10 Walking Tours in Queenstown That You Shouldn't Miss

August 11, 2021 Deane Carmody

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. Milford Sound Overhead Flight with Landing from Queenstown

3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Air Milford
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford, to Milford Sound and back. Perfect for those who have already done a cruise in Milford Sound and want to experience the spectacular region from the air and land. This 4-hour trip includes a landing in Milford Sound with 2 hours ground to take a self-guided walk along the shore line, soak up the surroundings, take pictures or have delicious coffee and cake at the Discover Milford Cafe (at own expense) before your return scenic flight to Queenstown.

Inclusions: Full pre-flight briefing with Air Milford pilot, Live pilot commentary on board, 2 hours on the ground in Milford Sound for self-guided walk, Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels)

Exclusions: Milford Sound Cruise, Food and drinks

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.

2. Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Walk

Private Discovery Day Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 6 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Afternoon tea & cookies, Fresh fruit, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch is not included, a stop is made at a local bakery for you to select a bread roll, wrap or salad.

Reviewed By sanpula

Charles is an excellent friendly guide with tons of interesting knowledge. We took the tour to Skippers Canyon and very glad we did! The views were absolutely breathtaking. My partner suffers from quite severe motion sickness but Charles' smooth handling of the treacherous terrain meant that my partner was comfortable the entire time. We learnt so much of the local gold mining history and bit of LotR and other film facts too. Thanks again!

3. AuthenticAs Starry Nights - Professional Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour

AuthenticAs
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Whether you live here or are visiting we have found the best places to photograph our dark skies. We also know how to plan positioning with the moon and weather. The darkest skies are around the new moon. But also we think we take some stunning images when the moon is full as a lunar portrait. Moonlight rocks! These long winter nights in NZ Wintertime coincide with Matariki or the Maori New Year. Come along with us this Winter 2019 and find out more of navigation using the stars, constellations and how to find the Matariki stars. At the very least we can show you the galactic Kiwi! We shoot your portrait with the galactic core as a backdrop while explaining the southern skies.

Inclusions: Hot chocolate & brownie, WiFi on board, PhotographyProfessional photographs - supplied digitally, a small selection within 24...

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Reviewed By travel7792

We booked Simon based on other reviews, and we were not disappointed - both my son and I had a great day! Would highly recommend planning your adventure with Simon so that you can create an experience of a lifetime. A bonus of touring with Simon is that he is a great photographer! (the photos were provided to us after our tour and could easily be downloaded). Would highly recommend and looking forward to the next adventure!

4. Gibbston Valley Winery Tour - Guided w/ Wine Tastings

1820 Gibbston Valley, Otago 9371, New Zealand Gibbston Valley Winery
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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

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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. Half-Day Private Queenstown Photography Tour

Queenstown, New Zealand Glen Howey Photography Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Half day tour from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon with an experienced landscape photographer. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own equipment. I also have a few special locations up my sleeve that have magical views.

Inclusions: Experienced Photographer, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Snacks, Tripod is available on request.

Exclusions: Camera with a fully charged battery.

Reviewed By E7831IZmelissaf

Glen did an amazing job! Not only made me have the most adventurous experience I have ever had but he took amazing pictures of the whole experience. I know that is not what he normally does, but he still did it for me. He is very professional, knowledgeable and have a great personality which makes the trip even more easy and exciting.

6. 5-Day The Great Walks of New Zealand Tour from Queenstown

Active Adventures
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We're Kiwis, and for 25 years we've been sharing our love of adventures. We believe that you can't truly experience a country through a bus window, or on the tourist trails that you read about. Sure, we'll include some of those 'bucket-list' hikes and locations, but we're all about getting 'off the beaten track' and up close to the culture and people that make a destination and travel experience so special.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Guiding Services, All Meals, All Activities, All Accommodations

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7. Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

Aiste Vasileviciute Photography
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photography tour option between February & November. • This local business is approved by Department of Conservation (DOC) to operate in public conservation areas in the South Island. It complies with environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor. The DOC label shows visitors that the business pays fees to DOC to support conservation in New Zealand. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Inclusions: Coffee, tea & bottled water, Snacks, Photographic guidance, Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with WiFi on board, Flexible itinerary and starting time, Personalized tour for solo visitors or small group (2-4 people), The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved business to operate in public conservation areas

Exclusions: Personal insurance

Reviewed By P1963YQamandad

We contacted Aiste very last minute and she was so accommodating. She actually did a family session for us - my husband, me, and our kids ages 15, 12 and 10. Despite the unbelievable WIND, Aiste captured some gorgeous photos that literally took my breath away. She got some great posed and candid shots that really brought out the personalities of each of our children. She was excellent to work with, communicated quickly and was fun during the session. I highly recommend Aiste for your family Queenstown photo session!

8. Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown. Highlights: •Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford •Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air •Fiordland National Park •Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak •Wildlife Spotting Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Cruise Entry, Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown , Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Picnic Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By pcol2017

Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars

9. Private Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Queenstown, New Zealand Glen Howey Photography Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your camera. You will learn life long skills on the fine art of landscape photography from an award-winning photographer, while discovering some unforgettable locations. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own equipment. I also have a few special locations up my sleeve that have magical views. Glenorchy is surrounded by magical snow-capped mountains, stunning lakes and rivers, ancient beech forests. And at the edge of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, the frontier town of Glenorchy has provided the backdrop for many films, including The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Also the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the world’s greatest drives, following along the Wakatipu Lake. You will get to enjoy the whole journey as your guide looks after the driving.

Inclusions: Tripod is available on request., Hotel pickup and drop-off, Experienced Photographer, Snacks

Exclusions: Camera with a fully charged battery.

Reviewed By 0KimMy0

Amazing tour!! Glen is a wealth of knowledge and so enthusiastic to share it. He made the experience so much fun and we were able to learn so much including developing a new appreciation for lighting. Skippers Canyon is such a beautiful place and Glen was able to show us how to take photos that would do the place justice. I could not recommend Glen enough! Even for the non-photographer tag-a-long, it was still a fun and worthwhile experience.

10. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.9 based on 153 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By tinanU2049PP

Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!

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