Top Queenstown Outdoor Activities

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

Thunder Jet is the only jet boat provider who play music on their trips - your own personalised soundtrack! Also the only 30-minute jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, we guarantee an exhilarating jet boat ride along the stunning Kawarau River, where breathtaking landscapes meet thrilling speed. Reaching speeds of up to 95km/h while enjoying iconic 360º spins, you can choose between a 30-minute high-speed thrill or a 60-minute journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty, complete with expert local commentary. With plenty of opportunities for scenic photos and a blend of fun and professionalism from the skilled Thunder drivers, this is an essential Queenstown experience.

30-Minute Jet Boat Adventure Queenstown with Music

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Located several hours from Queenstown by car and unreachable by public transport, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (part of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area) can be tricky for travelers to reach. Cover the journey there and back on this small-group tour, stopping off at several scenic spots along the route, before free time to explore the national park at your leisure. Take a hike along one of its trails, unwind with a hot chocolate (own expense), or take in the dramatic scenery.

Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

13 hoursFree 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

60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

1 hourFree Cancellation

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

This full-day adventure includes a “funyak” (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take the complimentary return coach from Queenstown or make your own way to Glenorchy. From there, speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

8 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph on the surface and dive under the water at 40 kph, all while enjoying a personal ride with an experienced pilot. Experience exhilarating jumps as the shark leaps out of the water, sending splashes all around. With the first commercial Seabreacher X watercraft at your disposal, you can customize your ride to be as mild or wild as you want. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind thrill while in Queenstown.

Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure

15 minutesFree Cancellation

Observe more than 20 native bird species—including New Zealand’s famous kiwi—with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits, and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a darkened enclosure that mimics a nocturnal environment. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

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.

Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

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.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 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

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

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

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.

Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting

Skydive in Queenstown—New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital—and jump from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet (2,700, 3,600, or 4,500 meters). After a safety briefing, board a small plane and tandem skydive with an experienced guide. Free-fall at speeds of up to 124 miles (200 kilometers) per hour, then relax as you float beneath your parachute high above Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains.

Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Queenstown scenery

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

4.7

(1,475)

from $219

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.

Glenorchy Air Milford Sound Fly | Cruise | Fly scenic flight past Lake Erskine

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, taking you to places you couldn’t reach any other way. During the half-day tour, venture into the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park from Glenorchy, a short drive from Queenstown. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Listen to your guide’s stories about the area’s natural and cultural history en route.

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise, 90 Minutes

1 hour 30 minutesFree 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

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.

Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

5 to 7 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

1 2 3

...

Must-Dos in Queenstown

1 / 2

What are people saying about Queenstown

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

Yarni_M, Sep 2026

A wonderful experience, not to be missed!

What a great experience in Queenstown! I would highly recommend the Kiwi park as an activity to do while visiting. It is a more relaxed quieter experience, but the park is very well run and the grounds are beautifully set out and landscaped. The conservation show was excellent and the Kiwi encounter equally so. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and I encourage everyone to visit! I have fallen in love with the kiwi!

Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

Sudeep_S, Sep 2026

Must do activity!!

Milford sounds is a must do activity. The cruise was awesome-would have been more beautiful if it was actually raining. We actually sighted a group of 6-7 dolphins during our cruise. Food provided on board was extremely satisfying too-good varieties of option with unlimited refills if you choose the buffet lunch option. The drive takes up most of the time; cruise is roughly around 2 hours only.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Hanna_B, Sep 2026

An Unforgettable Family Experience! Worth Every Penny!

From the beautiful steam boat ride, to the delicious high tea, feeding the animals, and the amazing dog and sheep show, this 3-hour experience was worth every penny! We made such beautiful and special memories as a family, and it’s honestly so hard to choose a highlight because every part of the experience was fantastic. The whole afternoon was so much fun, relaxing and memorable. A truly wonderful experience that we would highly recommend to anyone visiting! ❤️

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Prabha_L, Aug 2026

An interesting half a day

It was a wonderful experience. Ana our guide was great-friendly and informed and easy to talk to. She played a super collection of music on the radio for us, which matched the mood and the scenery. Would recommend to anyone who loves seeing and moving around in beautiful country side settings

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!!

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise, 90 Minutes

Alison_H, May 2026

Queenstown boat cruise 150526

It was a cold, sunny autumn day but the welcome was very warm from pilot Tyler and barman, Ian. Blankets were privided for those on upper, outside viewing deck. Tyler navigated the lake well and had good local knowledge that he shared along the way. Ian took drinks order and even brought drinks to us, thank you. A very enjoyable 90 minutes and well worth the cost.

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

Laura_H, Mar 2026

Flying high in Queenstown

This was a ton of fun. We did all 6 ziplines. 3 were shorter and another 3 longer. Wide variety of people in the group and the guides, Ava and Steve, were great! Note that there is a 25 downhill walk with quite a few steep steps and ruggis terrain, so be careful if you have any movement concerns (they do offer a partial car ride as an alt).

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Kyle_B, Mar 2026

This was honestly the...

This was honestly the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I went with my girlfriend, they kept us together in the same jumping group, were super helpful, and made us feel so safe! It was such an amazing experience and everything from the beginning to the end was truly 100/10. Super easy process, straightforward, and they ease your nerves if you have any. We felt super safe and comfortable the whole time! Highly recommend!!

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 ....

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!