Top Queenstown Bus Tours

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.

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.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountain scenery without having to self-drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown in a glass-roofed coach. Your driver will provide commentary along the way, to keep you informed. At Milford Sound, embark on a cruise on the water, all the way out to the Tasman Sea. Relax and take in the views as you enjoy lunch on board, too.

Get out and explore Queenstown’s amazing beer scene on a hop-on hop-off tour, running Thursday–Saturday nights from 5pm to 10pm. Simply hop on the van and get off at a stop of your choice. You can easily fit four hour-long stops into this tour, allowing you to try a range of different local brews and experience unique venues throughout the southern city.

As well as its stunning countryside, Central Otago in New Zealand is known for its world-class wine and adventure tourism. This ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tour lets you experience some of the best wineries and attractions at your own pace without the hassle of driving. Come away knowing a bit more about this slice of paradise, with commentary along the way to educate and entertain you.

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.

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.

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 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.

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to the vast open spaces of the Canterbury Plains. Travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch with plenty of scenic stops, stories and memorable experiences, this journey captures the true spirit of Aotearoa. With friendly guides, comfortable transport and time to explore at your own pace, it is the perfect way to discover the heart of the South Island in one unforgettable trip.

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.

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.***

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.

Strike gold and take in the scenic wonders of Queenstown and Arrowtown on this small-group sightseeing tour. Spend the morning enjoying panoramic lake and mountain views, learning about the rugged alpine region’s historic gold rush and contemporary wine-making industries, and sampling wine at a winery. This tour includes hotel pickup for added convenience.

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.

If you’re short on time but want to see the most impressive landscapes of the Southern Alps, this twelve-hour group guided tour packs in the best. Starting in Queenstown, you’ll travel over the Lindis Pass into Canterbury and onward to dazzling Lake Pukaki and Mt. Cook Village. Enjoy views of New Zealand’s highest mountain and spend free time exploring the village of the same name.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park on this unforgettable small-group adventure from Queenstown. Travel through spectacular South Island landscapes as your knowledgeable guide shares stories and insights along the way. Journey through dramatic alpine scenery including the rugged Kawarau Gorge and the sweeping views of Lindis Pass, with scenic stops at iconic locations such as the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. You may also visit local favourites like High Country Salmon and seasonal fruit stalls. At Mt Cook National Park, enjoy free time to explore this remarkable alpine environment. Walk to the Tasman Glacier lookout for panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest glacier, glacial lakes, and towering peaks. NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This section still offers beautiful views, with the full track expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.

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.

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.

Spend an afternoon tasting South Island wines and taking in the scenery of Central Otago on a half-day tour from Queenstown. Admire the mountain and river views en route, including people bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge if you’re lucky. Your guide will take you to three wineries for tastings and a wine cave tour. The tour includes wine tastings, a cheeseboard, and handy hotel transfers.

Get to know Arrowtown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own on this half-day small-group tour from Queenstown. Set off from the central meeting point in Queenstown and spend about 90 minutes in Arrowtown, learning about the history and culture of this former gold-mining town. Stop at other scenic spots along the way, such as Lake Hayes, the Kawarau River, and a honey farm.

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.

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.