New Zealand · QUEENSTOWN TOURS

The 15 Best Queenstown Tours & Activities

175 tours  ·  from $8

Queenstown is the base you sleep in and leave every morning. These 15 sort the lake cruises, the jet boats, the Milford day trips and the wine country an hour east, with prices and how long each really takes.

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The 45-minute cruise from Steamer Wharf
BBQ, Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

1.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95Our pick

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous local BBQ buffet, gardens beside Lake Whakatipu, and a lively farm show with sheep shearing and working dogs. Presenters and dogs vary, with past shows featuring Pete, Josh, Joe, Echo, Mia, and Kim.

“The gourmet BBQ was insane! So much food available and lots of different cuisines to choose from. Highly recommend. ☺️ Staff were all lovely too.”

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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - From Duke Street to the river base
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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

2.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Top rated

Ride a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees beneath sheer cliffs. Your driver provides local stories and handles the technical river work. The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown and optional photos for purchase.

“Whole experience was very professional. Our bus driver was lovely, so was our boat driver. The ride in the boat was thrilling and location of experience was excellent. Highly recommend!”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Lake Wakatipu sets the pace
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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

3.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, 1-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, 360-degree spins, heated handrails, and views of the Remarkables. Guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles add clear safety advice and lively commentary.

“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”

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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes) - Kelvin Heights and the Queenstown Golf Course
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

4.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,462 reviews · from $49

Cruise Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown with Captain Troy, Dan, or another local skipper providing lively commentary on the lake, mountains, homes, birdlife, and Kawarau Falls Dam. You get indoor and outdoor seating, a small onboard bar, photo stops, and a relaxed route to the end of the lake and back.

“Although only a 90 minutes boat tour the captain provided very informative narratioon about queenstown history and folklore. Just wished the weather had been warmer to be able to ride above.”

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NZONE Skydive Queenstown - From 35 Shotover Street to the drop zone
Queenstown Tours, Skydiving, Tour Reviews

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

5.NZONE Skydive Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,438 reviews · from $222

Take a tandem parachute jump above Queenstown with NZONE, choosing 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet. Your instructor handles the equipment and jump while you take in Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. The 3.5-hour experience includes a safety briefing, gear, and transport from 35 Shotover Street. Photos and video cost extra.

“This was truly one of the best things I have done in my life! I’m actually scared of heights, but did the 12,000 foot jump and was not scared at all. It was a beautiful day, I had absolute confidence in my jump master, and the whole thing was incredibly exhilarating, enjoyable and fun. I will do it again ! My teenagers had the time of their lives- this is a must do activity in Queenstown. This operation is so incredibly professional - I had no doubt about the safety and competence of the entire team. Thank you NZone for giving me one of the most fun and memorable days…”

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Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu - Boarding in Queenstown and choosing your place
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Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

6.TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,255 reviews · 1h 30m · from $68

Board Queenstown’s TSS Earnslaw for a 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu. You can watch stokers feed the coal fires, explore the wheelhouse and onboard museum, and hear captain’s commentary. Buy coffee, wine, beer, or snacks onboard. Some sailings include music from performers such as Tony or Kate.

“It was good but they should inform about parking facilities for the customers and give an idea how long and how much it may cost to park the car during the activity. I was very nervous around the last minutes to miss the ship due to lack of parking nearby. Glad that I made it finally just on time.”

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Queenstown Segway Tour - Starting at One Mile Car Park
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Queenstown Segway Tour

7.Queenstown Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,235 reviews · from $61

Learn to ride a Segway, then follow guide Kevin along Queenstown Bay, Lake Wakatipu, Marine Parade, and Queenstown Gardens. The two-hour option adds farther lakeside paths, gentle hills, botanical sights, local history, and a short off-Segway activity. Small groups, morning and afternoon departures, helmets, jackets, and gloves available.

“This was such a great way to see the town. Kevin was a fabulous guide and we truly got to take in the whole lakefront, the views, the gardens, etc. A little rain didn’t slow us down! So fun.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience - From Queenstown to the river base
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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

8.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

Ride with Shotover Jet through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, less than 10 minutes from Queenstown. Your driver handles rapids, rocky outcrops, and famous 360-degree spins at speeds up to 90kmh. The 25-minute ride includes safety gear and commentary on local history, geology, and Maori culture. Add a Queenstown shuttle if you do not want to drive.

“Fun exhilarating and exciting. I have done before but this time with grandchildren . I would definitely recommend”

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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise - How the three-and-a-half-hour schedule feels
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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

9.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,196 reviews · from $98

Take a 3.5-hour round trip from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw when scheduled, enjoy a chef-prepared BBQ buffet, then watch sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations before returning across Lake Wakatipu.

