All Queenstown Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound save you hours of road-travel time in Fiordland National Park. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to dramatic places you'd miss by sticking to the road. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected central Queenstown accommodations.

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Glenorchy sits along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road from Queenstown to the (aptly named) rural settlement of Paradise. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s shops and café, take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops, and see some of the locations where scenes from famous movies were filmed.

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

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

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

12 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.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Queenstown Half Day Canyoning Adventure

4 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.

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Don’t worry about organizing a hire car to get between Queenstown and Christchurch; make your travels as seamless and worry-free as possible by letting someone else drive on this small-group tour. As well as being able to relax and enjoy the views, you can learn as you ride, thanks to onboard commentary. Places showcased on the route include Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Southern Alps.

Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

14 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise, 90 Minutes

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

Queenstown is famous for its adrenaline-inducing adventure sports, but if you want a more relaxed adventure, combine a Lake Wakatipu cruise with a horseback-riding adventure. Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm, then fuel up with morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience on the horse trek for a personalized experience. Admire great views of the Remarkables mountains.

Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

3 hours 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.

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Watershed is a floating sauna experience on Lake Whakatipu, where guests cycle between hot Finnish saunas and cold lake plunges while surrounded by Queenstown’s alpine scenery. Designed around the classic rhythm of contrast therapy, guests move between sauna heat, cold water and moments of rest on the deck overlooking the mountains. Most people naturally fall into a pattern of sauna, plunge, rest, then repeat. Located just minutes from central Queenstown, Watershed offers a calm space on the water that feels surprisingly removed from the town centre. Guests often visit after a day hiking, skiing or exploring the region, or simply to slow down and reset. The experience suits couples, friends and anyone curious about contrast therapy, and is especially popular as a winter ritual after a day in the mountains.

Queenstown Floating Sauna & Cold Plunge on Lake Whakatipu

1 hour 15 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.

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to several filming locations around Queenstown. Admire views of Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and elsewhere as you listen to your guide’s stories and see where scenes were filmed. Also get the chance to dress up in authentic costumes and hold movie props while posing for photos—an experience you wouldn’t get going alone.

Half Day Arrowtown & Gibbston, Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

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Must-Dos in Queenstown

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What are people saying about Queenstown

Steve_H, Oct 2026

Excellent LOTR tour

The tour was excellent. Tristan, our driver/guide, knew a lot about Lord of the Rings trivia and applied it to the locations where we stopped. He made the tour extremely interesting. And he even threw in some location information about where some X-Men movies were filmed. I highly recommend this tour to LOTR fans.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Christine_H, Sept 2026

A long day but well worth...

A long day but well worth it! Katy was an excellent driver and had lots of good information to share. We lucked into a clear beautiful day at Milford. The lunch was amazing. If only I could figure out viator rewards (that don’t appear and there is no contact form!)

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

D_T, Sept 2026

Walter's Peak. Wow!

From start to finish, this was a fabulous experience! The ship, and it's history made it unique. The dinner experience, especially the grilled meats, was the best that we've had in NZ so far. The sheep farming and shearing explanation was very informative and then came Mia and her remarkable demonstration of sheep herding, which was really something to see. We highly recommend this experience when visiting Queenstown!

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Laura_A, Sept 2026

Absolutely MIND-BLOWING! 🤯✨ This experience was worth every single dollar!

From start to finish, the entire process was completely seamless. Everything was so well organised and effortless, which meant we could just sit back and take it all in. The flight through the snow-covered glaciers was honestly one of the most incredible things we’ve ever experienced..the scenery was completely surreal. Towering mountains, endless glaciers and views that genuinely looked too beautiful to be real. And then arriving in Milford Sound and experiencing the cruise was something so incredibly special. The combination of flying through this spectacular landscape and then seeing Milford Sound from the water was just unforgettable. Without a doubt, one of the absolute highlights of our time in Queenstown. If you’re considering doing this, DO IT! Worth every cent and an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come. 🏔️❄️✈️🚢✨

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

James_H, Sept 2026

Matt was great. Stories...

Matt was great. Stories and area history along the way. Slowed down so we could get great pics from the bus and several stops along the way to stretch. It's a long day but well worth it for the spectacular scenery. The boat trip was also very nice and provided some good views.

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

Anastasia_P, Aug 2026

Absolutely stunning day

What a fantastic experience! I got to sit in the front (one of the benefits of being a solo traveller) and she asked if I wanted to hear all the transmissions from air traffic control/other aircraft, which was really cool! The scenery was SO stunning. The flights were definitely the highlight, although the cruise was incredibly cool as well (we saw dolphins and even a penguin!!) I also appreciated how proactive the company was, reaching out a couple days before and letting me know the weather wasn’t looking good, which gave me enough time to switch around my tours, and fortunately the day I’d switched to had good flying weather!

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Danielray_D, Jul 2026

Milford Sound - Do not miss out!!

I could not recommend this specific tour enough, but what made it even more amazing than the views and beautiful scenery was our incredible guide, Robin. She was so knowledgeable about New Zealand, its history, its culture, geography, anatomy, you name it. I’m so thankful we had her as our guide. I would recommend this over and over again to anyone visiting this beautiful country!

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

TIM_M, Jul 2026

Bus, Cruise, Fly... the BEST way to experience Milford Sound

Couldn't ask for a better day tour! Shu our tour driver was friendly, informative & gave us numerous photo stops along the way. The cruise in Milford Sound was spectacular - and we saw dolphins! Then flying back over the show capped mountains ended the day in a literal high!

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Jonathan_L, Apr 2026

#1 Best Experience of NZ South Island

I’m surprised how so many visitors in Queenstown wanting to visit Milford Sound are not taking advantage of this opportunity and booking this excursion in advance. Are you willing to drive or ride a shuttle for +5 hours? Why not fly there instead and make a pit spot to touch some snow? Our pilot was Kurt and he was hands down very welcoming, professional, and engaged with ensuring that his passengers were safe and getting the best experience possible, weather permitting of course. The process of transitioning from helicopter to the cruise was very smooth and hassle free. We went to Milford Sound in the afternoon and we were very fortunate to have two close sightings of dolphins. It’s best to visit Milford Sound after heavy rainfall to see multiple active waterfalls. If NZ is in a dry spell, it’s still worth a visit especially with the Glacier Helicopters company. You won’t be disappointed!

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Jennifer_B, Mar 2026

Once in a lifetime opportunity ...... I now understand what this means :)

Was not expecting the amazing views on journey with glazed roof of coach which enhanced the journey made the time go quickly. Loved the engaging coach guide, they were amazing, so knowledgeable, entertaining and related everything to what was around at that the time ... no time to doze off. Definitely an opportunity not to miss ....