Top Things to do in Queenstown
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10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Queenstown That You Shouldn't Miss
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.
Restaurants in Queenstown
1. Queenstown's Ultimate Off-Road Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The best way over half a day to capture the highlights of this region’s stunning scenery and showcase why this place is an adventurer’s paradise. The beauty in this unique itinerary is the combination of sightseeing and straight out adventure all in one action packed afternoon. Starting in our Landcruiser’s and the capable hands of experienced local guides you will get very personalised tour to visit world famous areas like Skippers Canyon and Arrowtown followed by multiple river crossings up the Arrow River to experience a Lord of the Rings movie location and try your hand gold panning in hopes of taking home some gold. We then take it up a level when you strap in and drive, or be passenger with the guide, our top of the range sports buggies around our exclusive off-road playground through the hills and forests overlooking Queenstown. These forest trails have been designed to thrill and reward with breath taking views only a lucky few get to sample.
Inclusions: Wet weather gear provided if needed for buggies.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By k8ienzl
One of the best tours we have ever done. Our tour driver, Scott, had a wealth of knowledge of the area, the history and the environment. We were delighted to see endangered kārearea (NZ falcon) and the vistas are stunning. Scott took the time to explain the history of the gold mining and had stories about the characters who lived and worked the goldfields as well as the origins of Queenstown. We can highly recommend this family owned tour company.
2. Queenstown Half Day Sighteeing 4WD Private Charter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
• Lord of the Rings tour locations (White Mountains; Minas Tirith; Pillars of the Kings; Gladden Fields; Ford of Bruinen; Warg attack; Exodus of Edoras) • Willow, Vertical Limits and The Water Horse locations • Remarkables Mountains viewpoint • Arrowtown village; • Multiple river crossings on the Arrow River • And a short journey down Skippers Canyon. • Refreshments and on-site multimedia presentations included. • Gold panning option available upon request
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By k8ienzl
One of the best tours we have ever done. Our tour driver, Scott, had a wealth of knowledge of the area, the history and the environment. We were delighted to see endangered kārearea (NZ falcon) and the vistas are stunning. Scott took the time to explain the history of the gold mining and had stories about the characters who lived and worked the goldfields as well as the origins of Queenstown. We can highly recommend this family owned tour company.
3. Middle-Earth Queenstown Helicopter Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Dive into the history of our filming of the Lord of the Rings movie and subsequently The Hobbit. Some of our pilots were involved in the actual shoot. A must-do for fans of the books and movies.
Inclusions: Headsets, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions:
Reviewed By kymr409
Sunset, a helicopter and a Mountain. These are things dreams are made of. The flight up the side of the mountain is breathtaking and surreal. As you get over the top it is just insane. Matt was our pilot and one of the nicest pilots I have flown with. He is a great photographer too. As we had a drink and watch ed the sun slowly setting in the distance. The flight home Matt was so informative at poiting out some interesting sites. What a trip we will be back .
4. Gibbston Valley Winery Tour - Guided w/ Wine Tastings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Join us for a relaxed informative 45 minute tour of the vineyard, winery and wine cave. You will be taken through the oldest vines in Central Otago, learn about our winemaking process and go inside New Zealand's largest wine cave. All while enjoying 4 tastings of our award winning wines.
Inclusions: Winery Tour & tasting
Exclusions:
Reviewed By chrisandton
We were lucky to visit just as they were harvesting the Pinot Noir grapes close to the winery so got to taste them! Delicious! The tour was interesting and informative. The complex also houses a delicatessen shop showcasing specialities of the area including Whitestone cheese.
5. Walter Peak scenic flight & steamship cruise from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This option combines a 20 minute scenic flight, from Queenstown, to Walter Peak high country station, with a farm tour and a return cruise aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw - launched in 1912 this Edwardian steamer is the southern hemisphere's only passenger carrying, coal-fired steamship. Inside, you can visit the engine room viewing the giant steam engines at work. Aboard, you will be able to view the collection of historical photos in the mini-museum, check out the bridge. If you prefer, you can kick back and enjoy a wine or beer, or some café food at the on-board Café & Bar.
Inclusions: Live pre-flight briefing with your pilot, Live in-flight commentary on scenic highlights
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By bipinjohn
Awesome experience and worth it.The service is incredible and commentary by the pilot was useful and he was checking every now and then whether everyone was ok.
