Queenstown Guided Tours

Historic Arrowtown Tour

Join us for a half-day tour to historic Arrowtown. We’ll take the scenic route including the dramatic Shotover River gorge, passing Coronet Peak on our way to the historic gold village of Arrowtown.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and in no time, you'll find yourself delving deep into the fascinating past of this region.

Our journey begins with a visit to the historic Edith Cavell Bridge. Below you, in the swirling waters of the Shotover River, you can witness the exhilarating sight of the iconic red Shotover Jet boats spinning below.

Continuing on the road to Arrowtown, pause at the Skippers Lookout to soak in the breathtaking views that stretch before you across Queenstown, The Remarkables and Arrowtown.

Upon arrival in Arrowtown, a place born of gold, enjoy the picturesque setting where the 1870s gold mining heritage still thrives. Your guide will lead you through the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, a restored tribute to the significant role played by Chinese miners and entrepreneurs in the region's history.

You will have time for a coffee at a local cafe and a leisurely stroll along the shady riverbank of the Arrow River, or explore the historic buildings housing unique boutiques, art galleries, jewellery and crafts. Discover the beauty of Pounamu, a greenstone of great significance that drew the Maori to this region, and search for the traces of gold that swelled the early population with miners. Visit the gold shop, where you can see the impressive big nuggets up close.

On the way back, stop at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, the birthplace of bungy jumping before returning home via Lake Hayes.

Optional Additions to your Historic Arrowtown Tour:

Winery lunch – Consider adding a reservation at one of the local winery restaurants and having your guide deliver you there, leaving you to relax and enjoy a meal before returning in two hours to return you to your hotel.

Arrowtown guided walking tour (additional 90 minutes) – Meet the experts from Arrowtown Museum for a walking tour with many interesting stories along the way. This tour includes the Chinese Settlement, Historic Arrowtown Gaol (jail), St Patrick’s Church and Mary MacKillop’s cottage, with many interesting stories along the way.

Arrowtown gold panning experience (additional 45 minutes) – Gold can still be found in the nearby Arrow River. How about spending trying your luck to find your very own piece of gold in the Arrowtown River to take home, just like the prospectors of old?

Encounter Glenorchy Experience

Join us for a half day tour to Glenorchy. The spectacular drive alongside Lake Whakatipu to Glenorchy village is one of the region's unexpected secrets.

We'll pause at the stunning viewpoints, including an essential photo stop at Bennetts Bluff, before arriving in Glenorchy—an authentic New Zealand paradise nestled at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu. Relax in the peaceful alpine oasis, surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, with the alpine Dart River on one side and the icy lake on the other.

Set against a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty, it’s no wonder this location has been a magnetic draw for countless filmmakers. Notably, it has served as a canvas for numerous scenes in the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Spend a few hours exploring this quaint town and the gorgeous Dart River Valley. Allow us to suggest the following gems:

• Stroll along the Glenorchy Jetty over the alpine lake and visit the renowned red Railway shed.

• Wander along the Glenorchy Boardwalk through the wetlands, offering vistas of majestic Humbolt Mountains and, on tranquil days, mirror-like reflections.

• Stop for morning tea or coffee at a local cafe and visit to Mrs Woolly’s General Store

• You will have time to extend your scenic drive further to Paradise or the start of the Routeburn track. Capture a photograph beside New Zealand’s most photographed road sign.

• Enjoy a short walk in the foothills of the Mt Aspiring National Park as an introduction to the South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Whichever way you choose to enjoy your day in Glenorchy, your guide is dedicated to ensuring you fully embrace the wonders of this remarkable destination. As you journey back to Queenstown, relax in comfort, enjoying the fabulous scenery.

Optional Addition to your Encounter Glenorchy Experience:

Dart River Wilderness Jet Experience (2 hours) – Pump up the adrenaline on this Jet Boat tour, exploring iconic, untouched landscapes inaccessible by other means in the pristine Dart River Valley and the Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Upgrade to a full day of exploration and immerse yourself further in this incredible wilderness area.

The Loop Tour

This full-day sightseeing tour takes you on a loop from Queenstown, through Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell, Wanaka, Cardrona and back to Queenstown. This tour is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Southern Lakes region and discover a captivating tapestry of landscapes, history and adventure.

Your guide will tailor your day to your preferences. Anticipate surprises as the journey unfolds, revealing an array of unique experiences. Here are some potential highlights for your day:

Indulge your senses with local honey, the sophistication of some of the world's finest Pinot Noir wines, or the wholesome goodness of freshly picked cherries, apricots, peaches and apples grown on the local orchards.

If you like, step out of your comfort zone by adding on an exciting leap into the world of bungee jumping at its birthplace or an exhilarating jetboat sprint at Oxbow. (Guests pay directly for these additional activities).

Stop along the Kawarau River to witness the roar of the powerful currents that have sculpted the landscape in this area. Visit New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric power dam at Lake Dunstan.

If you wish, stop at one of our world-class boutique wineries, breweries and distilleries. Be sure to let your guide know your preferences so they can include the best hotspots.

Discuss with your guide where you would like to stop for lunch (guests will pay directly for lunch). We suggest the historic Bannockburn Hotel or a local Bannockburn winery, where you'll be surrounded by breathtaking vineyards, landscapes and mountains.

