Outdoor Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting (opens in a new tab)

81 4 h 30 min

Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting for first-timers. There will be plenty of rapids action plus time to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Catch the free shuttle from the centre of town out to the raft base where you will be fitted out with all your gear. Your rafting adventure covers 8-kilometers of the river. Take on grade 2-3 rapids and perhaps the occasional grade 2-4 rapid, when there are higher water levels. Enjoy flat stretches of river between the rapids where you have the opportunity to race your friends on the other rafts or jump out and swim. Conclude your adventure by rafting the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, the Dog Leg. This is a 400-meter long and grade 3/4 rapid. Add some extra excitement by joining in on the optional cliff jumping section, or sit back and watch your friends take a leap.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback (opens in a new tab)

45 9 h

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining commentary, and let us show you the best stops along the way as you connect seamlessly to your Milford Sound cruise. Discover native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains on our extended Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and close enough to feel the full force the powerful 15,000-year old Stirling Falls. Specialist nature guide on board shares their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary. This day trip includes a freshly prepared lunch on-board your cruise. Return to Queenstown by a breath-taking scenic flight, and enjoy views of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for.

Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure Tour - Half Day (opens in a new tab)

265 4 h

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session, climb aboard your own 400cc automatic 4WD quad bike and set off across more than 20km of exclusive trails through Queenstown's high country terrain. From easier tracks for first-time riders to more challenging terrain for confident riders, your experienced guide tailors the adventure to the ability of the group. Climb towards panoramic viewpoints with incredible vistas across Queenstown, the surrounding mountains and lakes. With approx 2-2.25 hours on your quad, there's plenty of time to tackle the trails, enjoy the scenery and experience genuine Queenstown off-road adventure.

Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

13 5 h

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners at Mitre Peak Cruises, to experience the Fiordland National Park from the sky, land and water. A remote alpine landing tops off this up close exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and the Fiordland Crested penguins roaming around Milford Sound. This is an experience you will never forget in the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Queenstown: ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour (opens in a new tab)

859 1 h 30 min

Ride a 250cc sports quad bike through real off-road terrain, just 5 minutes from central Queenstown. After a safety briefing and training session on purpose-built tracks, you follow an expert guide into the 650-acre Adventure Park - climbing steep trails, weaving through forest sections, and reaching panoramic viewpoints above the Shotover River canyon with views across Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. No licence needed, and no prior experience required. Your guide sets the pace to match the group — no experience needed, and the terrain has plenty to offer for anyone who's been on a quad before. Small group sizes mean real attention throughout. All gear is provided: helmet, goggles, gloves, and wet-weather clothing for any conditions. Return transfers from central Queenstown and complimentary photos are included. Minimum age 14.

Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight (opens in a new tab)

145 50 min

Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a snow landing on the distinctive Jura Glacier. Stand in snow surrounded by high mountain peaks and bush covered valleys as you admire unparalleled views of Mount Aspiring and the mighty Rees and Dart River valleys.

Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

19 4 h

Allow 4 hours 2 landings: Milford Sound & Alpine landing Over The Top Helicopters are pleased to offer a personal scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound with a cruise. Your pilot, acting as your personal guide, will fly you down to Milford, over the breath-taking snow-capped Southern Alps, where we will land and shut down the helicopter. You will board the cruise boat to take one of the most memorable journeys you can imagine down Milford Sound, taking in the rainforest covered slopes and the majestic waterfalls. On return to Milford you will again board the helicopter for yet more amazing scenery from the air, together with a landing on an alpine location allowing you to take more photographs of an amazing experience.

Scenic Guided eBike Tour Ride to the Lake (opens in a new tab)

76 3 h

This tour is a beautiful way to see and learn about our amazing countryside. It is also perfect for a beginner starting out on their eBike adventures. Pedal assisted Premium eBikes will help you to cover longer distance with ease. We will show you hidden secrets on the trail and tell you the history of the Queenstown area. You will discover local nature and meet its habitats. The magnificent landscape around Queenstown makes Ride to the Lake Tour comfortable for riding and does not require special skills (You should feel confident on a regular bike). It's enough for the experienced rider to keep interested but also great for not-so-experienced riders to push themselves and learn new skills.

Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic Views (opens in a new tab)

18 50 min

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of Skippers Canyon, with its rich gold rush history, before touching down on an ancient glacier. Step onto the pristine ice to witness the mesmerising blue crevasses up close, providing a rare opportunity for spectacular photographs. The journey back offers awe-inspiring views over valleys and ridgelines, making this a must-do adventure for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. - Unique glacier experience near Queenstown - Breathtaking aerial views of Skippers Canyon and Southern Alps - Opportunity for stunning photographs of ancient glacial ice - Guided by experienced local pilots familiar with the region

Free cancellation

Shotover Canyon Swing (opens in a new tab)

169 2 h 30 min

Time to get psyched thrill-seekers: You can take an adrenaline-fueled plunge on the Shotover Canyon Swing, the worlds first commercial canyon swing. An innovative jump system that is equipped with cables and ropes for a breathtaking freefall over the river. Both first-time jumpers and seasoned daredevils will enjoy the experience, which you can do solo or in tandem with a friend. Your professional guide ensures your safety and offers encouragement throughout your time at the Shotover River.

