Day Trips in Queenstown

Leave bustling Queenstown behind for the scenic beauty of Skippers Canyon on a half-day 4WD tour of the historic gorge. An experienced guide traverses Gorge Road and follows an old mining route toward Coronet Peak and into Skippers Canyon for outstanding views over the Wakatipu Basin and the Shotover River. Enjoy short walks and stop for scrumptious morning or afternoon tea including chilled wine, cookies and homemade cheese.

The Routeburn Track is one of the most beautiful - and popular - trails in New Zealand, a great gateway to the country's mountain lakes, river valleys, waterfalls, and forests. With this tour, let someone else take care of driving to the trailhead and packing lunch, and head out on a moderately difficult portion of the trial that takes you to the western end of Lake Wakatipu.

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural settlement of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on this half-day drive. Spend some time exploring Glenorchy's shops and cafes, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Escape the crowds of Milford Sound as you cruise through the popular glacier-carved fjord on a full-day excursion, round-trip from Te Anau. The 1.5-hour Milford Sound morning boat trip glides past stunning sights like Mitre Peak, situated in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. En route, stop for short walks at scenic spots like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. Enjoy small-group transport by mini-coach, limited to 33 people, which ensures personalized attention from your guide. Includes lunch plus hotel pickup and drop-off.

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour from Queenstown. Visit at least four boutique wineries during a 5.5-hour tour. You'll drive through verdant valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history. Numbers are limited to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers.

Cruise Milford Sound from Te Anau during a full-day tour to UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. You'll access this crown jewel of New Zealand's South Island by luxury coach, stopping en route at the Mirror Lakes before boarding a 1-hour 45-minute cruise on luxurious catamaran journey past waterfalls and steep-walled pinnacles such as famous Mitre Peak.

Take a cruise on Milford Sound, arguably the most scenic destination on New Zealand's South Island, during this day trip from Te Anau. En route, you'll tour the features of Fiordland National Park, home to untouched alpine forest, pristine waterways, glaciers and soaring peaks. Experience sightseeing stops and bush walks before a 1.5-hour boat excursion, including a buffet lunch and narration by a well-versed guide. Numbers are limited to 15 people for a small-group experience.

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).

Gain access to a gentle hiking and cycle trail on private land that was hand-hewn with a pick and shovel. Hiking (or cycling, if you prefer) with a knowledgeable guide will prevent you from getting lost, plus you'll learn about the history and ecology of the region. The trail is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) and takes several hours, but is not steep, so is suitable for active (though not necessarily super-athletic) travelers.

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.

Be mesmerized by Milford Sound on a full-day trip from Te Anau to Queenstown. Travel through World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park and go sightseeing on a Milford Sound cruise past majestic Mitre Peak. Enjoy a buffet lunch or opt for a Japanese-style bento box (if selected). Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with commentary on board the coach and cruise boat.

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).

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.

Visit 'The Lord of the Rings' filming locations in Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD with an informative guide. Departing Queenstown for Middle-earth in the morning or afternoon, this half-day tour includes stunning countryside landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, such as the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp and Forest of Amon Hen. Enjoy light refreshments and personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to six passengers per vehicle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the SS "˜Earnslaw,' a vintage steamship. Stroll the lakeside gardens to the Colonel's Homestead for traditional morning or afternoon tea and take a walking tour of the farm. You'll watch sheep dogs in action, see sheep shearing demonstrations and learn the time-honored art of spinning wool. Treat yourself to home-baked goods and alpine views of the Remarkables mountain range. Savour a delicious afternoon tea and an amble through lakeside gardens before heading back to Queenstown by boat.