Things to do in Queenstown, South Island: The Best Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

August 8, 2021 Janette Largent

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

61A Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Off Road 4X4 Queenstown
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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.

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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. Half Day Self Guided Ride Arrowtown to Bungy/Gibbston

9 Duke Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Around The Basin Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Enjoy a scenic shuttle transfer with Queenstown's most experienced bike tour company from Queenstown to Arrowtown. In Arrowtown we cover mountain bike fitting, navigation and trail information. Set off on your self-guided bike ride along the Arrow River Bridges Trail to the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge. Bike a short distance into the Gibbston valley of vines to a designated winery from where we will pick up and shuttle you back to Queenstown. This is a half day product departing Queenstown as follows: SUMMER (1 October - 30 April): Morning: Departs 9am - Returns 1pm (departs Gibbston at 12.30pm). Afternoon: Departs 1pm - Returns 5pm (departs Gibbston at 4.30pm). WINTER (1 May - 30 September): Departs 10am - Returns 2pm (departs Gibbston at 1.30pm).

Inclusions: Latest model hardtail mountain bike and helmet, Detailed trail map, Transport out and back, Great advice from our team who know the trails inside out

Exclusions: No vehicle support during self-guided ride

Reviewed By YagirlAries

So much fun - the scenery was unreal. We did get really sore bums, fully recommend padded tights as the seats are really hard for biking for a day! But no complaints here - the staff were super lovely and we had great fun being athletes on our E-bikes which I 100% recommend. It made our experience so much better given we weren’t exhausted at the end of the day. Left the drop off point at around 9:45am and got back to Queenstown around 2:00pm. We stopped off at the kawarau bungy and did a zip line and had some lunch before continuing on our way. It was amazing!

3. Full & Half Day Hardtail Cruiser Bike Hire (Giant Talon 3 - 2020 model)

Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Going Blue Queenstown
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

We are there when you need us – open 365 days a year, 7am to LATE (earlier bike drop-offs by arrangement – no problems). The only bike hire company open every day of the year (we have got Santa to help us on Christmas Day). Locally owned and operated – over 20 years experience in local tourism. Bikes dropped off and picked up directly to your doorstep. All bikes come with locks, puncture repair kits, helmets, plus local maps and advice to ensure you have a great time exploring the area. Bikes serviced and checked regularly.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Repair kits, Custom maps with highlights marked, Helmets, Water bottles with holders, Instant support from the team

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Reviewed By jcress97

Amazing experience! Jay was such a vibe and so friendly! Easy instructions to get to Gibbston Valley and no issues picking us up when we had drunk enough! 10/10 would do again!

4. Mountain Bike Hire on Queenstown Trail

9 Duke Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Around The Basin Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Our latest model hardtail Mountain Bikes have been specifically chosen for exploring the 130kms of the beautiful Queenstown Trail network. As Queenstown Trails most experienced bike tour company our local team have spent many years exploring these trails. Our fleet of bikes are maintained to the highest quality by our in-house mechanics, ensuring your day biking these beautiful trails will be an enjoyable and smooth ride. We cater to the whole family and for the kids have 16", 20", and 24" bikes, and for infants we have trailers and half-bikes/tag-alongs available for hire. Get out and see more of Queenstown with us!

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmets, Queenstown Trail Map, Ride recommendations and tips from locals

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Reviewed By YagirlAries

So much fun - the scenery was unreal. We did get really sore bums, fully recommend padded tights as the seats are really hard for biking for a day! But no complaints here - the staff were super lovely and we had great fun being athletes on our E-bikes which I 100% recommend. It made our experience so much better given we weren’t exhausted at the end of the day. Left the drop off point at around 9:45am and got back to Queenstown around 2:00pm. We stopped off at the kawarau bungy and did a zip line and had some lunch before continuing on our way. It was amazing!

5. Electric Mountain Bike Hire on Queenstown Trail

9 Duke Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Around The Basin Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Electric Bikes enable you to go further, faster, with less effort! Our fleet of Electric Bikes are the latest model Merida E-Big range. These pedal-assisted front suspension E-Bikes are perfectly suited for exploring the Queenstown Trail network. Upon pick up our local, knowledgeable team will clearly explain how they operate so you get the most out of your ride - our e-bikes are nice and simple to operate. Flatten those hills, go further and explore more and enjoy a great ride hassle free with Queenstown's Trails most experienced bike operator! We guarantee you'll have a blast!

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmet, Queenstown Trail Map, Recommendations from a local experienced team, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By YagirlAries

So much fun - the scenery was unreal. We did get really sore bums, fully recommend padded tights as the seats are really hard for biking for a day! But no complaints here - the staff were super lovely and we had great fun being athletes on our E-bikes which I 100% recommend. It made our experience so much better given we weren’t exhausted at the end of the day. Left the drop off point at around 9:45am and got back to Queenstown around 2:00pm. We stopped off at the kawarau bungy and did a zip line and had some lunch before continuing on our way. It was amazing!

