Lake Wakatipu Tours and Tickets

Combine hiking on the famous Routeburn Track with a canyoning adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park on a single active tour from Queenstown. Hike along the Routeburn Track while a guide points out the endemic flora and fauna, then reach the canyonlands, where you will rappel and swim through the caves, canyons, and pools. Refuel with a picnic lunch to wind up your strenuous tour.

Photograph spectacular locations around Queenstown and the Southern Lakes on a half-day private photography tour. Your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, who provides creative advice and shows you how to get the most from your camera.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand on this half-day Wakatipu Basin 4-wheel drive tour from Queenstown. Cruise along off-road routes toward the Remarkables mountain range - widely used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Admire panoramic views over Deer Park Heights and the Kawarau Gorge, and then head onward to the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Traverse bumpy river crossings along the Arrow River, and pan for gold on the riverbank. Then gaze over the Wakatipu Basin from Coronet Peak en route back to Queenstown.

Though not as adrenaline-packed as the Olympic sport, the Queenstown luge winds downhill with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond. Ride the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob's Peak where you'll experience the Skyline Luge Queenstown on five rides - sure to satisfy any thrill-seeker. Choose the scenic track or descend a steeper gradient on the advanced track, or switch between the two specially designed routes.

Take to the skies on a 50-minute Queenstown helicopter flight that includes a snow landing on Jura Glacier. Soar above Lake Wakatipu's northern shores and discover unparalleled views of New Zealand's Southern Alps from an aerial perspective. After your pilot lands atop the glacier, snap photos of surrounding alpine peaks, such as Mt Aspiring, before the return helicopter ride over glacier-fed lakes and the Rees and Dart River valleys.

See firsthand if Paradise Valley lives up to its name by prebooking this tour from Queenstown. Along with visiting movie locations used in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, catch views of the Dart River and Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take a few optional hikes, explore a trail above Diamond Lake, and stop by a sheep-shearing farm. During this guided tour, you'll also get to ride a 4WD off the beaten path to see the area used as Middle Earth in LOTR.

Depart Queenstown aboard the TSS 'Earnslaw' for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You'll travel round-trip by vintage steamship and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch from the terrace at the Colonel's Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts and local cheeses. Don't miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm's sheepdogs.

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 Lord of the Rings filming locations, historic gold mines, and heritage sites.

Soar through the Queenstown forest on the world's steepest tree-to-tree zipline, plunging 30 stories down from the Skyline Gondola summit on a 3-hour tour. Tone down the adrenaline a notch on a 2-hour course, perfect for families with kids aged six and up. Expert guides supervise your launch from each aerial platform, so all you have to do is take in the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range.

Adventurous travelers with any level of rock-climbing experience (total beginner to advanced) will enjoy climbing this series of steps fixed into a cliff face. Guides will ensure your safety and instruct you on how to approach the climb, as well as ensure that you climb a section suited to your abilities. Your efforts will be rewarded with incredible views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Fly for a Champagne picnic included with a private helicopter ride in the Southern Alps. You're flown to a secluded alpine location, simply known as 'The Ledge,' and treated to panoramic views over the cobalt waters of Lake Wakatipu while you feast on gourmet food. Absorb the tranquility of these stunning surroundings and toast your special someone in privacy, before your return flight to civilization in bustling Queenstown.

A Milford Sound scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown completes this full-day tour by land, sea and sky. Before your 1-hour and 45-minute cruise, travel by coach to the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, stopping at the Mirror Lakes. You'll see the world-famous fiord, including Mitre Peak, and other natural glories from the water, then get a bird's-eye view from the air that will take your breath away.

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 milky 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. You'll cover more ground in less time, and receive a complimentary entrance ticket to Queenstown's Underwater Observatory.

Return to nature on the famous Routeburn Track. On this private hike, roam through the ancient undergrowth of the forest and gaze up at snow-capped peaks as your local guide invites you to explore New Zealand's fascinating wilderness. A great walk, a perfect day.

This half-day Queenstown canyoneering adventure is action-packed! You'll walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you'll spend 1.5 to 2 hours descending by zipline, abseiling (rappelling) down waterfalls, plunging into natural pools, floating down narrow passageways and cascading down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on skill level. No experience is necessary, but this activity does require a moderate level of fitness. Wetsuits, safety equipment and waterproof footwear are provided.

Don’t miss the scenic flight of a lifetime while you’re in Queenstown. Board a helicopter for an aerial tour over the Remarkables mountain range and soak up the expansive views of sparkling Lake Wakatipu from above. Your 30-minute tour includes an alpine landing for the ultimate photo ops. Upgrade your experience with a private charter exclusive to your group, with your choice of Squirrel or  Eurocopter EC chopper.

Board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown's scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you're treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts and a New Zealand cheeseboard while a pianist provides the ambiance. After dinner, join a walking tour of the farm to see demonstrations, or simply relax in the bar where you can purchase wine and other beverages, before the return boat trip to Queenstown.

Ride the Queenstown gondola to a skyline restaurant for a midday or evening meal, and enjoy scenic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. At Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, perched on Bob's Peakat Skyline high above the mountain town, settle in for a 4-course buffet lunch or 6-course buffet dinner of local specialties. Each table in the restaurant's tiered seating area boasts prime views, including Coronet Peak. On Christmas or New Year's Eve, enjoy a themed buffet, live entertainment and two luge rides.

Soar to new heights on a 20-minute helicopter tour and alpine landing in the Remarkables, a mountain range that dominates the eastern skyline of Queenstown. Hover up close to the eponymous peaks and land 5,046 feet (1,538 meters) above Lake Wakatipu with unparalleled views stretching all the way to the Southern Alps. Your six-passenger helicopter flight includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

This Segway tour of Queenstown covers a lot of ground in less time. Embark on a 1- or 2-hour tour aboard your personal transporter. Your guide leads you around the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing natural landmarks along the way. Select from various departure times throughout the day. This small-group tour is limited to eight people to ensure personalized attention.