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Day Tours in Queenstown

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Where can you go to see glow worms, ride a bike up mountain peaks, cruise amid dramatic scenery on a pristine lake, walk among lush forests or view Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand  – all in one day? Queenstown, of course! Bike riding takes you to the high country, where the history of mustering sheep and cattle comes alive in traditional old huts, such as Pretty Hut and Old Nic. Fjordland – carved out over thousands of years by glaciers – features a network of underground caves adjoining Lake Te Anau, where thousands of glow worms illuminate walls and ceilings. Guided walks are also a must, so you can smell, see and touch nature at its most beautiful, in World Heritage parks, peaks and basins; all while being guided by experts and enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. Then there are the movie buffs, who will just love the Lord of the Rings Tour in mystical high country, from Glenorchy to Paradise Valley. 

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Glenorchy & Paradise Half Day Explorer

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Glenorchy on a half day tour from Queenstown.

Wine Sampler Tour - Altitude Tours

Take a fun & informative small group wine tour from Queenstown through Gibbston Valley & central Otago with knowledgeable local guides.

Small Group Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach

Enjoy some great Kiwi hospitality on a small group premium coach ride to Milford Sound and explore aboard a 1.75hr boutique small-boat cruise.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise - RealNZ

Explore Doubtful Sound with a spectacular boat cruise from Manapouri including optional coach transfers from Queenstown

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown - RealNZ

Take a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound on a coach, cruise, coach trip with RealNZ.

Milford Flight & Cruise - Air Milford

Visit Milford Sound from Queenstown with a scenic overflight and 2 hour nature cruise on the Milford Flight & Cruise package with Air Miford.

Jet Heli Luge Skyline Gondola - High Five

Includes the Shotover Jet, a scenic helicopter flight with alpine landing, gondola to the top of Skyline Queenstown and ride the Luge.

Milford Sound Boat Cruise & Underwater Observatory

Milford Sound small boat cruise delivering an authentic, insightful and personal experience & visiting the unique Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

Milford Sound Boat Cruise - Pure Milford

Take an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound with Pure Milford and experience the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown - Southern Discoveries

Enjoy a full day adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries Coach and Nature Cruise.

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THE 10 BEST Queenstown Tours & Excursions

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

2. Small Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience

3. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown

4. Milford Sound Tour by Plane from Queenstown, Including Cruise

5. Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

6. Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

7. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Queenstown with Buffet Lunch

8. Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau

9. NZONE Skydive Queenstown

10. Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight and Lunch

11. Half Day in Middle Earth - Lord of the Rings Tour

12. Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

13. Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

14. Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly from Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

15. TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown

16. Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown

17. Mt Cook Tour and Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

18. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

19. Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown Including Lunch

20. Mt Cook Day Small-Group Tour From Queenstown

21. Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown

22. Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards, Caves and Cheeseboard

23. Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

24. Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

25. Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour

26. Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

27. Milford Sound Day Tour with Lunch from Queenstown

28. Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

29. Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise from Queenstown

30. KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

What travelers are saying.

• Milford Sound Coach & Cruise tour from Queenstown
• Small Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience
• Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown
• Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
• TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown
• Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours
• Ride To The Sky Guided Ebike Tours
• Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
• Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours
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• Alpine Luxury Tours
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• Off Road 4X4 Queenstown
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Small group sightseeing tours, Queenstown & Arrowtown

DON'T LEAVE TOWN UNTIL YOU SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy a leisurely, informative and fun tour of the best landmarks & activities in Queenstown. See brave bungy jumpers leaping into the void, taste fine wines a hop skip and a jump away from a famous Lord Of The Rings film location and explore the shops and cafes in charming Arrowtown.

Queenstown Highlights

MORNING TOUR

Arrowtown, Bungy Bridge, winery, Lord of the Rings...

FULL DAY TOUR

One of the best value sightseeing tours in town

Arrowtown, Bungy Jump, winery, Lord of the Rings, Shotover Jet...

