More about: Day Trips from Queenstown
Queenstown, located in the south central region of New Zealand, is one of the most popular cities for tourism in Oceania and offers a wealth of local attractions, but it's also a great place to explore the surrounding area from. On these tours, you can explore New Zealand's nature parks, lakes, hills and some of the country's most outstanding mountains.
Some of the best things to do in Queenstown to explore the surrounding areas include visiting Glenorchy and Paradise on half-day tours, taking a tour of the region's wineries, seeing Mount Cook, exploring Milford Sound on a light aircraft ride and opting for a cruise to Walter Peak.
1. Half day tour to Glenorchy and Paradise from Queenstown
An exciting half-day trip to Glenorchy and Paradise from Queenstown is an experience not to be missed if you plan to visit this region of New Zealand. Known for their breathtaking scenery and connection to the Lord of the Rings films, these places offer an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
Departing from Queenstown, the journey to Glenorchy is in itself a treat for the eyes. As you enter the mountainous landscape, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the crystal clear lakes and majestic mountains that surround the region. Every bend in the road reveals a new natural pearl that will leave adults and children alike in awe, making it one of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids.
In Glenorchy you can immerse yourself in a charming and picturesque village. There you can enjoy some free time to explore its quiet streets, craft shops and cosy cafes. In addition, these tours usually also allow you to discover the local architecture, which is among the most remarkable in New Zealand.
The tour can continue to Paradise, a magical and scenic place that could truly be considered a paradise on Earth. This is another iconic Lord of the Rings setting, where you will recognise landscapes that were used as backdrops in the films. Strolling through the green meadows, meandering rivers and enchanted forests of this destination is an experience that will spark your imagination and allow you to connect with the magic of the trilogy.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 99 euros per person, including return transfers and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration: between 4 and 6 hours.
- Benefits of these tours: You will be able to visit two of the most famous towns near Queenstown in the region.
- Disadvantages of these tours: Usually starts early in the morning and does not include a lunch stop.
2. Full day tour to Mt Cook from Queenstown
A full day tour to Mount Cook from Queenstown is a breathtaking experience that allows you to explore one of New Zealand's most iconic natural wonders. Departing from Queenstown, you will journey through spectacular and picturesque scenery to reach this majestic site, which is the highest mountain in the country.
The tour will take you along scenic roads, through valleys, rivers and waterfalls that make for a dreamlike landscape. As you enter the Aoraki National Park, you'll marvel at the beauty of the Southern Alps and the serenity of the surrounding glacial lakes, especially if you plan to visit Queenstown in winter.
When you arrive at Mount Cook, you can enjoy a variety of activities to explore and admire its grandeur. There you can hike on well-marked trails that offer panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding glaciers.
During the tour you can also opt for additional activities such as helicopter rides or boat tours on Lake Tasman, where you can get even closer to the glaciers and appreciate their beauty from different perspectives. These optional activities, which usually cost extra, will add a dose of excitement and adventure to your day.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 100 euros per person, including return transfers and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration: between 6 and 8 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: You will get to see New Zealand's highest mountain with expert assistance.
- Disadvantages of these tours: they are physically demanding experiences and are not recommended for people with no previous experience.
3. Tour the wineries around Queenstown
An exciting tour of the wineries around Queenstown is an experience that will delight wine lovers and those who wish to enjoy the beauty of the region. The area surrounding the town is known for its quality wine production and picturesque vineyards, so you can discover some of Queenstown's best wine tours here.
During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit several wineries and taste a wide variety of local wines. One of the options is to visit the Gibbston Valley Winery, known for its Pinot Noir wines, the region's flagship grape. There you can tour the plantations, learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a guided tasting.
Another outstanding winery is Amisfield, located in a beautiful rural setting. This winery specialises in Pinot Noir and Riesling wines, and offers a unique tasting experience in its cosy restaurant. You can pair the wines with delicious dishes inspired by the local cuisine.
In addition to those mentioned, there are other wineries worth visiting, such as Chard Farm, Mount Edward and Peregrine, which are usually included in these tours. Each offers a different experience and allows you to enjoy a variety of wines and the passion of local winemakers.
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 130 euros per person, including return transfers, tastings and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration: about 4.5 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will be able to taste what are considered some of the best wines in Oceania.
- Disadvantages of these tours: difficult to combine with a trip with children.
4. Milford Sound tour with light aircraft ride
The Milford Sound light aircraft tour from Queenstown is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover one of New Zealand's most stunning destinations. Milford Sound is a region known for its breathtaking scenery, majestic fjords and awe-inspiring waterfalls, and exploring it from the air gives you a unique perspective, especially if you plan to visit Queenstown during the summer.
During the light aircraft flight you can admire panoramic views of the Southern Alps, crystal clear lakes and lush valleys. As you fly into the fjord, you will witness the magnificence of the mountains and the serenity of the waters, creating a landscape that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Once in Milford Sound, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip on the fjord. You will sail past breathtaking cliffs and see waterfalls cascading from above, creating a natural spectacle of great beauty. Along the way, you may spot local marine life such as dolphins, seals and penguins.
