Tours and Trips in Queenstown

Observe more than 20 native bird species - including New Zealand's namesake, the 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 nocturnal enclosure. In addition to these feathered stars, take a look at critters such as the Auckland green gecko, the kea and a prehistoric tuatara. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

Board a private helicopter for a flight to Middle Earth Waterfalls, touching down for a picnic at the foot of a hanging glacier. You'll fly to the head of Lake Wakatipu, cross the Moonlight Saddle, and soar across the dramatic Richardson Mountains, with gorgeous aerial views throughout the trip. Once at Middle Earth Waterfalls, a picnic lunch will be served in "The Hobbit" film location, followed by free time to explore, and the scenic return flight to Queenstown.

Enjoy a Milford Sound cruise during a one-way day trip, departing Queenstown to Te Anau, the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Break for morning tea before traveling through the Eglinton Valley and pausing at Mirror Lakes en route to majestic Milford Sound, where glacier-scarred rock walls like famous Mitre Peak rise from the sea. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with commentary on board the coach and cruise boat.

Access remote wilderness areas on this Queenstown jet-boat tour across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River. The high-speed 1-hour ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as your expert driver maneuvers into 360-degree spins, performs fishtail turns and navigates between narrow canyon walls. Snap photos of your scenic surroundings, including the Remarkables mountain range, and watch bungy jumpers plunge from the Kawarau Bridge. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day.

Explore Queenstown nature on a half-day walking tour along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy views of the Remarkables mountain range as you take an easy route through native beech forest and learn about South Island flora and birdlife. Soak up the water views and hear Maori legends of the lake. Your morning or afternoon tour includes a snack plus hotel pickup and drop-off. Numbers are limited to 10 people, ensuring a small-group experience with your knowledgeable nature guide.

Dive deep into the waters of Lake Wakatipu and explode into the sky as a passenger in the thrilling Seabreacher X watercraft. Brace yourself for stunts and high speeds in this unique 'shark machine', one of the only ones operating commercially in the entire world. Experience exciting side-rolls, long dives and 360-degree spins in this private thrillride - each ride is one-on-one with your pilot.

Shoot the grade II and III rapids on the Kawarau River with a guide on this half-day tour from Queenstown. Even beginners will feel safe and comfortable with expert supervision and instruction, as well as all provided equipment included. Take a swim through a rapid, jump off a cliff, and learn about the natural environment on this family-friendly trip that includes plenty of calm spots for splashing and floating.

Combine two exciting Queenstown adventures on a half-day 'helirafting' tour that explores the region by air and water. Board a helicopter for a scenic flight to the white-water rafting launch site, cruise above the rock walls and blue water of Skippers Canyon, then land on a river-side beach. Next, suit up for a challenging white-water rafting trip down the Shotover River, taking on a series of rapids that flow through high cliffs and chutes.

Traverse the back roads of Skippers Canyon, accessed only by 4WD vehicle, on this private photography tour. Beginner or advanced photographers will find plenty of fantastic photo ops of this rustic landscape near Queenstown. Focus your lens on the glaciated waters of the Shotover River and learn about its former gold mining days. You'll make multiple stops en route, including afternoon tea.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran for a 1 hour 45 minute cruise. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Let a guide navigate the once-treacherous Skippers Canyon on this 4WD tour, round-trip from Queenstown. The route affords dramatic views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River Valley. You'll cross Skippers Bridge into the namesake township and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning. The 4-hour trip includes light refreshments and hotel pickup.

Get spectacular views of the Southern Alps from the window of a helicopter on this tour from Queenstown. Listen to your pilot/guide's commentary on glacial recession, the environment, and glacial history as you fly. Touchdown on the glacier for photo ops and views. National Park fees and round-trip hotel transportation from Queenstown included.

This 2-hour helicopter tour flies you from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park and boasts unbeatable views from above. A professional pilot points out of the ice-capped Southern Alps, including glaciated lakes and forested valleys, before descending to Milford Sound. Make two landings - on a secluded beach and an alpine glacier - with time to explore and get the perfect photo op. Book your seat on a shared helicopter, or upgrade your experience to a private charter exclusive to your group.

This 2.5-hour Milford Sound cruise in UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park stops at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, accessible only by boat. Your midday cruise on a smaller boat travels outside of peak hours, offering prime viewing and more time on the water than other tours. Hear informative commentary from naturalist guides on board, and enjoy a provided picnic lunch. Upgrade to include a 1-hour kayak excursion and paddle Harrison Cove in a small-group limited to 12 people.

A Milford Sound cruise, scenic drive and return helicopter ride complete this extraordinary day trip from Queenstown. See the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park by land, sea and air, starting with vivid landscapes viewed through your glass-roof luxury coach along Milford Road. The 2-hour cruise covers the entire length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, while the 40-minute helicopter flight takes you over Mt Tutoko and Lake Wakatipu, with a brief landing on Donne Glacier (weather permitting).

Surrounded by rocky slopes and tussock grass, with dramatic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains, Jack's Point Golf Club offers a premiere golfing experience. Spend a leisurely morning or afternoon at one of the top-rated golf courses of the South Island, located just minutes from central Queenstown. The 18-hole green challenges as an impressive par 72 championship course. Round-trip hotel transport by private vehicle included.

Get aerial views of Mount Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park, and Milford Sound on a spectacular 1-hour, 15-minute flight from Queenstown. Every person in the 7-seater aircraft has a window seat, so you'll look straight down at the South Island's remarkable glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and peaks. The pilot will help orient you with live commentary throughout the flight, and when you reach Milford Sound, will guide the plane into a descent for great views of Stirling Falls and Mitre Peak.

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Remarkables and the Southern Alps during a 1.75-hour catamaran cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Head to the western shore, stopping at Bob's Cove to soak up the views from New Zealand's longest lake. Listen to the captain's entertaining commentary about the natural landmarks and wildlife as you relax indoors or on the outdoor decks. You have a selection of morning and afternoon cruises to choose from.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on a Milford Sound cruise aboard the Maiden of Milford, a three-deck vessel. The 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise through one of the South Island's most stunning natural wonders take you past vivid waterfalls to frolicking dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Meet at the pier or opt for a round-trip coach tour of UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park from Queenstown, and stop for photographs and some short nature walks en route to Milford Sound.

Amp up your Queenstown adventure by white-water sledging down the Roaring Meg section of the Kawarau River! Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you lie on a purpose-built riverboard that allows you to steer through the rapids, waves and whirlpools before you catch your breath in a flat section. No previous experience is necessary, just confidence in the water as you're accompanied by a guide. Wetsuit, booties, helmet and fins are included on this small-group experience, limited to 10 people.