Spend a few hours enjoying the vibrant town of Wanaka, with its stunning views across Lake Wanaka to the mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park. Relax and unwind strolling along the lakefront, cool down with a local ice cream or handmade chocolates at Patagonia, or stop for a drink at a local bar or cafe. Capture the iconic #ThatWanakaTree photo.

If you wish, consider adding a visit to the Wanaka Lavender Farm, or fish for your own fresh salmon at Hook (guests pay directly for these activities).

On the way back to Queenstown, your guide will take the scenic Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest main road, celebrated for its awe-inspiring views. Visit the famous Cardrona Bra fence, then stop at one of the region’s iconic must-visit spots: the Cardrona Hotel, known as one of the most photographed historic pubs globally, or enjoy a local whisky or gin at the Cardrona Distillery. Stop at the Crown Range lookout for a spectacular view across the Whakatipu basin before heading back to Queenstown.

Majestic Milford Experience

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the lush rainforests and dramatic Fiordland scenery to Milford Sound (Piopiotahi).  Relax and enjoy the spectacular full day journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, enjoying the spectacular journey in comfort with your private guide.

Picture yourself surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Fiordland, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as your day begins with an early start. Kick off the adventure with a scenic drive that winds around the Devil's Staircase, with a stop for morning coffee at the 5 Rivers Cafe.

Venturing into Fiordland National Park and the Eglington Valley, you’ll catch a glimpse of the beauty yet to come. There's time for you to enjoy short walks and capture picture perfect holiday memories. Highlights include Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Monkey Creek, and the Hollyford Valley lookout. If luck is on your side, the cheeky Kea parrot might make an appearance.

The road ahead unveils the Homer Tunnel – an exhilarating 1.2km unlined road tunnel sloping down towards Milford on a 1 in 10 gradient. Emerging from the tunnel, get ready to be enchanted by a short walk to the Chasm, a captivating symphony of water and rock that's bound to leave you in awe.

Upon arriving at Milford Sound, the majestic Mitre Peak dominates the scene, placing you at the heart of the eighth wonder of the world, a place shaped by nature's finest hands. Immerse yourself in this masterpiece as your guide directs you to your small group cruise.

Step aboard your cruise for a once-in-a-lifetime experience through this extraordinary fiord, a place where waterfalls cascade into the depths below. Keep your eyes peeled, in the hope of spotting dolphins, seals, or penguins of penguins that call this paradise home.

After the cruise, relax and enjoy the homeward journey.

Family Fun Adventure

Join us for a full day of fun experiences, creating your own honey and visiting a working New Zealand farm to make cherished memories with your whole family.

Your day begins with your personal driver-guide whisking you away to the Buzzstop Bee and Honey Centre. Participate in a honey spinning tour—an engaging, hands-on, and educational experience suitable for all ages. Dive into the fascinating world of bees and beehives before getting your hands sticky with an interactive activity. But the true highlight is the part where you'll uncap, spin, filter, and bottle your very own jar of fresh honey to take home.

After bottling your honey, refresh with a coffee or hot chocolates at the Buzzstop cafe. Then venture South along the edge of Lake Whakatipu on the Devil's Staircase Road to Real Country NZ. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at Real Country, surrounded by picturesque views and a delightful variety of friendly farm animals.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in rural New Zealand on a private farm tour. Learn to crack a whip, witness a sheep dog mustering demonstration, or enjoy a working horse communication and interaction experience. Feel free to ask plenty of questions throughout the day; your farming hosts are passionate about sharing their knowledge with you.

As the day winds down, bid farewell to the animals at Real Country and choose to either return to your accommodation or take a detour via Hanley’s Farm. It's a great opportunity to let the kids run off some steam at the spectacular playground.

Creative Discovery of Honey, Art and History

Join us for a full-day tour filled with immersive experiences including visiting a local honey farm, an artist's home gallery, and the historic town of Arrowtown.

Your adventure begins when your local guide picks you up from your accommodation, ready to whisk you away to the Buzzstop Manuka Honey Centre & Café, a local honey bee farm. This destination is a haven for pure honey production.

After a rejuvenating caffeine boost, discover the fascinating world of bees and their hives, and then get your hands delightfully sticky with an interactive honey extraction activity. The highlight? You'll uncap, spin, filter, and bottle your very own jar of fresh honey to savour and take home.

Next, you will be introduced to one of Queenstown’s beloved residents, Lee van der Geest. Lee is a local artist renowned for her diverse mediums and creative talents. Her warm welcome invites you into her home, where you will share a gourmet lunch platter.

After lunch, you’ll have the option to spend time in Lee’s personal art sanctuary, overlooking the stunning Lake Hayes, either crafting your own masterpiece or embarking on a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Lake Hayes track.

With Arrowtown just around the corner, you will have time to visit this ‘must-see’ destination - a town steeped in history, originally founded during the gold rush. Explore this charming historic village that still echoes the gold mining heritage of the 1870s.

With some free time to pursue your own interests, you can enjoy a leisurely coffee, stroll along the serene riverbank of the Arrow River, or explore the historic buildings housing unique boutiques, art galleries, jewellery shops, and craft stores. Don’t miss the chance to discover the beauty of pounamu, a stone of immense significance that once drew the Maori to this region and uncover traces of the gold that fuelled the early miner population.

At the conclusion of your tour brimming with creativity, art, history, and visits to our favourite local hotspots, your guide will escort you back to your accommodation.