Kawarau River Tours and Tickets

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour, this fully-guided 1-way transfer allows you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Discover the newly launched Kawarau Gorge Trail, a spectacular self-guided eBiking experience that connects the magnificent wine regions of Gibbston to those in Bannockburn. The 39km route takes you alongside the stunning Kawarau River, showcasing beautiful rocky outcrops and historic gold mining settlements before joining up to the Lake Dunstan Trail in Bannockburn, for a leisurely ride around the inlet. Choose to top off the Great Ride at Carrick Winery & Cellar Door in Bannockburn with a wine tasting flight & pizza lunch (included if the Winery upgrade is selected). With premium eBike rental and shuttle transfers included from Queenstown, you can explore this intermediate trail at your leisure, traversing across two suspension bridges and venturing through previously inaccessible terrain. Everything is included for a Great Day on a Great Ride!

Go beyond admiring the Kawarau River from afar and get on the water with a whitewater rafting experience through its rapids. Enjoy a hassle-free day with coach transfers, a wetsuit, and all equipment included. Meet at the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Queenstown before your trip, which features an optional cliff jump for extra thrill. Note that participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg to join.

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand while visiting filming locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this half-day excursion from Queenstown. Take in beautiful scenery while you see visit key spots used as the Misty Mountains, Minas Tirith, and the Pillars of the Kings, and stop to pan for gold on the Arrow River.

Explore the stunning Kawarau Gorge Trail on a self-guided eBike adventure that journeys through the heart of Central Otago's wine country. Starting from the Kiwi Journeys hub in Cromwell, enjoy a short transfer to the trail head at Gibbston. From there the trail follows the Kawarau River through to Bannockburn. From the renowned wine region of Gibbston, the trail winds 39km alongside the Kawarau River, showcasing breathtaking views of rocky outcrops, and historic gold mining settlements. Traverse clip-on bridges and ride beneath the Nevis Bluff, all while enjoying the freedom of riding a Premium eBike. Choose to top off the Great Ride at Carrick Winery & Cellar Door in Bannockburn with a wine tasting flight & pizza lunch (included if the Winery upgrade is selected). The tour ends at the Kiwi Journeys depot in Cromwell. Everything needed for the day's adventure is included - the eBike, additional biking equipment and associated shuttle transfers - just turn up and enjoy the ride!

Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail from Clyde to Cromwell on a moderate e-bike tour with shuttle service. Enjoy varied landscapes including vineyards, Lake Dunstan, Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, with a relaxing ride suited for confident cyclists. The trail includes some steep, narrow Grade 3 sections requiring good fitness. Premium e-bikes and equipment are provided, with opportunities to stop for lunch and wine tastings (own expense).

Immerse yourself in tranquility with a sauna and ice bath session by the beautiful Kawarau River in Queenstown. Choose between a communal session to connect with others or a private experience featuring guided sauna rounds and breathwork during the cold plunge. Enjoy 75 minutes in the public session or have a private session with 75 minute and 2.5 hour options. Unwind in our traditional wood-fired barrel sauna with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees celsius, then cool off in the river or an ice bath. Surrounded by stunning views, this experience promotes mindfulness and recovery, complemented by a cozy fire pit and herbal tea.

Journey by luxury coach, departing Aoraki/Mt. Cook, on a one-way sightseeing transfer to Queenstown or Christchurch. Admire the views as you travel through the scenery of the Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, passing glacial lakes and mountain villages without the distraction of self-driving. Hotel drop-off is included for your convenience. Audio commentary is available in several languages to enhance your experience.

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing private tasting sessions showcasing award-winning local wines. It combines deep-rooted history with visits to iconic sites, and exclusive boutique vineyards. Our tours are all private and you will not be joining others. Guests will travel in luxury, indulge in a gourmet lunch, and savour cheese boards alongside their tasting journey while exploring historical landmarks and picturesque locations. Experience the beauty of Central Otago as you embark on a journey to explore three unique subregions. We visit boutique vineyards favoured by locals and sample a range of exceptional wines, from cool climate varietals. Discover the unique characteristics of each region and take in the breathtaking views spanning from Queenstown, the Kawarau Gorge, to the historic gold fields of Bannockburn and Cromwell.