“The lake view during the cruise was quite beautiful, and the BBQ lunch was nice! They got all kinds of meat, so don’t miss it if you are a meat lover!”

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Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour - What the Lake Whakatipu cruise adds
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Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

10.Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 950 reviews · 3h 30m · from $80

Cruise Lake Whakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown, then join a guided Walter Peak farm tour. You may meet guides such as Josh, Ashley, or Phillip, watch sheep shearing and dog work, feed animals, and enjoy a generous morning or afternoon tea. The 3.5-hour outing suits families and mixed-age groups.

“Loved watching the sheepdog perform. Would like to see more.”

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Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown - Choosing between the three zipline courses
Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

11.Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 933 reviews · from $73

From the Skyline summit, Ziptrek guides such as Nic, Ava, Pearl, and Mitchell lead small groups through beech forest on four or six ziplines. You get wide views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, safety gear, and a short forest walk. Choose a gentle family course or the Kereru course with a 68-foot drop.

“Such an amazing experience, even for beginners. The guides Rhys and Pearl were so helpful and friendly! I was terrified beforehand but they were amazing.”

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Queenstown ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour - The private 650-acre park favors rough, close-up riding
Quad Bikes, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Queenstown ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour

12.Queenstown ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 842 reviews · from $197

Meet your guide at 61A Shotover Street and ride a quad bike through a private 650-acre park just minutes from Queenstown. After training, follow rugged trails and hill climbs toward views of the Shotover River, Coronet Peak, Central Otago, and the Southern Alps. Guides such as Stefan, Ollie, Scott, and Lloyd adjust the pace to your skill level.

“Great fun, whole family loved it. Guides know what they are doing, explained quad bike use well, highly recommend.”

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - The ride into Skippers Canyon
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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

13.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 699 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Take a guided minibus ride along Skippers Road, a narrow route carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River, then board a jet boat for 30 minutes of fast runs, close canyon turns, and 360-degree spins. Guides such as Cal, Dan, Willy, and Rob add local history and humor. Allow three hours, and bring warm layers, water, and a camera.

“Tour guide and boat driver both so great!! Amazing activity”

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Boutique Wine Tour - visit Central Otago, 4 Wineries & Lunch - Bannockburn brings lunch and a change of scenery
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Boutique Wine Tour – visit Central Otago, 4 Wineries & Lunch

14.Boutique Wine Tour – visit Central Otago, 4 Wineries & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 673 reviews · from $173

Travel from Queenstown with a local guide such as Ben, John, Phil, or Evie to four Central Otago cellar doors. Taste mainly Pinot Noir plus regional whites, share a platter lunch, and pass Lake Wakatipu, Lake Hayes, the Remarkables, and the Kawarau Bungy Bridge. Small groups are capped at 12.

“Very good place and great wineries. Guide was also great ..... and amazing wineries to visit . Enjoyable tour”

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Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip - The 90-Minute Route and What You See
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Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip

15.Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Set out from Queenstown on a 90-minute catamaran cruise across Lake Whakatipu. Your English-speaking skipper points out Bob’s Cove, Mt Earnslaw, the Southern Alps, forests, coves, and historic landmarks. Choose the upper or lower deck, then order wine, local beer, coffee, snacks, or a cheese and charcuterie platter from the onboard bar.

“Staff were friendly and professional Food was lovely I had a vegetarian lasagna The captain was knowledgeable and made the cruise an interesting a d informative experience”

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New in Queenstown Tours

★ 5.07 – Day North to South Island Grand Tour – Auckland to QueenstownFrom $1,7905 reviews
★ 5.012 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to QueenstownFrom $8,4707 reviews
★ 5.0Thrillzone Queenstown: Multiplayer Virtual RealityFrom $323 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat ReturnFrom $1734 reviews
★ 5.0The Grand Circle 30-Minute Helicopter Tour & Alpine LandingFrom $2615 reviews
★ 4.9‘Valley of the Vines’ Wine and Bike TourFrom $8879 reviews
★ 4.7Scenic Alpine Heli-FlightFrom $23988 reviews
★ 5.0Helicopter Flight and Gin Tasting TourFrom $4503 reviews
★ 5.0Whimsical Sensory Night Walk at LUMA EnchantedFrom $356 reviews
★ 4.6White Water Surfing Along the Kawarau RiverFrom $16430 reviews
★ 5.0Walter Peak Garden to Table ExperienceFrom $9212 reviews
★ 4.7Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake CruiseFrom $8025 reviews
★ 4.5Hidden Underwater Theatre ExperienceFrom $8135 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Off-Roading ExperienceFrom $895 reviews
★ 4.8Twilight Wine and Craft Beer TourFrom $12831 reviews

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