TOUR EN ESPAÑOL

Arrowtown, Puente bungy, Viñedo, Señor de los Anillos...

Tour Itinerary Morning Tour:

• Queenstown Hill View point: Get the camera ready for stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and Bob’s Peak.
• AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge: Experience the thrill of bungy either as a watcher or maybe even a jumper. (To jump see Combo Option ).
• Gibbston Valley Winery: Taste a selection of locally produced fine wines, including the celebrated Pinot Noir at this award winning winery.
• Lord of the Rings Film Location: Keep that camera handy. The famous Pillars of the Kings scene was shot here and the views are spectacular.
• Arrowtown: There’s gold in them hills! Rich in colonial architecture but with modern boutiques and quirky shopping Arrowtown is a real treat. Enjoy the Lakes District Museum or Chinese Miners’ Settlement.

Home » Travel Guides » New Zealand » 15 Best Day Trips from Queenstown

15 Best Day Trips from Queenstown

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s major tourist centers, frequented by local tourists from all parts of the country as well as international tourists from across the globe.

Annually, more than 2 million visitors make their way to the South Island destination to have their fill of experiences.

Queenstown is a marvelously diverse town thanks to its proximity to historic towns, museums, national parks, and so much more.

Most of these attractions are within easy reach from the mountainous NZ town.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best places to visit, to help you make the most out of your day trips from Queensland, New Zealand.

Wanaka is a stunning lakeside town that is located 64km away from Queenstown.

During the 1 hour and 30 minutes drive, you’ll get to see breathtaking landscapes that range from crystal-clear bodies of water to snowy mountains.

The town is nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps next to its namesake lake, Lake Wanaka.

Wanaka can get quiet at times, especially in the low tourist seasons making it the perfect getaway from the adrenaline of Queenstown.

There are many ideal activities for individuals and families who are looking to become one with nature in this laid-back, lakeside atmosphere.

Perhaps the best part about Wanaka is the great hospitality from the locals.

2. Historic Arrowtown

For any ardent explorer, a trip to the Historic Arrowtown is a must to get an insight into the fascinating gold mining past.

Arrowtown is located 21km a short 15-minute drive (21km) from Queenstown.

The town is home to the superb Lake District Museum.

This delightful town lies conveniently between Queenstown and Wanaka and is enclosed by trees and lush greenery that changes color in autumn.

Wandering the banks of the Arrow River lets you rediscover the life that the thousands of Chinese miners once lived.

While the miners are long gone, their legacy still lives on.

This humble village has historical buildings that line the streets.

The main street houses a unique dining and shopping precinct.

The preserved gold rush community of Arrowtown is rich in heritage, and for this reason the town is one of South Island’s iconic tourist destinations.

3. Lakes District Museum

This museum is often described as one of New Zealand’s best small museums.

The museum is situated north of Queenstown in the heart of the picturesque Historic Arrowtown.

The Lakes District Museum is home to a fantastic collection of intriguing artifacts, photos, and films that tell about the history of this gorgeous Lakes District.

It also functions as Arrowtown’s Information Center and post office.

Some of the artifacts inside the museum include the main mining tools and clothing from the 18th century.

These present the authentic picture of the early life as it was in the District.

After you’re finished touring the fascinating Lake District Museum, visit the adjoining art gallery that features both local and international exhibitions.

Also, attached to the museum is a bookshop/gift shop.

4. The Catlins

The Catlins is an area on the south coast of the South Island.

This rural area has a rugged coastline that is full of marine wildlife, chilly beaches, and a native forest.

If you are looking for the real taste of New Zealand at a slower pace, you need to come down to the Catlins to experience an amazing south coast experience.

The wild and beautiful journey from Queenstown to the Catlins takes around 3.5 hours.

The Catlins is an easy day trip from Queenstown where you get to enjoy the marine wildlife that thrives in the nutrient-rich waters.