6. 9 Day - South Island Tour (All inclusive)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all a part of this epic road trip. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation (8 nights), All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Dimitrisas100
I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.
7. Kakapo 21 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary
Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.
Reviewed By Wander636823
Kudos to Moa Tours for organising such a great trip. Te Wai Poumanu is beautiful in April with all the autumn colours. This was my first trip with Moa and I have already booked a second one. Special mention must be made of our guide Andrew. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm shone throughout and he has a great sense of humour, much appreciated when dealing with so many diverse customers. He always went the extra mile to make everyone’s journey enjoyable. I would highly recommend both Moa and Andrew for kiwis wanting to experience the beauty of their own country.
8. Queenstown - Arrowtown Sightseeing and Tasting Half-Day Small-Group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
3 Regions : Queenstown, Arrowtown & the Gibbston 7 Amazing Stops : Queenstown Hill, Lake Hayes, Kawarau Bungy Bridge, Honey tasting, Cheese tasting, Arrowtown & the Chinese Village Small group half day tour around Queenstown plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being one of the top rated Queenstown local scenic small group tours your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide. Visit historic Arrowtown & the Chinese village, make a photo stop at Lake Hayes (the Mirror Lake), the Kawarua bridge bungy jump, enjoy cheese tasting in Gibbston Valley, see the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, visit a working honey farm and taste honeys including Manuka, enjoy a photo stop over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Inclusions: Manuka Honey tasting, Cheese tasting, Small-group guided tour in modern eleven-seat minivan, Central Queenstown pickup and drop-off, Local taxes, Optional wine tasting ($5.00)
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Merrycoco
Our guide Wayne was excellent. It was our first time at Arrowtown and Wanaka. Although it was a small group tour, the tour was very thorough, making sure we had the best experience at every scenic spot. Great commentary and thank you for showing us the best angles/poses for photos at each stop! We also appreciate the tips for best local restaurants and cafes around town - we actually tried one of the cafes for our last day, and it was great! :) Thank you so much
9. Lord of the Rings Tours - One Day in Middle Earth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
• Take in the diverse landscape of an ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier-carved valleys. • Explore the unique flora and fauna and get up close to animals and birdlife. • Explore Gladden Fields, Ford of Bruinen and Argonath, Isengard, Amon Hen, the Misty Mountains and Ithilien in one day • Handle and photograph $15000 worth of weapon and costumes • View "Top Secret" items from the movies • Entertaining and Knowledgeable guides. Your guide will help you relive the action for your camera • Travel in small groups for a personal and interactive experience
Inclusions: Lunch, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guided Tour
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, No Smoking
Reviewed By Ettykaryati
We had fun during our "Middle Earth" tour. We visited the LOTR filming locations in Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge and Lake Hayes. Shane is very knowledgeable guide. Fully recommended!
10. Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 56 reviews
The Original and top rated Arrowtown & Wanaka Small Group Full Day Tour. This tour has been the top rated small group experience of this type for the last five years. 6 Regions : Arrowtown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Crown Range, Cardrona, Gibbston & Kawarau Gorge 13 Amazing Stops : LOTR & Bungy Bridge, Kawarau Gorge, Fruit Tasting, Cromwell, 45th sign, Wanaka township, high view over Lake Wanaka, the Wanaka tree, bra fence, Cardrona Hotel, Crown Range, Crown Terrace and Arrowtown/Chinese Village. Small group tour to Arrowtown, Wanaka plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being the top rated and original Arrowtown & Wanaka small group tour your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide. Morning refreshments and an a afternoon beverage included. Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.
Inclusions: Fun Local Guide, Morning refreshments in a cafe including a hot drink and snack, Cardrona ale or a non alcoholic Ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch, No children under five
Reviewed By Merrycoco
Our guide Wayne was excellent. It was our first time at Arrowtown and Wanaka. Although it was a small group tour, the tour was very thorough, making sure we had the best experience at every scenic spot. Great commentary and thank you for showing us the best angles/poses for photos at each stop! We also appreciate the tips for best local restaurants and cafes around town - we actually tried one of the cafes for our last day, and it was great! :) Thank you so much
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