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First settled a mere 160 years ago, these alien landscapes became home to thousands of fortune seekers from around the world. Shanty towns sprung up overnight, collections of shops, pubs and brothels catering to the needs of the men. These towns were outposts in a harsh wilderness. Some, like Cromwell and Alexandra, grew to become the civic centres of today, others shrank or disappeared altogether. We explore the back roads, cross the tor studded hills and mountains, visit the ghost towns and capture the history of this stunning and fascinating region.

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.

Skip the rush of buses and shuttles and enjoy a fully private, scenic transfer from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, designed to turn your travel day into part of the adventure. With alpine lakes, heritage towns, and flexible photo stops along the way, you’ll experience the South Island at a relaxed, personal pace — not just pass through it. - Private one-way journey with no strangers or shared transport - Scenic stops at Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass, and Cromwell’s historic precinct - Flexible timing for photos, short walks, and comfort breaks - Travel in modern, clean, and comfortable vehicles - Friendly local driver-guides sharing stories and regional insights - A stress-free alternative to long direct transfers or taxis - Door-to-door drop-off in Lake Tekapo Beautiful landscapes, fresh alpine air, and total comfort — this is the most enjoyable way to travel between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo.

Highlights - Experience two of the South Island’s most iconic regions in one unforgettable private day - Wanaka charm in the morning and Scenic Glenorchy lakes and valleys in the afternoon - Discover hidden gems, short walks, peaceful lakesides, and breathtaking lookouts - Balance adventure and relaxation with cafés, hikes, photo stops, or local attractions - Fully customisable itinerary with your own local guide and private vehicle

The Vineyards Nobody Else Can Show You the great wine regions of the world have two kinds of producers — those who sell to tourists and those who sell to collectors. We take you to the second kind. Every vineyard on this tour has been personally handpicked by Aaron. They produce between 800 and 50,000 bottles per year. They do not advertise. Buses cannot reach them. And they do not open their cellar doors to just anyone. Because you are with us, they will open them for you. Choose your own journey through 8 extraordinary venues between Cromwell and the Gibbston Valley. At each one, you will be welcomed not as a tourist but as a serious buyer — by the winemaker, the owner, or a trained sommelier who knows every vine in the vineyard. and because great wine deserves to be enjoyed at home as much as on tour, every single venue can arrange international delivery directly to your door. Arrive home to find the best of Central Otago waiting in your hallway.

Explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island over three immersive days. From the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to the charming streets of Arrowtown, tailor your adventure to suit your pace and interests. Enjoy half-day tours of Glenorchy’s dramatic scenery and Wanaka's lakeside beauty, plus a full-day journey to Mt. Cook National Park. - 3-day private tour exploring Glenorchy, Wanaka, and Lake Tekapo - Flexible itinerary with customizable stops and activities - Daily hotel pick-up from Queenstown, returning each evening - Discover iconic sights and enjoy lakeside walks and stargazing opportunities Your local guide will pick you up each morning from your Queenstown accommodation in a comfortable vehicle, making stops at breathtaking lookouts and hidden gems along the way. Enjoy the flexibility to customize your tour with optional activities and plenty of time for photos, walks, and local cafés.

The Vineyards Nobody Else Can Show You The great wine regions of the world have two kinds of producers — those who sell to tourists and those who sell to collectors. We take you to the second kind. Every vineyard on this tour has been personally handpicked by Aaron. They produce between 800 and 50,000 bottles per year. They do not advertise. Buses cannot reach them. And they do not open their cellar doors to just anyone. Because you are with us, they will open them for you. Choose your own journey through 4 extraordinary venues between Cromwell and the Gibbston Valley. At each one, you will be welcomed not as a tourist but as a serious buyer — by the winemaker, the owner, or a trained sommelier who knows every vine in the vineyard. and because great wine deserves to be enjoyed at home as much as on tour, every single venue can arrange international delivery directly to your door. Arrive home to find the best of Central Otago waiting in your hallway.

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This region inspires Graeme Sydney, painter of some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Home to tiny towns and locations that once swarmed with settlers, toiling to win riches from this sparse, rugged and graphic landscape. Imposing mountain ranges edge the wide splendour of the Maniototo Plain. Candid skies of brilliant blue dance across the land. A tantalising magenta sunset slides behind flinty, tussock-clad ranges when evening falls. Humble farming settlements are dotted thinly across the plain, huddled on long, straight roads that never end. Isolated they may be, but these are involved, connected communities where people look out for each other. Steeped in nature’s rhythms, locals share an enduring bond with this place. The sweeping silent spaces, the contrasting hues of seasonal changes & the expansive beauty of starry black nights.