If you’re lucky you’ll get to spot the New Zealand sea lions, the rare yellow­eyed penguins, the precious Hector’s dolphins, albatrosses, petrels, and gannets.

5. Skippers Canyon

Skippers Canyon is located about 30 minutes to the north of Queenstown.

This historic canyon is 22km long.

Skippers Canyon was once a busy gold mining area and was the first site where hydroelectricity was generated to sustain the gold mining.

This scenic gorge was carved out by one of New Zealand’s richest gold-bearing rivers, Shotover River.

The Canyon can be accessed by the Skippers Road which is mainly one-way.

The narrow and steep Skippers Road is one of the most precipitous and picturesque roads in the whole of New Zealand.

On your day trip to Skippers Canyon, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of the scenery and the thrill of the cliff-side gravel roads.

Suggested tour : Skippers Canyon Thrilling Jet Boat Ride & Scenic Transfers

6. Routeburn Track

Are you game for an alpine adventure? This track is considered to be one of the many Great Walks of New Zealand and is located a 45-minute drive from Queenstown.

The entire Routeburn track is 32km long.

Along the way, it overlaps the Fiordland National Park and the Mt. Aspiring National Park.

If you would like to extend your visit, you can hike along the track.

It would take you about 2 to 3 days to finish the entire track.

The Routeburn Track has some of the biggest scenery, ranging from huge valleys, soaring mountain peaks and towering cliffs to lakes and waterfalls.

There are 4 huts maintained along the track.

7. Alexandra

Alexandra is a town located on the banks of the Clutha River.

This fascinating town is situated at the confluence with the Manuherikia River.

Alexandra is located over an hour’s driving distance from Queenstown.

This underrated South Island gem is bursting with orchards, vineyards, and a rich mining history.

If you visit Alexandra in winter, you ought to go to the Lower Manorburn Dam where tourists usually go to immerse themselves in some natural ice skating.

In summer and autumn, the town overflows with locally grown apples, cherries, peaches, and apricots.

8. Central Otago

Central Otago is within an hour’s drive from Queenstown.

The town is well known for its hospitality.

The motto for Central Otago is “A World of Difference.”

There is a lot to explore around Central Otago within a day; there are also lots of leisurely activities for families, couples, and solo retreaters.

Central Otago is a haven for all things leisure.

The area has a rich history, exotic wildlife, prestigious wineries (more than 80 of them), and amazing dust trails.

There is an abundance of mountain ranges and wide plateaus to explore on the 58km day trip from Queensland.

Recommended tour : Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch

9. Milford Sound

Milford Sound is also referred to as Piopiotahi and is located 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Queensland.

Piopiotahi is acclaimed as the country’s most famous tourist destinations and was once dubbed “the 8th wonder of the world.”

Visit this fjord to see the wondrous waterfalls that are larger than the Niagara Falls.

This makes the 295-kilometer journey so much worth it.

Piopiotahi is situated in Fiordland National Park which is known as an area barely touched by man.

The landscape here is spectacular: the blue-green fjords, the lush rainforest, and the dramatic sky­high mountain ranges.

Amazing tour : Milford Sound Coach Tour & Lunch Cruise from Queenstown

10. Kawarau Gorge

This major river gorge located in Central Otago is of major historical significance.

Kawarau Gorge is located between Queenstown and Cromwell.

The Kawarau River flows through the gorge.

Kawarau Gorge starts some 30km from Queenstown to Gibbston and continues for another 25km, where the river emerges into the upper valley of River Clutha.

A drive from Queenstown to this naturally beautiful gorge that was bustling with gold miners a century ago will take you approximately 50 minutes.

The gorge was full of activity during the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s.

History buffs need to visit the Kawarau Gorge to explore the preserved remains of the miner’s cottages.

Tourists can also pan for gold at the Goldfields Mining Centre.

Available tour : Kawarau: Half-Day Canyoning Adventure from Queenstown

11. Glenorchy

Glenorchy is located 45km away from Queenstown.

