Things to Do in Queenstown

Book this Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ dining experience available for both lunch and dinner including a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw.

Take in the stunning views and wonderful wildlife as you cruise around Milford Sound. Relax on board with tea and coffee, enjoying the commentary, and make the most of the photo ops as you go.

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth. Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes. You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More! This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props! We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Visit New Zealand's famous fjord on this trip to Milford Sound. You'll enjoy a two-hour cruise past waterfalls and mountains, as well as meet sea lions.

• Take a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran across Lake Wakatipu, with views of Queenstown's alpine peaks.
• Combine your cruise with a guided tour of Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you'll meet farm animals and enjoy freshly baked afternoon tea.
• Choose to add a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at Walter Peak Farm to your cruise, where you'll dine with lakeside views in a peaceful high-country setting.
• Add a small-group horse trek to your cruise, riding through Walter Peak's rolling farmland, led by an experienced guide.
• Fun fact: Lake Wakatipu’s unique Z-shape causes its water level to rise and fall rhythmically every 25 minutes—local legend calls it the heartbeat of a giant.

Get the courage to jump off an airplane and experience an exhilarating freefall of up to 25 seconds at NZONE Skydive Queenstown.

Discover Queenstown's ultimate dining destination, Walter Peak High Country Farm - the only place where you can enjoy a cruise, dinner, and show combined into one unforgettable experience.

Ride to the Sky is a flagship tour through exclusive locations on specially built eBike track. Ride on premium Full suspension e-bike (pedal assisted) to the top of Grant Peak, 800 meters above sea level. An access to the private trail gives you an opportunity to climb the hill and enjoy the spectacular scenery showcasing the very best of Queenstown’s natural landscape. This is only Guided eBike Tour in Queenstown where you can rich one of the best places to view great mountain ranges. Learn about the local European history and gold mining time along with Maori legends about the Wakatipu basin. Ride to the Sky is a great opportunity to challenge yourself and take a first step into Mountain biking on uneven terrain. The great award on the top is breathtaking view. Ride Higher – Feel the Freedom. This ride requires people to have a good level of fitness and feel comfortable on gradual downhill. If you are looking for easier Scenic eBiking please look for our 'Ride tour the Lake' tour.

Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain and one of the country's most photographed landmarks. Explore stunning scenery on this day trip from Queenstown.

• Ideal for foodies and nature lovers, the TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak BBQ offers a unique Queenstown lakeside dining adventure.
• Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown and enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu with alpine and lakeside views along the way.
• Relish a gourmet BBQ buffet at the charming Colonel’s Homestead, featuring wood-fired meats, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts.
• Unwind after dinner with an entertaining farm dog show showcasing the skill and teamwork of working dogs.
• Fun fact: Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the last remaining coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere, lovingly preserved for all to enjoy.

Experience an exhilarating freefall and a 3-4 minute parachute ride at the best place to skydive in New Zealand.

Embark on a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Prepare for wall-to-wall action with high speed and thrilling 360-degree spins. Upgrade to enjoy roundtrip transportation from Queenstown.

Discover the Central Otago Wine Trail on a small group half-day tour from Queenstown. Enjoy a personalized experience with this tour customized to your tastes and experience some of the finest wines the Otago Wine Trail has to offer. After complimentary hotel pick-up, set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small group half-day tour to visit four cellar doors and enjoy a personalized itinerary based on your booking selections.  Journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. Visit four smaller, boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff.

Dare to explore New Zealand's beautiful natural landscapes on this unforgettable adrenaline-inducing quad biking tour of Queenstown.

• Cruise Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a guided farm tour at Walter Peak—perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious travellers of all ages. • Meet sheep, alpacas, Highland cattle, and farm dogs, then watch a sheepdog demo in the amphitheatre led by an expert rural host. • Stroll the farmyard, feed friendly animals, and enjoy freshly baked scones, cakes, and slices during a lakeside afternoon tea. • Choose from 2 vessels: the TSS Earnslaw with live piano and an open engine room, or the Spirit of Queenstown with panoramic decks and accessible design. • Fun fact: Walter Peak Farm has been a working farm since the 1800s, offering a unique look at high-country farming traditions!

Prepare for sensory overload as your mind, body, and soul battle against every instinct to preserve itself.

Enjoy return flights over snow-capped mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, and tumbling waterfalls for the ultimate Milford Sound experience, before embarking on a 2-hour cruise around Milford Sound.

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound & a once in a lifetime landing on a glacier/alpine in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Is your phone compatible with an eSIM? We've got a card that'll allow you to stay connected during your trip to New Zealand so you don't miss a single thing!

