Tours and Trips in Queenstown

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.

Enjoy wet and wild adventure in Skippers Canyon on this 4.5-hour Queenstown rafting and sightseeing adventure. Take a scenic drive into Skippers Canyon as a guide sheds light on the region's rich gold-mining heritage. On arrival at base, strap into your safety kit and paddle onto the Shotover River's swirling Class I and II rapids. During your descent, tackle the river's swirling twists and turns with a guide and enjoy sweeping views over New Zealand's beautiful countryside. Then, finish your adventure with a swim or a rock-jump.

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.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping rapids of the Shotover River, which runs through Skippers Canyon. Start your half-day trip from Queenstown with a coach drive into the steep canyon via historical Skippers Road, famous for its gold-mining past. The tranquil waters of Deep Creek soon give way to exhilarating white-water rapids, but rest assured you'll be rewarded with a sauna and hot shower afterward.

Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River during an extreme 25-minute ride, and make use of transport from Queenstown. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water's surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won't soon forget.

Swap Queenstown for Aoraki/Mt Cook on a one-way coach tour through the spectacular South Island countryside. The 4.5-hour journey north passes lush farmland and follows the winding Kawarau Gorge to Central Otago then over Lindis Pass and into the Mackenzie Basin. You'll skirt the shores of Lake Pukaki where you can set eyes upon Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain. Opt for a three-course lunch at the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village before hotel drop-off.

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.

Ride a quad bike on Queenstown Hill during this 3.5-hour ATV adventure. After a comprehensive training, hop on a fully automatic all-terrain vehicle and follow your guide over off-road trails (safety gear and all-weather clothing provided). Enjoy informative commentary and sweeping views over Queenstown. Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with refreshments, are included in this small-group tour, limited to 11 people.

Take a narrated coach tour from Queenstown to Christchurch, driving across the Canterbury Plains of the South Island. View the rugged mountain and farmland terrain of Otago as you cross Lindis Pass to Mt Cook Village, located at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain. You'll make several stops, including a church at Lake Tekapo, before arrival at your destination. Opt for an included 3-course buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. If you'd like, take a helicopter or skiplane flight (own expense).

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.

Skydive Queenstown - New Zealand's outdoor adventure capital - and jump from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 feet. After a safety briefing, board a small plane and tandem skydive with an experienced guide. Free-falling for a minute at terminal velocity, you'll reach speeds of up to 124 mph (200 kph), then relax as you soak up views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Includes transport from Queenstown to the drop zone, just a 20-minute drive away.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise around two of the South Island's most scenic waterways with this Queenstown Super Saver that takes place over two days. First, cross Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound for a 3-hour catamaran cruise; search for wildlife in the pristine wilderness flanked by forested peaks and waterfalls. The next day, board a vintage steamship for a ride across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy New Zealand hospitality with morning or afternoon tea and get an up-close look at rural life.

This Queenstown rafting trip on the Kawarau River takes you on a thrilling ride over Class II and III white-water rapids. You'll learn paddling techniques from an expert river guide who leads you down the scenic river, which drains Lake Wakatipu. You may feel like you're in Middle-earth, as the Kawarau River starred as the River Anduin in 'The Lord of the Rings' movie trilogy. After, warm up with a sauna and hot shower. No experience is necessary of this half-day tour, suitable for all fitness levels.

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.

Take a thrilling helicopter ride and white-water rafting trip down the Shotover or Kawarau rivers. This Queenstown heli-rafting adventure for adrenaline junkies departs in winter as well as summer. Soar through Skippers Canyon and raft from Deep Creek or Boulder Beach on a rollercoaster ride through white-water rapids. You'll learn rafting techniques from your expert guide and have the use of a sauna and hot shower afterward.