out and walked them through what was safe (which was a lot!) and what was unsafe. They made sure that Miss Coeliac went up first before everyone (to ensure no cross contamination) and encourage her to take loads of food to make sure she would be full and satisfied - which she did and she was very very full! The food was incredible and experience was definitely one of our favourites of the trip. It is worth it!!

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Jerry_S, May 2026

Breathtaking Views, but a Very Swift Pace

The scenery at Doubtful Sound is amazing, and only RealNZ offers to see it. It is a professional and seamless trip with world-class views, though there are a few logistical things to keep in mind. The schedule is very tight; the bus goes straight to the transit point with no stop-overs, leaving almost no time for washroom breaks, lunch, or souvenirs. Additionally, announcements are only made once, so you have to stay alert or you might miss key instructions while napping. Overall, it's a great way to see a beautiful part of the world—just be sure to pack your own snacks and use the facilities before you board!

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

Abhinav_T, May 2026

Definitely worth it

Had an amazing time on the day trip to mt cook and our tour guide was awesome and super friendly! Loved that we had plenty of free time to hike and explore the trails. Also we made some fun stops including a salmon farm where we were able to get fresh sushi as well as a fresh produce market for fruits and ice cream.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Lucy_S, Apr 2026

Great family afternoon out

Fabulous afternoon! So well organised. The live music on the boat was lovely. The farm tour was so informative and the kids loved being able to feed the animals! Especially loved the farm show at the end. Great afternoon tea and catered for one member of our group being gluten free.

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

AndrewC_W, Mar 2026

Great Driver & Guide

I’m very pleased with Altitude Tour! Was picked up on time. Allegra isn’t just a great driver - she’s a cheerful, upbeat Guide with a wonderful sense of humor. Even with heavy clouds and drizzles, she kept spirits high with interesting information and jokes! A truly great personality!

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Jitendra_S, Mar 2026

Wonderful scenic tour of Queenstown!!

Great experience! Tour narrator (and Captain) Dan was insightful and kept the tour entertaining. Very scenic and informative tour! Refreshments available for purchase on the tour was a plus. Captain Dan took pictures of those wanting a scenic photo, as well as allowed a select few to steer the boat. Overall, a wonderful tour and experience!! Highly recommend!!

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Ruth_M, Mar 2026

Fantastic 10/10

Really great day out to Milford sound! Matt was a fantastic driver/tour guide, giving us great information throughout the journey. The boat around the fjord was great, some amazing views. Bus was comfy and well air conditioned - great music played too - thanks Matt! Defo worth the money!

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

Rachel_H, Jan 2026

We did the half day tour...

We did the half day tour & would recommend! Loved: - Both drivers (Kerry & George) - Mt Rosa (1 - small great vibe), Nockies Palette (2 - beautiful views & scenery), the Winery in Arrowtown (3 - so fun to dispense the wine ourselves and I think a really fun way to start), Gibson Valley (4 - could take or leave but I think it’d be better if we did a formal tour with them) - we fit in 4 stops! Felt like we made good use of our time. Tour ended approx 5-5:15pm. - drivers offered to call and make bookings for tasting when we got on the bus - bus very comfy, not super windy or bumpy Of Note: - you get a timetable & map immediately upon getting on the bus. You need to be a bit flexible with the wineries you go to since you don’t have access to it beforehand. There must be some reason they don’t give it out but 🤷🏼‍♀️ - the stops are approximately 50mins so it’s fast!! You would definitely need to spend two spots for lunch in order to have enough time to get your food & eat it. Since we were the halfway, we ate beforehand and had plenty of time to get a cheeseboard, bread, fries, etc during one stop Overall really fun & would do again!