Top Queenstown Walking Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

Join a small group, no more than 8 travellers, with a friendly local Kiwi guide on part of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks with over 140 years of history. Depart Queenstown or Glenorchy and follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu toward Mt Aspiring National Park. Climb through ancient red beech forest, with a total elevation of 343 metres over 15 kilometres on a well-formed track, moderate enough for regular hikers and achievable for those who don't hike often. Pass Forge Flat and Bridal Veil Falls, with the track running above the Routeburn River gorge. Listen for bush robins and kea as you cross a swing bridge into the alpine meadows of Routeburn Flats, where you'll stop for a picnic lunch surrounded by mountains before the gentle two hour descent back to Queenstown. Approximately 8 hours total, including 4.5 to 5 hours of walking. 8am start from Queenstown, 9am from Glenorchy.

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.

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.

Be introduced to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks without having to do the whole thing on a morning or afternoon guided hike on a portion of the Routeburn Track. After a pickup from central Queenstown, head into the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Follow your guide at a relaxed pace through lush forests and experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls along the way.

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.

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, but self-driving can be risky and the return road trip from Queenstown is long. Simplify your visit on this small-group tour from Queenstown. Travel there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing unobstructed views. Take a relaxing cruise on Milford Sound, beautiful in all weather, then return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the views.

Enjoy an informative short tour of the vineyards, winery, and wine cave at Gibbston Valley Wines. See how beloved Central Otago pinot noir wines are produced with behind-the-scenes access at the winemaking facility. Sample four premium wines and learn about the local varieties. This is a handy tour for travelers who are just passing through, or who don’t have much time in the region.

Explore Queenstown at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour through the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital. Stroll the lively pedestrian mall with its boutiques, cafés, and street performers, then meet William Rees, the town’s founder, at his bronze statue. Relax by Lake Wakatipu at Queenstown Beach, framed by soaring mountains, or pause at the WWI Memorial Gate before admiring Queenstown’s oldest building, Williams Cottage. Along the way, discover the charm of St Peter’s Anglican Church, the history-rich Speight’s Ale House, and Queenstown’s legendary foodie icons like Fergburger. For thrills, spot paragliders, check out iFLY Indoor Skydiving, or ride the Skyline Gondola to panoramic views and luge tracks. Wind down with markets, lakefront parks, or even a cocktail in the Ice Bar. This walk blends history, scenery, and adventure into one unforgettable Queenstown experience.

New Zealand’s fantasy landscapes have long enchanted photographers and filmmakers, and now’s your chance to capture your very own postcard-worthy shots. Accompanied by a professional photographer, this private full-day tour from Queenstown offers spectacular views of natural wonders like Skippers Canyon, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Range, as well as "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations, historic gold mines, and heritage sites.

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.

Queenstown isn’t just New Zealand’s adventure capital. It’s a place where every bold experience, from bungy jumping to jet boating, grew from practical solutions to harsh terrain. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a gold-rush camp transformed into a global destination, while still preserving the calm spaces that make intensity sustainable. The tour starts at the Bathhouse, a 1932 building that reflects Queenstown’s early ambitions as a health and wellness destination. You’ll walk along Queenstown Bay, where Māori travel routes and European gold-rush logistics shaped the same shoreline. You’ll make your way up to the hillside streets where Queenstown’s earliest residents lived, and find out how William Gilbert Rees drove thousands of sheep over mountains to establish this settlement. The tour ends at the Bathhouse Playground, where you began, having traced a full circle through Queenstown’s past and present.

Sample artisanal handmade cheeses paired with a variety of wines in this cheese room adjoining a local Queenstown cheesery and deli. Enjoy a 45-minute small-group tasting experience in which you’ll be guided through the intricacies of different pairings, sampling four different wines and tasting four different artisan cheeses, all handmade in Oamaru.

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.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage Edwardian steamship with tickets for a cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown. Watch the stokers feed the TSS Earnslaw’s coal fires and enjoy views of the mountains and the lake. This scenic cruise departs from a central location in Queenstown, with multiple sailings throughout the day.

Discover Milford Sound on the original small-group glass-roof tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours. Travel in a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter featuring an expansive glass roof, panoramic windows, leather seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging. With a maximum of just 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience away from the crowds. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating commentary, local history and hidden gems as you journey through Fiordland National Park, stopping at iconic viewpoints and scenic locations along the spectacular Milford Road. A freshly prepared packed picnic lunch is included to enjoy during the day. In Milford Sound, board a small-group nature cruise and experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This is Milford Sound at its most personal and unforgettable.

See the Southern Lakes region through your camera on this half-day tour to some of the most picturesque highlights – and best-kept secrets – of the Queenstown area. Start your day high above Queenstown, with picturesque views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, then choose where you go next. Explore the region on your own terms, all while learning from your guide, a professional photographer, how to get the most out of your camera when you’re recording these memories.