Top 10 Sightseeing Tours in Queenstown, South Island

March 8, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

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. Skippers Canyon Half Day Private 4WD Charter from Queenstown

61A Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Off Road 4X4 Queenstown
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy getting off the beaten track with this exciting off road 4x4 tour in Skippers Canyon! Accessing Queenstown’s hidden scenic gems means leaving the highway and taking to the back roads to unveil a world you’d never know existed. As a local family owned and operated business, with years of local knowledge, our Off-Road 4x4 guides know how to navigate the long-forgotten adventure trails to amazing gold rush settlements and stunning scenery now forever captured on film by Lord of the Rings.

Inclusions: Small personalised tours to stunning locations, Guaranteed individual forward facing window seats, Free refreshments provided on selected tours, Free pick up and drop off to your accommodation, On-site IPad multimedia presentations, Guides are knowledgeable friendly locals

Exclusions: Gratuities

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. Private Tour Full Day Queenstown and Southern Lakes Photography Tour

Remarkable Imagery Photography Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

This is your chance to photograph one of the most spectacular and majestic places on Earth; Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. This full-day private photography tour will take you to the iconic locations you see in brochures as well as those special spots only a local would know, to explore and capture the beauty and splendor for yourself. This tour is designed for photography enthusiasts and your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, with years of local knowledge. Enjoy 8-9 hours of visiting some of the most interesting and beautiful destinations close to Queenstown and around the Southern Lakes. The weather in this amazing region is constantly changing bringing many moods that to the mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. Whatever the conditions we always know where to take you to and how to capture unique scenes of outstanding natural beauty.

Inclusions: Private tour for small-groups or individuals, Flexible itinerary, Advice on creative composition and using your camera, Local photographer guide, Comfortable 4WD, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch (Opportunity to buy lunch), Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent)

Reviewed By simoneO2710JR

We booked a photo tour of areas that most people wouldn’t go, to capture unique images. We were highly delighted with not only the tour locations but the personalised and engaging explanations of the flora, fauna, local stories and histories en route. Martin, our driver and guide; was excellent tutoring, driving and advising on images. We went off-road into stunning high country which offered excellent picture opportunities, can’t wait to process. Summer was brilliant, would love to return in winter! Highly recommended and would love to repeat with Martin again if back in New Zealand.

3. 8-Day Tour: South Island from Christchurch, Franz Josef, Wanaka and Queenstown

The Road Trip New Zealand
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

See the best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island on this unforgettable 8-day tour! Traveling by private luxury vehicle you’ll visit all the highlights of this amazing destination on an counter-clockwise route from Christchurch. Explore Arthur’s Pass, see West Coast rainforests from Franz Josef Glacier, and visit Mount Cook and Queenstown. Customize your tour to your preference with a range of optional activities (own expense) including helicopter rides, mountain walks, bungee jumps and more! The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip. With a round-trip transfer from Christchurch Airport or your local hotel plus seven nights of accommodation included, this adventure-laden tour enables you to see the South Island with ease.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Private tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Live commentary on board, Professional tour guide (who is also the driver), Transport by private vehicle and all fuel charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip airport transfer (Christchurch), 7 nights accommodation in your selected category of hotel

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)

Reviewed By Pipnruss

Fiordland Lodge and Doubtful Sound. Fantastic ferry ride across Lake Manapouri and bus ride over the Wilmot Pass to board the Fiordland Navigator for 2 nights. 3 sunny, calm days to relax on board, spoiled by the chef's lovely food and Courtney's very knowledgeable commentary about the Sounds, history, wildlife, birdlife and little things like having complete silence in the Sound to enjoy the peace and look at the amazing mountains and their reflections in the calm water. An unexpected run out into the Tasman Sea was a bonus. The Fiordland Lodge is an American style Lodge built with lots of logs and wood and stone, very spacious. Friendly helpful staff. Located 6km from Te Anau. Our only concern was the lack of food choice for dinner, on a 3 course meal was offered, no light meals. The breakfast (included) was lovely, as was all the food, some interesting variations in tastes.

4. 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!

5. Queenstown and Central Otago Exclusive Wine Tour

Alpine Luxury Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Join us on the Queenstown & Central Otago Wine Tour which is an outstanding way to experience the stunning wines of both the Bannockburn and the Gibbston wine regions in Central Otago which are famed for it’s Pinot Noir. We will drive you through Central Otago to Bannockburn where we will go to the cellar door at Mt Difficulty, located on famed Felton Road before visiting the top wineries and cellar doors in the Gibbston Valley wine region. Create an unforgettable wine experience with your very own private local guide in the comfort of our luxury European vehicles.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Bottled water, Snacks, Wine tasting fees, Professional Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transportation, Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch (highly recommend booking in advance your preferred winery restaurant), Gratuities, Coffee/tea (available to purchase)

Reviewed By 525paulinet

Such stunning scenery at Middle Earth!!! What a spectacular place to visit, the Earnslaw Burn is one of New Zealand's best things to do! The glacier, waterfalls, alpine flowers/moss all add up to make this not only a unique experience, but was quite awe inspiring too. Lee was amazing to deal with, going out of his way to ensure that we could go on this helicopter flight..... firstly cancelled due to Covid in March 2020, and then due to weather. An amazing experience shared with family. Would absolutely recommend this fantastic opportunity to you all.

6. Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup

Queenstown Winery Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. Before we get to the first winery there will be a stop at a scenic location and travellers will learn about wine-tasting techniques and wine aromas while soaking up the fabulous views. In one of the wineries, we will savour a vineyard platter or a cheese board to pair with the wines. There will be time for you to order more food if you think you need (at your own expense). We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Tasting of up to 20 of the best of Central Otago wines in all the wineries visited, Shared cheese platter, Professional photos

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Pioneer615939

Susana was a great guide, very friendly and knowledgeable. The choice of wineries was excellent. Vety good value for money.

7. Vine Hopper: Queenstown's Ultimate Wine & Microbrewery Adventure

QTrip Taste Adventures
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

This isn't your average wine or beer tour! I've carefully sought out the best of the best. These are Queenstown's boutique taste makers. Leave the tourist trail behind and let me take you on a personal journey to meet the folks who's passion, love for their craft and location sets them apart from the rest. Take a place that is widely considered one of the top wine regions in the new world, a recent explosion in craft & microbreweries and add in the pioneering kiwi spirit and you have the perfect recipe for an all out taste adventure. Wine and beer are made, first and foremost to just be enjoyed. So, whether you're the Einstein of wine or just here for a good ol' time, come sip, slurp & savour the best local flavours. **Please Note: I'm not a large commercial operator or tour company and prefer to focus on smaller group sizes as I believe this allows for better connections to be made and a more valuable experience for travellers.

Inclusions: Beer & Food Pairing, 20+ Tastings Included, Environmentally Friendly Water Bottles Provided To All Guests, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Direct Accommodation Pick-Up/Drop-Off Included, Carbon footprint offset: For each trip, more native trees are planted in the region.

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8. Private driver-guided, Self drive or Escorted Coach tour customised itineraries

Auckland Airport, Ray Emery Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand Real New Zealand Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Benefit from bespoke customised itineraries (fully inclusive - accommodation, transport, activities, attractions) - we are Travel experts who know what the guidebooks don't. We specialise only in New Zealand touring. This sample itinerary below shows you the very best of our North and South Islands. Please note we have deliberately included some two and three night stays - in some premier locations so that you can immerse yourself into, and enjoy, some real Kiwi culture - with the locals! We can help with International flights and comprehensive Travel Insurance. We are proud to be accredited by Tourism New Zealand as a 100% Pure New Zealand Travel Specialist. We are also Qualmark accredited, Tourism New Zealand’s official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. Also, we have many highly satisfied visitors who have traveled with us - you can see our very positive 5 - Star Trip reviews on our website - Try us - you'll like us!

Inclusions: Luxury accommodations, land transport, airport meet & greet service, 24/7 Freephone helpline

Exclusions: WiFi, food, drinks, laundry, any airfares (unless specified in itinerary).

Reviewed By 279gregoryw2020

I had the best customized travel trip in my life thanks to Geoff and Libby in Christchurch. They were able to accommodate all of my South Island travel goals and to adjust my plans when needed. They made travel across a large area in a short timeframe easy and enjoyable There were two things I really enjoyed. First was the bucket list adventure of a Heli-hike at Mount Cook onto the Tasman Glacier. The second was a personal tour in Christchurch by Geoff which allowed me to see many unique local venues that tourists typically do not visit.

9. Wine Tour from Queenstown: Full Day

1 Gray Street, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Wineberry Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This exclusive wine tour of 5 wineries is perfect for small groups of family & friends. In Central Otago wine country you'll discover a wide range including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. I will pick you up at your accommodation in Queenstown at 11.40 am. Travelling in a premium SUV we head up the Kawarau Gorge to our first wine tasting which takes place at one of the most awe inspiring settings in the winemaking world. We then head to Cromwell where wineries are set amongst the historic remnants of the gold rush era. Here you will visit three wineries and taste distinctive wines in dramatic terrain. At one of the wineries a platter lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you directly to the cellar door. We then return to Queenstown and stop at a winery on the way for our final tasting. I am also a photographer; pictures are free of charge and are sent to you via link after the tour.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Over 24 wines available for tasting, Wine tasting fees, Coolbox for drinks & food, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Photos free of charge, Wine tasting guide

Exclusions: A platter lunch can be booked on your behalf with all expenses (from $20 per head) payable by you direct to the vineyard ; platter menus available on request.

Reviewed By Exploration202242

We had a wonderful day of wine tasting with Greg. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about wine and the region. Spending a day with him was an absolute blast. We can’t stop recommending this tour to all our friends and family. Overall experience absolutely 5 star! Thank you Greg :)

10. 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

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