In addition to the scenic beauty, the Milford Sound tour gives you the chance to experience the tranquillity and serenity of this remote location. You can enjoy moments of relaxation, surrounded by the awe-inspiring nature, and connect with the peace that this unique environment offers.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 337 euros per person. This cost usually includes return transfers, light aircraft flight, fjord cruise and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration: about 5 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: You can experience an adventurous tour just a few kilometres from Queenstown.
- Disadvantages of these excursions: the windy weather in the fjords may make the experience in a light aircraft a little uncomfortable, although it is worth opting for this alternative to discover the scenery from a different perspective.
5. Cruise to Walter Peak from Queenstown
The Walter Peak cruise from Queenstown is an enchanting experience that allows you to explore the beauty of Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand's largest lakes, and enjoy an adventure in an idyllic setting. Walter Peak, located on the east shore of the lake, is a popular destination and features a historic farm that offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and interactive activities.
During the cruise, you will marvel at the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains as you make your way to Walter Peak. The tranquility of the water and the majesty of the landscape will transport you to a state of relaxation and awe.
Once at Walter Peak you will have the opportunity to visit the historic farm and enjoy rural activities such as feeding the sheep and watching a shearing demonstration. You can also meet other farm animals, such as alpacas and pigs, and learn about rural life in New Zealand.
You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the farm's restaurant, which serves dishes made from high quality, locally sourced produce. The food is complemented by panoramic views of the lake and mountains, making the experience even more special.
Interesting details
- Price: approximately 84 euros per person. This cost usually includes return transfers, the cruise and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration: about 4 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: You will get to see one of the most beautiful places surrounding one of New Zealand's most famous lakes.
- Disadvantages of these tours: you won't have much free time to explore the sites around the farm.
How to book a tour from Queenstown?
You can either book a tour from Queenstown in advance online or opt to book the experience once you are in town, although you should be aware that if you plan to visit during the summer or peak season months, the sites may sell out or increase in price as the rates are dynamic.
Booking in advance will save you time and money, as you will freeze the price and get a place on these tours and then organise an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your visit. This is ideal if you're planning a short stay in the city, which requires you to see Queenstown in 3 days or even less.
What will I see on these tours?
On this type of tour from Queenstown you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of attractions and breathtaking scenery. You'll get to see some of the region's most iconic destinations, including beautiful alpine lakes such as Lake Wakatipu, Lake Tekapo and Lake Wanaka, with their crystal clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore national parks and nature reserves, where you can admire lush vegetation, meandering rivers and spectacular waterfalls. In addition, you can visit iconic sites such as Mount Cook, Milford Sound Fjord and Glacier National Park, where you can marvel at breathtaking ice formations and otherworldly glacial landscapes.
Tips for a trip from Queenstown
If you're planning a trip to the surrounding area, bear in mind that these places are full of glaciers, mountains and lakes, so if you're visiting Queenstown in winter you could be in for some harsh weather, in some cases freezing temperatures. It is therefore ideal to pack warm clothing and warm clothing to enhance your experience.
In addition, if you are planning a visit during the summer or peak season months, I advise you to book tours in advance to avoid losing your place on these tours or having them increase in price due to last minute bookings.
Why is it advisable to take a tour from Queenstown?
Touring from Queenstown is highly recommended due to the wide variety of activities and breathtaking scenery you can experience in and around the town. Queenstown is known as the Adventure Capital, offering a wealth of exciting opportunities, from extreme sports to outdoor activities in dreamy natural settings.
This region of New Zealand is also famous for its mountainous landscapes, crystal clear lakes and national parks, making it an ideal destination for those looking to connect with nature. And the numerous tours available allow you to explore these landscapes at their best, whether it's hiking, boating, scenic flights or tours in specialised vehicles.
In addition to its natural beauty, Queenstown also offers a wide range of cultural and gastronomic activities. From visiting wineries and farms to exploring the local arts scene, you'll find something for everyone. The combination of adventure, scenic beauty and cultural options make Queenstown an unrivalled destination for an unforgettable excursion.
What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting the sites around Queenstown on my own?
Taking a guided tour has several advantages over visiting the sites around Queenstown on your own. Guided tours usually offer a more complete and enriching perspective of the places visited. Expert guides know the destinations in depth and can provide relevant historical, cultural and geographical information, allowing you to access a deeper understanding of the sites you are exploring.
In addition, guided tours of Queenstown often include comfortable and convenient transport, which eases the logistics of getting from one place to another. This eliminates the need to worry about transport planning and allows visitors to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
However, if you prefer greater flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace, visiting sites around Queenstown on your own may be a viable option. This allows you to customise your itinerary and spend more time in the places that interest you most, although it may take longer and take energy away from other tours.