6. Electric Bike Rental in Queenstown

Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Going Blue Queenstown
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5.0 based on 55 reviews

Explore at your own pace the Stunning beauty of Queenstown and its surround areas trails with our Full Day eBike Hire (Electric Bike), including door to door drop and pickup off service! Brand new top of the line 2020 electric bikes - ride only on the newest bikes with the latest technology on board. Door to door drop off and pick up services - the only company in Queenstown to operate this 365 days of the year. All gear included - helmet, map, locks, repair kit and local knowledge! Best service in town! Transport options available to add on if you would like to ride to a destination like Frankton, Arrowtown or Gibbston Valley or more.

Inclusions: Electric Bike Hire for up to 8 Hours, Helmet, Repair Kit, Locks, Maps

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Reviewed By jcress97

Amazing experience! Jay was such a vibe and so friendly! Easy instructions to get to Gibbston Valley and no issues picking us up when we had drunk enough! 10/10 would do again!

7. ChargeAbout Queenstown - Full-Day Electric Mountain Bike Rental

ChargeAbout Queenstown - Moustache Electric Bike Rental & Sales, 79 Peninsula Road Take the steps down to the waterfront right on the Queenstown Trail, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand ChargeAbout Queenstown
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Enjoy a thrilling day out riding Queenstown's spectacular cycle trails on a top-of-the-line European electric-assist mountain bike! The tour will include detailed maps, helmets and if you need it, and free access to our six battery top-up locations. Choose your route, with possibilities including Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston, Kelvin Peninsula, and/or Jack’s Point.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle and helmet, Maps, Gloves (winter), GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By V7514HLkima

We totally enjoyed our electric mountain bike experience! We cycled all the way out to Jacks point looking out to the remarkables. At one point we were cycling 40km per hour :).

8. Full & Half Day Premium E-Bike Hire (Giant Fathom E+3 - 2020 model)

Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Going Blue Queenstown
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

We are there when you need us – open 365 days a year, 7am to LATE (earlier bike drop-offs by arrangement – no problems). The only bike hire company open every day of the year (we have got Santa to help us on Christmas Day). Locally owned and operated – over 20 years experience in local tourism. Bikes dropped off and picked up directly to your doorstep. All bikes come with locks, puncture repair kits, helmets, plus local maps and advice to ensure you have a great time exploring the area. Bikes serviced and checked regularly.

Inclusions: Pick-up (if the option is selected)

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Reviewed By jcress97

Amazing experience! Jay was such a vibe and so friendly! Easy instructions to get to Gibbston Valley and no issues picking us up when we had drunk enough! 10/10 would do again!

9. Half Day Electric Mountain Bike Rental

ChargeAbout Queenstown - Moustache Electric Bike Rental & Sales, 79 Peninsula Road Take the steps down to the waterfront right on the Queenstown Trail, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand ChargeAbout Queenstown
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Enjoy a thrilling day out riding Queenstown's spectacular cycle trails on a top-of-the-line European electric-assist mountain bike! The tour will include detailed maps, helmets and if you need it, and free access to our six battery top-up locations. Choose your route, with possibilities including Queenstown, Kelvin Peninsula, Lake Hayes and Jack’s Point.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle and helmet, Maps, Gloves (winter), Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Guide

Reviewed By V7514HLkima

We totally enjoyed our electric mountain bike experience! We cycled all the way out to Jacks point looking out to the remarkables. At one point we were cycling 40km per hour :).

10. Bike The Wineries 3/4 Day Tour Queenstown

The Station Building Duke Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Around The Basin Bike Tours
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4.7 based on 9 reviews

Enjoy a scenic shuttle transfer from Queenstown to the Morven Ferry start point. Here we cover mountain bike fitting, navigation, bike safety and very importantly; winery information. Get straight into your pre-wine warm up! Ride 5kms along the beautiful Arrow and Kawarau Rivers to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge – home of the world famous Bungy jump. From Bungy spend the afternoon biking at your leisure along the Gibbston River Trail using our informative winery map to visit as many of the 6+ wineries linked throughout this 9km easy riding trail. Enjoy a relaxed lunch en-route or picnic at one of the many Wineries. We will pick you up at 4.30 pm from the Gibbston Tavern (or another pre-arranged point in the valley) for your relaxing vehicle transfer back to Queenstown. Wineries enroute are: • Chard Farm • Gibbston Valley Winery • Gibbston Deli/Cheesery • Peregrine Wines • Gibbston Tavern • Rockburn • Kinross Wines • Cargo • Mt Rosa Winery • Brennan Wines

Inclusions: Use of bicycle and helmet, Exclusive winery deals, Transport to start and from finish, Wine purchase pick up service

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Wine tastings

Reviewed By YagirlAries

So much fun - the scenery was unreal. We did get really sore bums, fully recommend padded tights as the seats are really hard for biking for a day! But no complaints here - the staff were super lovely and we had great fun being athletes on our E-bikes which I 100% recommend. It made our experience so much better given we weren’t exhausted at the end of the day. Left the drop off point at around 9:45am and got back to Queenstown around 2:00pm. We stopped off at the kawarau bungy and did a zip line and had some lunch before continuing on our way. It was amazing!

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