• The Shotover Canyons jet boat ride is perfect for thrill-seekers, offering high-speed action, sharp turns, and epic 360° spins through narrow canyons.
• Skim just inches from towering canyon walls at 90km/h as your expert driver navigates the twisting Shotover River, the only jet boat allowed in these canyons.
• Speed through dramatic gorges and past towering rock formations, with the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River churning beneath you at exhilarating speeds.
• Opt for round-trip transfers from Queenstown for a hassle-free experience. Just sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride of your life.
• Fun fact: The Māori name for the Shotover River, Kimi-ākau, means ‘looking for the coast,’ a nod to early explorers searching for a route westward.

Immerse in Arrowtown's intriguing history, ride your way across seven bridges and two spectacular rivers into the Valley of the Vines, enjoy a 7-hour adventure.

Raft the famous Shotover River on thrilling, grade 3 to 5 whitewater rapids on a half-day trip from Queenstown. Experience Skippers Canyon's daunting cliff edges and gold-mining history by bus. 

Whether you live here or are visiting we have found the best places to take you on Stargazing. We collect you in our 4WD land rovers, choosing from many of our dark sky locations to guide and photograph you under the Southern Night Sky. Come along with us NZ Astro tourism Academy qualified Guides this Summer 2023/4 and discover star navigation, the meaning and language of our constellations and using our Unistellar EVscope and night binoculars we choose the most interesting features viewable that night for you to see close up. We professionally shoot your portrait with the galactic core as a backdrop. Often snow will be under our feet. NZ Award winning photographers, we deliver you with a set of images from your experience to cherish along with images from our telescope that we viewed together live. Customers love this tour who are also budding astrophotographers -ask us for tuition and bring your camera/ tripod is also an option. We are the only Queenstown bespoke star gazing tour.

Discover New Zealand's most adventurous town in complete freedom by hiring a bicycle to explore the Queenstown area at your leisure.

• Defy gravity with this skydiving experience as you freefall for 25 to 60 seconds at 200km/h, all under the watchful eye of an experienced Jumpmaster. • Not just a thrill ride, this experience includes transfers from Queenstown, a scenic 15-20 mins flight to altitude, and a thorough safety briefing. • Feast your eyes on the breathtaking panorama of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, and bask in the rush of a 3-4 min canopy glide after your freefall. • Pick your thrill! Skydive from 9,000ft for 25 seconds of freefall, 12,000ft for 45 seconds, or push limits with a 15,000ft drop for a 60-second fall. • Fun fact: Queenstown is widely known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World' – a main reason being the invention of commercial bungee jumping here.

Take full advantage of this top-notch transportation service, enjoy your day in the snow without worries, admire the beauty of Coronet Peak and its surroundings.

World Famous Swing! Drop 70 metres either solo or tandem into a massive 300m arc, high above the Nevis River. Ride forwards, backwards, upside down, Back2Back, Honeymoon & more!

Join us for a mind-blowing 1-hour adventure in our latest edition 6-seater 1000cc buggy, where our expert guides take the wheel while you relax and soak in the spectacular views of our exclusive 650-acre property. Traverse thrilling off-road trails, pause at breathtaking viewpoints, and discover Queenstown’s rich history—from its gold mining heritage to its status as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Designed for all ages, with participants welcome from just 4 years old, this tour offers the perfect blend of comfort, exploration, and awe-inspiring scenery for an unforgettable experience. Allow 1.5 hours for the full experience.

Get incredible views of the mountains and lakes in the Wakatipu Basin on this fabulous Sky Diving activity in Queenstown. You'll love it!

• Experience the ultimate 60-minute jet boat ride, hitting speeds of up to 95kph on Queenstown’s epic rivers—perfect for thrill-seekers and families.
• Blast around Queenstown’s scenic waterways on a thrilling 45km jet boat adventure packed with 360° spins and epic 360° alpine views.
• With no height restrictions, child-sized life jackets, and a minimum age of just 2 years, KJet is the perfect activity for the whole family. Kids aged 2-4 ride free (child age is 5-14 years).
• Departs every hour, on the hour, from Main Town Pier, just a short stroll from central accommodation.

The journey to Milford Sound is as spectacular as the destination, so sit back, relax and take in the views from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound on this tour.

Experience unrivaled views of stunning Queenstown, reaching speeds of up to 200kph in freefall before enjoying a relaxing flight under canopy.

Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful lake, on the other. Marvel at the most awe-inspiring aerial views of the summit ridge of Mt. Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Experience unparalleled aerial views of the Franz and Fox Glaciers on the West Coast and the Tasman Glacier within Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Land in Mt. Cook National Park at Aoraki/Mt. Cook Airport on the picturesque outskirts of Mt. Cook Village. Spend up to 5 hours on the ground exploring Mt. Cook Village, with lunch at The Hermitage Hotel or enjoy walking Hooker Valley Track. Follow a different flight path on your return flight to Queenstown, taking in the tussock-drenched Lindis Pass. Experience it all from your window seat!

Delve deep into Middle Earth on this tour of the stunning landscapes of Queenstown, Glenorchy and Paradise Forest in New Zealand.

• Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
• Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.
• Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.
• Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.
• Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"

Book this Walter Peak farm tour which includes a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship.

This half-day canyoning trip has a little bit of everything packed into one action-filled experience. Abseil, zip line, slide, plunge, and splash your way through the canyon.

On this unique experience, fly high through alpine scenery to a carpet of snow! Lift off from base and fly to your pilot’s favourite, of the many breathtaking mountains in the southern lakes region, land among the snow and take in the scenery, build a snow man,sledge down the mountain, have a snowball fight or take your picture on top of the world. Re-board your helicopter after enjoying your winter-wonderland, fly over the stunning alpine scenery and back to the base.

On this trip to Arrowtown and Gibbston, we'll discover the stunning surroundings of Queenstown. We'll also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Wakatipu!

• Set sail on the calming waters of Lake Wakatipu on this 90-minute cruise and see Queenstown from a different perspective than before.
• Soak up Queenstown's rich history with engaging commentary from knowledgeable local guides who know the area like the back of their hand.
• Marvel at the pink and red flowers in Queenstown Garden and the jagged-shaped Remarkables Range as you make your way down Kawarau River.
• Catch sight of the rare Yellow-crowned Kākāriki fishing for some food in the lake’s crystal clear waters.
• Fun fact: The 2018 film, *Mission: Impossible - Fallout* was filmed in Queenstown.

Book this half-day TSS Earnslaw cruise and enjoy 360-degree views during the cruise along Lake Wakatipu, Cecil Peak to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Take an exhilarating 1-hour Jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and head down the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. Get an adrenaline rush as you take 360° spins and travel at high speed through the river.

Experience the ultimate adventure along New Zealand's West Coast from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you to the picturesque Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, over the stunning Haast Pass and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Led by our passionate guides, this tour goes beyond the destinations, offering secret stops, wildlife viewings, and delightful surprises along the way. Travel in comfort with modern minibuses, enjoy complimentary refreshments and provided lunch as you journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions. At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, it's the journey, the stories, and the small group experience that truly set our tours apart.

The Queenstown hop on hop off bus tour will take you to the best wineries in Queenstown. It'll be the perfect way to get a taste of New Zealand wines!

• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, taking in sweeping views of Queenstown’s alpine landscape.
• Wander through Walter Peak’s kitchen and native gardens, sampling fresh ingredients and discovering plants like tussock grass and manuka that shape New Zealand’s ecosystems.
• Plant a native seedling on the reforested peninsula and leave a positive impact on the region’s biodiversity.
• Enjoy a garden-to-table light lunch, featuring seasonal produce and homemade treats crafted from ingredients grown on-site.
• Fun fact: The Colonel’s Homestead, originally built in 1902, was lovingly rebuilt in 1977 after a fire—preserving its lakeside heritage at Walter Peak.

Book this Shotover River whitewater rafting and enjoy grade 3-5 whitewater rapids if you're an adrenaline junky visiting Queenstown!

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a ride in a semi-submersible shark in Queenstown. Skim across the lake at 80 kph, dive underwater, and blast into the air.

Farm hackers and road riders, it’s time to learn the art of trail riding – if you’ve got clutch control and are competent on 2 wheels but want to progress and challenge yourself – this is for you. On our 600acre property that climbs high above Queenstown, we’ll challenge you on ever increasingly difficult terrain until you’ve realised you’re capable of a lot more than you thought! Exciting, scary, fun, adrenaline-inducing – this one is for those that want to RIDE!

If you'd like to visit Queenstown in a truly unique way, this segway tour is for you! You can discover Queenstown town centre or Queenstown Bay.

• Enjoy a scenic 90-minute cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu, with breathtaking views of Queenstown's alpine peaks. • Experience a guided horse trek at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you’ll ride through rolling farmland led by an experienced guide. • Take in spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains as you trot along scenic trails, perfect for novice riders. • After your trek, relax with delicious afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, surrounded by stunning gardens and farmyard scenery. • Fun fact: Walter Peak, settled in the 1860s, became a key sheep station, significantly contributing to the region's wool industry and agricultural heritage.