This town is a true paradise in New Zealand.

Glenorchy is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains, ancient beech forests, immaculate blue-green lakes, and pristine rivers.

This frontier town has made a name for itself by providing a backdrop for many films such as “The Lord of The Rings” and “The Hobbit.”

Near this small rustic town that is full of life are the Kinloch and Paradise settlements that are also known for their stunning scenery.

Glenorchy continues to attract nature enthusiasts who tend to make several photo stops on the 45-minute drive from Queenstown.

Recommended tour : Half-Day Paradise Glenorchy & Lake Wakatipu

12. Mt Aspiring National Park

Mt. Aspiring National Park is located 2 hours away from Queenstown, in the Southern Alps of South Island.

This national park was established in 1964 and forms a part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site.

The park covers an area of 3,562 sq km and is the 3rd largest park in New Zealand.

The mountain that gives the park its name, Mount Aspiring, stands at an altitude of 3,033m above sea level.

People travel from Queenstown to this popular hiking and mountaineering destination for an exceptional hiking experience to the top of the mountain.

13. Fiordland

Fiordland is 2.5 hours away from Queenstown.

A trip to this natural beauty will take you back in time to when the world was untouched by man.

Fiordland is one of the greatest wilderness regions in the Southern Hemisphere and has been listed a World Heritage Site.

If you would like to experience one of the most remote places in the world, it’s about time you start preparing for a day trip to this immaculate region that is home to the stunning fjords of Milford Sound.

Within the Fiordland is the Fiordland National Park which is made up of beautifully carved valleys, wetlands, rainforests, and sharp mountain landscapes.

Fly over it : Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly

14. Remarkables Market

Unlike other popular markets across the world, the Remarkables Market can be counted on to yield the best of both local and regional delights.

Here you will find handmade crafts such as candles and the fresh farm produce such as meats, cheese, and bread that take center stage.

The market is located east of Queenstown in Remarkables Park.

The park opens every Saturday morning from 9 am to 2 pm, from 21st October to 14th April.

15. Romer Gallery

The Romer Gallery is located in the center of Queenstown and showcases the landscapes of New Zealand that are rarely seen.

The gallery attracts travelers who seek an artistic cultural experience.

They come to enjoy the stunning work of Stephan Romer, an internationally-acclaimed photographer who has a distinctive and unique approach to capturing the superb landscapes of New Zealand, to bring us the beauty of the wilderness.

15 Best Day Trips from Queenstown:

• Historic Arrowtown
• Lakes District Museum
• The Catlins
• Skippers Canyon
• Routeburn Track
• Central Otago
• Milford Sound
• Kawarau Gorge
• Mt Aspiring National Park
• Remarkables Market
• Romer Gallery

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Arrowtown Wanaka Platinum Tour

$199 - $239 NZD

Full Day Experience Like No Other in Queenstown

This is our most diverse full-day tour from Queenstown, packed with 13 stops and lots of time outside the vehicle. With a taste of everything – sightseeing, shopping, history and food, it’s more comprehensive than any other Queenstown tour, perfect if you’re short on time or don’t want to be out driving every day. It’s also a loop tour so you’re never in the same place twice.

Included in your tour:

• Four historical gold mining locales: the Chinese settlement, Arrowtown, Cromwell and Cardrona.
• Morning tea stop in Cromwell at one of our favourite cafés.
• Free time in Wānaka – browse and shop in the picturesque town or enjoy lunch in one of the many great cafes.
• Travel back in time to 1863 and enjoy a drink at New Zealand’s most photographed pub, the Cardrona Hotel.
• Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Kawarau Gorge, Lakes Dunstan and Wānaka.
• Over four hours out of the tour vehicle taking in historic attractions and iconic scenery, including the Wānaka tree.
• Also included: Morning refreshments in a cafe (light snack and espresso coffee, leaf tea or hot chocolate)
• Includes: Beer or non-alcoholic ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel
• Central Queenstown pick up and drop offs

Queenstown, 9300

• MinPrice: $199
• MaxPrice: $239
• A minimum of 4 passengers is required for the tour to go ahead. Child rate (8 to 16yrs)
• Pick up and drop off in central Queenstown
• Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Holiday hours: Closed Christmas Day
• Months of Operation: Open year round
• Group Capacity: 11

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The Best Day Trips from Queenstown 🚗 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the top places to visit near queenstown.

