Top Queenstown Day Trips

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

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

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(927)

from $153

Special Offer

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day 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.

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

6 hours

(281)

from $121

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

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour 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.

(428)

from $159

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

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

(2,614)

from $219

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

4.6

(460)

from $80

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

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(1,541)

from $46

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

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.

(1,321)

from $97

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(244)

from $518

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

(451)

from $109

Discover boutique cellar door and vineyard locations

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(685)

from $153

Price varies by group size

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(343)

from $69

Unbelievable Apline views up to Mount Cook

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

(249)

from $161

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

(396)

from $443

25 minutesFree Cancellation

(2,798)

from $118

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

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(643)

from $109

Special Offer

Glass Roof coaches with free WiFi to soak up the views

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

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 Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree 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.

(2,101)

from $459

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

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

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

(292)

from $144

Jet boating on the Shotover River | Queenstown

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.7

(619)

from $86

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

When soaring in a fixed-wing plane from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier, you may think the one-hour scenic flight is the highlight of this tour. But the best is yet to come. Switch to a helicopter and fly up to a landing point high on the glacier, where you’ll embark on a hike on the snow and ice. Wearing crampons, you’ll explore caves and see remarkable landscapes inaccessible any other way.

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

6 hoursFree Cancellation

See the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound from the air and water on this half-day tour from Queenstown by sightseeing plane and catamaran. Fly over Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed landscape, then touch down at Milford Sound for a nature cruise. This tour is perfect for photography and wildlife watching, and hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown hotels is included.

(81)

from $1,153

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(204)

from $499

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(36)

from $219

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Top Attractions in Queenstown

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Attractions

What are people saying about Queenstown

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

Katrina_T, Jun 2026

Great Day. Great Guides.

Tour to Mount Cook was fantastic. Lovely sunny day meant beautiful views both along the way and at Mount Cook. Walked to Hooker Trail for more great views. James and Nicole were great- friendly and informative. Altitude tours ran everything well from great communication before tour, pickup on time and comfy van. Will tour with them again!!.

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

Ava_L, Jun 2026

Fantastic trip, highly recommend~

This is the second time I traveled with Cheeky Kiwi to Mount Cook (last time was 4 years ago)~ Fantastic trip again, did not disappoint~ Jessica, our tour guide, was super knowledgeable and fun, kept the whole trip interesting~ we had 3 hours in the breathtaking national park, the stops on the road were entertaining too. We had a wonderful day.

Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

Marie_C, Jun 2026

our first leg of the tour...

our first leg of the tour was to waterstone farm, which was incredible. we were able to feed the livestock and was pleasantly surprised with the animals. the animals were gentle creatures who knew that it was feeding time, what a treat for us! at the end of the tour we witnessed the farmer sheering a sheep! took all but 2 minutes! all in all the waterstone farm did not disappoint. the extra plus was Hadish (sp?), our driver. he is a delight. he gave us time to rest on the drive out since we had an early start. got us to our destination safely and then to our next stop where we changed vehicles. onto the coach we go with Keith. i can’t say anymore wonderful things about Keith. we made stop at the most beautiful spots, on our way to milford sound. he drove the coach like a rockstar, i give drivers so much credit! then the arrival to milford sound…if i had a sound affect it would be a bright sound, possibly with horns blowing. mind blowing is truly an understatement. if you’re ever visiting queenstown, please make the trip out to milford sound, absolutely worth the trip!

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Hannah_S, Jun 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.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Eric_R, May 2026

10/10 experience

This was such a fun tour! It is the perfect amount of time. I loved seeing a Highland Cow in person! Feeding and learning about all the animals was so neat. The sheep shearing demonstration was really cool too. The lady that guided us was very friendly and answered all questions happily. The boat ride over was gorgeous. I can't imagine that being your view everyday!!

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.

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

Michael_H, Apr 2026

The bus ride and tour...

The bus ride and tour with multiple stops on the way to the Sound was very nice. I do recommend taking the plane ride back to Queenstown though, as the bus ride is about 3 hours each way. Plus, it gives the opportunity to see the landscape from land, sea and air. All of which are truly amazing.

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!

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Lizbeth_F, Oct 2025

Spectacular!

Absolutely stunning! Plan to bring a battery pack for your cell phone photos as you will run out of juice after the first fly over! There are no charging ports around on boat or elsewhere. We were blessed with perfect weather and took so many breathtaking videos! Staff was excellent both on boat and plane. Can't say enough about how great this was all around.