Top Things to do in Queenstown
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What to do and see in Queenstown, South Island: The Best City Tours
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. 8-Day Tour: South Island from Christchurch, Franz Josef, Wanaka and Queenstown
Overall Ratings
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.
2. Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Hop on Hop off Beer Tours run every Thursday - Saturday night from 5pm - 10pm with easy pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown centre. This evening beer tour allows all you beer buffs to have x4 1hr stops at some great locations and trial some delicious local brews. Check out some of the great specials and discounts offered exclusively to Hop on Hop off customers at each stop!
Inclusions: Maps, Discounts, Wristbands
Exclusions: Tastings, Dinner
Reviewed By Steve34590
We booked this trip for the couple we were staying with whilst in QT as a thanks for their hospitality. Chris is a big beer drinker so we knew he'd love the opportunity to go out and visit some places without driving that were outside of Queenstown. His wife, Sharon we were slightly worried about as she doesn't like beer too much but the stops on this tour catered for both! She tried ginger beer, ciders and mulled wines and Chris got to taste lots of different beers because the exclusive offers that accompany the tour. A great way to spend an evening!
3. Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour Tours departing 8am and 1pm Daily Travel in Style onboard our luxury vehicle, hear amazing themed stories while we travel to Glenorchy. Come along with Queenstown Expeditions as we take you on our Glenorchy Kiwi Special tour of fun, entertainment and ultimate sightseeing. Departing Central Queenstown travel onboard our purpose built luxury vehicle with glass roof and discover our amazing story telling of history as you travel back to a different place in time. On arrival in Glenorchy you will have plenty of time for photos and time to relax in this beautiful top of the lake location. Enough time approx 2 hours to explore Glenorchy’s short walks, cafe’s and local pubs before returning to Queenstown. Our 4 hour tour to Glenorchy is a must for everyone wishing for the very best local sightseeing experience at a great price for the whole family.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By S_Kwong54
Had a wonderful time. The tour was very informative with lots of information of the area and Maori myths and legends. The bus was a very fancy, comfy four wheel drive bus. Our driver was very friendly and had lots of knowledge of the area. Enjoyed the farm tour and loved the scenery in paradise valley. Would recommend.
4. 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
5. 4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 15 reviews
Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown and up the West Coast to Greymouth before a return to Christchurch. View Franz Josef glacier and experience Milford Sound.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Milford Sound Cruise, 3-nights accommodation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
6. 4-Day South Island Southern Discovery Tour from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
Experience the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this four-day independent coach tour. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook, where you will spend three nights, before returning to Christchurch. Enjoy the majestic Milford Sound on board a scenic cruise on this mighty fiord.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Accommodation as per itinerary, Milford Sound Cruise, 3-nights accommodation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
7. 6-Day South Island Southern Heritage Tour from Christchurch
Experience a six day independent coach tour of the scenic South Island of New Zealand. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Mount Cook and Queenstown and across to the city of Dunedin, before returning to Christchurch.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, 5-nights accommodation, Dunedin Peninsula Sightseeing tour, Taieri Gorge train journey, Milford Sound Cruise
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
8. Queenstown Highlights - Half Day Tour - Arrowtown, Winery, Bungy, Local Sites
There’s so many reasons to choose Queenstown Highlights. See Queenstown’s 5 best sights and activities in one very affordable fun packed morning. Group sizes are small, vehicles are luxurious, friendly local driver-guides plus hotel pick ups all ensure that Queenstown Highlights is the best tour on offer. Family friendly option.
Inclusions: Wine Tasting
Exclusions: Not operating Jan 1st-2nd, Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Monday, Dec 25th-26th, ANZAC Day 25th April
Reviewed By WoodlandsMike
If you want a good overview of Queenstown and the surrounding area this tour is for you. You get to see all of the keys sites – bungee jumping , jet boats, winery and even a water taxi back home. A perfect afternoon escape.
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