You don’t need us to tell you how much there is to do in Queenstown . However, it’s also what surrounds this alpine paradise that makes Queenstown worth staying around for a while. From short drives to full-day missions, there are plenty of day trips from Queenstown to take your visit to the next level. Check out the self-drive day trips, as well as day tours, in this day-trip guide to Queenstown.

For more trip-planning tips, head to The Complete Guide to Queenstown . Plus, don’t forget to book a place to stay from  The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown if you plan to stay awhile.

5 Best Day Tours from Queenstown

Before we jump into the self-drive day trips from Queenstown, here is a quick list of alternative day tours. That way, you don’t need to worry about the hassle of organising a day trip or driving with these day tours from Queenstown.

Guided Day Tours from Queenstown

• Milford Sound Experience Full Day with Altitude Tours (more info on Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook )
• Paradise Valley Full-day Tour with Private Discovery Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor )
• Queenstown – Arrowtown Sightseeing with Remarkable Scenic Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor )
• Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown with Remarkable Scenic Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor )
• The Wine Trail Tour with Queenstown Winery Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor ) .

The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Couples

Travel time by car : 45 minutes one-way Related tour : Paradise Valley Full-day Tour with Private Discovery Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ).

Escape the hustle and bustle of Queenstown for a scenic road trip to Glenorchy . The trip takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu before reaching the charming little settlement with short walks and the famous photo stop of the red boatshed. Continue further along Paradise Road to access hiking trails like the Routeburn Track and Lake Sylvan Track .

Plan more activities for this day trip with the 10 Things to Do in Glenorchy .

The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Families

Travel time by car : 20 minutes one-way Related tour : Queenstown – Arrowtown Sightseeing with Remarkable Scenic Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) .

While just a short drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown offers plenty to keep you busy for the whole day. The historical gold mining town has beautifully preserved buildings and stories to tell through the Lake District Museum and Chinese Settlement . You can also stretch your legs along the Arrow River Trail , indulge in fine food and drink, and try your luck panning for gold in the Arrow River.

Check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Arrowtown to plan more of your day trip from Queenstown.

The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Luxury Travellers

Travel time by car : 1h5mins one-way Related tour : Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown with Remarkable Scenic Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ).

Venture over the Cardrona Valley to Queenstown’s neighbour, Wanaka . Bask in the stunning lake and mountain views along the shores of Lake Wanaka or from one of the popular walking trails like Roys Peak . Experience kayaking tours or lake cruises on the lake itself or head to the ski fields of Treble Cone or Cardrona in winter.

Get more inspiration for your day trip from Queenstown in the 10 Things to Do in Wanaka .

Gibbston Valley

The best day trip from queenstown for foodies.

Travel time by car : 20 to 40 minutes one-way Related tour : The Wine Trail Tour with Queenstown Winery Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ).

Follow the dramatic gorge scenery of the Kawarau River and a valley of vineyards on your journey along the Gibbston Valley . At the start of the valley is the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can do New Zealand’s original bungy jump. Travel a little further and you’re in Queenstown’s wine country with plenty of cellar doors open for tastings. Finally, you’ll find the Goldfields Mining Centre with its gold panning and jet boat tours.

See more attractions along the Gibbston Valley in the 10 Best Things to Do in Queenstown and the 10 Damn Good Things to Do in Cromwell .

Milford Sound

The best day trip from queenstown for budget travellers.

Travel time by car : 3h30mins one-way Related tour : Milford Sound Experience Full Day with Altitude Tours (more info on Viator , Tripadvisor and Klook ).

