Outdoor Activities in Queenstown

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.

Fly upside down or soar like Superman on a zipline ride from the notorious Kawarau Bridge. The Kawarau Zipride lets you ride solo or in tandem with up to six friends across parallel cables suspended over the scenic Kawarau River. Select a single ride or choose a 3- or 5-ride pack for the optimal adrenaline rush, with round-trip transport from Queenstown.

Take a Queenstown catamaran cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Mt Nicholas High Country Station, then tour the hills in a 4WD vehicle with your guide. You'll hear interesting narration from the captain en route to the merino sheep farm on Lake Wakatipu's western shore. Take brief walks for a bird's-eye view of the region, including the Remarkables mountains, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea before returning to Queenstown by boat.

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.

Go bungy jumping in New Zealand from the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, the original site of the Queenstown bungy jump. You'll experience the ultimate Queenstown challenge, transforming from nervous to elated as you plunge 141 feet (43 meters) in five seconds. Choose from a variety of options, including a water touch or full immersion in the gorgeous Kawarau River. It may just be the best thing you've ever done!

Combine an adventurous zipline tour with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park with a Queenstown experience that explores spectacular native forest from the air and on the ground. When booking, you'll have the choice between two zipline courses that range from beginner-friendly to high-adrenaline, and independent time at the Kiwi Birdlife Park means you can explore the destination on your own schedule, without being limited by a group itinerary.

Go off-roading near Lake Wakatipu on a thrilling 4WD adventure from Queenstown. With an expert guide at the wheel, your 4x4 navigates long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements. Hear entertaining commentary about this scenic region captured by "˜The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. You'll see multiple LOTR filming sites while jolting down Skippers Canyon and splashing across the Arrow River.

Take a 1-hour off-road buggy tour around the Wakatipu region, departing from central Queenstown. With an expert guide at the helm of your 5-passenger vehicle, you'll bump along scenic backcountry terrain. Experience the thrill of riding in a 4x4 across rivers and along forest tracks, with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu. Wet-weather and safety gear included.

For your next activity in the proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of the World,’ set out for Queenstown’s off-road terrain aboard a Suzuki sports quad, led by an expert guide. You’ll bump along dirt-bike tracks with creek crossings and hill climbs boasting spectacular views, from the Kawarau River up into the mountains of the Kawarau Gorge. Each tailor-made tour runs with a select small group based on skill level, guaranteeing both beginning and advanced riders an exhilarating 1.5-hour ride.

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.

Toast your off-road adventure around Lake Wakatipu with wine tasting at two of the region’s finest wineries. First, your expert guide takes the wheel of a 4WD for an exhilarating ride over backcountry roads including Skippers Canyon and the Arrow River. See the former gold mining outpost of Arrowtown and marvel at epic scenery featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy with entertaining commentary about multiple LOTR filming sites. Picnic lunch included!