On the bucket list for many, Milford Sound is a popular day trip from Queenstown. Because it’s a demanding return drive from Queenstown, we strongly recommend one of the many tour options as listed in the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau . Either way, once you arrive in Milford Sound, you have an array of fiord cruises, walks, scenic flights, as well as scuba diving and kayaking to choose from.

Plan more of your day trip using the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Milford Sound .

More About Queenstown Day Trips

That’s it for the best day trips from Queenstown. For more day trips, you might like to hit the following destinations:

• 15 Best Walks in Queenstown
• 10 Things to Do in Queenstown
• 10 Damn Good Things to Do in Cromwell
• 5 Te Anau Must-Dos
• 10 Alexandra & Clyde Must-Dos

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])

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Top Tours in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

2. Small Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience

3. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown

4. Milford Sound Tour by Plane from Queenstown, Including Cruise

5. Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

6. Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

7. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Queenstown with Buffet Lunch

8. Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau

9. Private Guided Activity In Glenorchy Island Safari

10. NZONE Skydive Queenstown

11. Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight and Lunch

12. Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

13. Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

14. Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly from Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

15. TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown

16. Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown

17. Mt Cook Tour and Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

18. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

19. Scenic Queenstown Lake Cruise

20. Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown Including Lunch

21. Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown

22. Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards, Caves and Cheeseboard

23. Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

24. Queenstown Shotover River White Water Rafting

25. Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour

26. Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

27. Milford Sound Day Tour with Lunch from Queenstown

28. Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

29. Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise from Queenstown

30. KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

What travellers are saying.

• Milford Sound Coach & Cruise tour from Queenstown
• Small Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience
• Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown
• Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
• TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown
• Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours
• Ride To The Sky Guided Ebike Tours
• Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
• Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours
• Segway on Q
• Alpine Luxury Tours
• Cheeky Kiwi Travel
• Appellation Wine Tours
• Off Road 4X4 Queenstown
• 4WD Expeditions
• Ziptrek Ecotours

Showing you the best of New Zealand

Small Group Tours from Auckland, Queenstown, Te Anau and Christchurch. 

Fiordland & Mt Cook Track Transport.

Day Tours from Auckland

Visit New Zealand’s most iconic locations, including the Hobbiton Movie Set, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the geothermally active Rotorua and the picturesque Coromondel.

Day Tours from Queenstown

We provide small-group, day tours departing from Queenstown to some of the South Island’s most breath-taking locations, including Mount Cook and Milford Sound.

Day Tours from Te Anau

See the best Fiordland has to offer! Join our small-group, day tours & Multiday Tour packages  departing from Te Anau to Milford Sound, &  Queenstown  

Day Tours from Christchurch

Find yourself staying over in Christchurch?  Take a trip to the spectacular Mount Cook, with the option to continue on to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand Unique Experiences & Destinations

Get off the beaten track with our small group tours.

Travel in luxury and style on our incredible half-day expeditions through the unique culture and landscapes that have shaped New Zealand’s identity. We have a range of interesting and immersive local trips. 

Queenstown Expeditions is a ‘kiwi’ owned and operated company. Discover Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Queenstown’s hidden gems with us. 

Queenstown Expeditions offers day and half-day tours with a range of higah quality options. Our fleet of luxury vehicles range from Mercedes Sprinters with on board WIFI, to large luxurious custom built 4×4 go anywhere coaches . Our tours offer a unique storytelling system operated through GPS allowing you to travel back in time to imagine the fascinatng history. We also provide custom bespoke tours. This is complemented by our VIP Drop & Hop Wine Tour through Queenstown’s Gibbston Wine area or perhaps visit some of the wineries with our local guides. 

Welcome to Queenstown Expeditions where the journey is as important as the destination . . .

Our Unique Luxury Tours

Travel off the beaten track with Queenstown Expeditions luxury tours. Our amazing tours include local knowledgeable guides who will give you a unique insight into the beautiful region of New Zealand and look after you all the way. 

Old Gold Trail & Gold Pannig Half Day Tour

Paradise valley & glenorchy half day tour, glenorchy kiwi special tour, queenstown vip wine drop & hop, check out our full video below.

Deals of the Week   Green Hikes & Treks   Up to 50% OFF

Queenstown Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Queenstown. We've got 347 adventures going to Queenstown, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 38 days. The most popular month to go is January, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Queenstown tour packages with 2,430 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

3 Day Doubtful Sound Adventure Ex Queenstown

Enjoyed the DS experience! Amazing!! Only one suggestion. 1st driver did not make it clear that 1st stop was at Te Anau. I was sitting in back, with a handful of small active children and didn't hear much. I was to get off bus. I just followed everyone else thinking everyone was going to same DS tour. I ended up in Milford missing the Glow Caves. Driver, Johnny, was excellent! After bus stopped, he got up and made it very clear who was to get off bus at certion points. Made a big difference. I'm use to European tours where tour guide stays with you and all the people are going on same tour. 1st time in NZ...loved it. Also, must give shout out to Marissa, tour operator! She was excellent in her communications w/ me! Patience, kindness and cking in was above and beyond! Thank you, Chris

• Hiking & Trekking

Walk New Zealand's Fiordland National Park

• Sightseeing

Southern Voyager

I loved the tour and our guide Tom! It was a great way to experience the South Island! I would always do it again! :)

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

• In-depth Cultural

South Island Lick Tour

Excellent - but get a private room.

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches

The trip was amazing!! So many things we did that were exclusive for G Adventures tours only! The tour guides were friendly and very personable. I loved every minute of it!!

Great Walks of New Zealand

NZ Adventure South

Do it! The South tour is incredible - packed with lots and lots of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Had a great time!

Queenstown & Wanaka Short Break - 4 Day Self Drive Tour

NZ Intro South

Jess was the most amazing tour leader ? She supported me through my bungy jump and she was heaps fun to have around. 10/10 experience xx

Amplified NZ Tour

I would recommend this tour to anyone. Our guide was exceptional and went above and beyond expectations of an employee to make our experiences unique trying to meet everyone’s needs. Some of the accommodation needs updating but an overall amazing time with wonderful people.

3 Day Aoraki Mt. Cook Explorer

Excellent trip overall. Only complaint was when we checked in we were given a map to the lodges we were staying in which had a restaurant next to it. We tried to go to the restaurant for dinner only to find it was closed so after walking back to the hotel the only dinner options were $65pp for the buffet or to buy something from the onsite shop. If we had known this we would have eaten in the cafe which served hot food until 4:30pm. The shop had very limited supplies, not even sandwiches or basic snacks. We ended up spending $15 on pasta and a tomato sauce and there was nothing else available to buy. The next night our buffet dinner was included but there was a mix up and the hotel tried to charge us. I contacted the operator through the app and this was sorted by the time we checked out the next morning.

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

Ultimate NZ Ski (7 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

New Zealand Explorer

This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Robbie was an excellent guide, creating an memorable experience for everyone. I felt like I really experienced many of the highlights of New Zealand - seeing beautiful places & trying adventurous activities. It was also fun to bong with my tour group!

What people love about Queenstown Tours

The overnight cruise was great. However, we were disappointed that one of the other tours was canceled. While we were refunded for the cancellation that was only from RealNZ. It still seemed like there was money paid from the overall package through Tour Radar that was not refunded.

One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic Daisy! This was well organized with all of the logistics taken care of for you while having the freedom to pick what activities interest you most. The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world. Some of the hostel stays were great, some were just ok, but all were clean and had the essentials.

Tours starting from Queenstown

• for 7 Days (17)
• for 10 Days (6)
• for 2 Weeks (5)
• to Australia/Oceania (35)
• to New Zealand (34)
• New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Queenstown Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Queenstown
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Queenstown
• Nederlands: Queenstown Rondreizen