Free cancellation

Milford Sound Tour: Cruise & Flight (opens in a new tab)

25 10 h

Embark on an intimate small-group adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound—one of Aotearoa’s most iconic natural wonders. This fully guided day trip is more than just a destination; it’s an experience crafted with care, comfort, and connection in mind. Travel in our premium Sprinter, designed for a relaxed pace and optimal viewing, with plenty of time to stop, explore, and soak up the landscape. From majestic alpine valleys to cascading waterfalls and native wildlife encounters, every moment of the journey is part of the magic. But the magic doesn’t end at the water’s edge. After cruising through the serene fjord, you will unforgettably return to Queenstown—via a scenic flight over Fiordland. Soar above towering peaks, ancient rainforests, and glittering lakes on a breathtaking aerial journey that offers a perspective few can witness. It’s the perfect finale to a day filled with wonder.

Queenstown Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - half day (opens in a new tab)

333 4 h

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes. View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty Mountains, and see Deer Park Heights, used for the Refugees of Rohan and Battle of the Wargs scenes. Visit Kawarau Gorge, location of the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), then travel to Arrowtown and Gladden Fields, where the loss of the One Ring was filmed. Then it's time to head off-road. Follow a historic gold-mining road alongside the Arrow River, crossing towards the Ford of Bruinen. Stop for morning or afternoon tea, try your hand at traditional gold panning and discover gold-mining history. Then journey up Coronet Peak and travel along the famous Skippers Canyon Road towards Lighthouse Rock and take in spectacular panoramic views. Throughout the journey, your local guide brings Middle-earth to life with behind-the-scenes stories, filming insights and tales from the making of the trilogy.

Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

60 12 h

Mt Cook Bus Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience, this small group, fully guided bus tour to Mt Cook combines all of the key highlights of Mt Cook with scenic flights in a helicopter and a ski plane including a Tasman Glacier landing plus free time to do other optional activities of your choice. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses 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, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Queenstown Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours (opens in a new tab)

13 3 h

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance to be genuinely involved. Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’ve fished for years, the experience is adapted to you. Beginners are guided through everything, while experienced anglers can get more involved with techniques, gear and the Lake Wakatipu fishery. Once fishing, we use a fully electric trolling motor, meaning no engine noise while we fish. Its clever GPS route-following system can automatically guide the boat along our fishing route, giving your skipper more time to interact with guests, help with the fishing, answer questions and share his knowledge. Quality fishing gear, a comfortable purpose-built boat, experienced local guide, locally sourced treats and cold drinks are all included, creating a relaxed and personal way to experience Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown from the water.

Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight (opens in a new tab)

62 1 h

The only scenic flight company ex. Queenstown to showcase some of Mt Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks largest Glaciers. These include the Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne Glaciers among many others and of course, Milford Sound itself. Each tour with Air Milford is guaranteed to see at least five major glaciers.

Free cancellation

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

165 50 min

Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers Canyon and the braided rivers of the Rees Valley before venturing deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. Marvel at dramatic glaciers, impressive ice falls and hidden alpine lakes before continuing to the awe-inspiring Earnslaw Burn. Here, a unique ‘hanging’ glacier feeds countless waterfalls that tumble into the valley below – an otherworldly scene made famous in The Lord of the Rings. Your adventure includes an exhilarating glacier*, where you’ll step out into untouched wilderness to capture once-in-a-lifetime photos surrounded by towering peaks and pristine ice. This remarkable flight offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cinematic views, and thrilling alpine adventure. A true highlight of any Queenstown visit.

Arrowtown to Gibbston – Iconic Arrow River Bridges Bike Ride (opens in a new tab)

43 4 h

The Arrowtown to Gibbston Ride is a great family-friendly cycling experience for those wanting a Half Day Adventure in Queenstown. This scenic undulating trail offers a fun, one-way ride with river views, swing bridges, and wide gravel paths. What you'll do ✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown ✓ Ride the 15 km scenic trail to Gibbston Valley ✓ Return shuttle from Gibbston Valley to Queenstown Why Ride It? - Ride through the beautiful Arrow River and Gibbston Valley - Cross iconic swing bridges and enjoy riverside views - Take in farmland, vineyards, and Central Otago scenery - A relaxed adventure perfect for families and cruisers Good to Know - A relaxed 15 km ride with some hills and undulating terrain - Suitable for families and confident riders - Electric Bikes are recommended for a more comfortable ride - Allow time for scenic stops, photos, and breaks

Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure (opens in a new tab)

30 15 min

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph on the surface and dive under the water at 40 kph, all while enjoying a personal ride with an experienced pilot. Experience exhilarating jumps as the shark leaps out of the water, sending splashes all around. With the first commercial Seabreacher X watercraft at your disposal, you can customize your ride to be as mild or wild as you want. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind thrill while in Queenstown.

Private tourFree cancellation

Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing (opens in a new tab)

186 25 min

Indulge in a bird's eye view of Queenstown and her surrounding mountains. Alpine landing our pilot will choose the best location on the day. Experience views of majestic Queenstown as you perch on rugged mountain terrain, you may even be standing on snow in the winter. Don’t forget your camera as these views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are not to be missed.

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission (opens in a new tab)

372 2 h – 3 h

Explore our 5-acre oasis at Kiwi Park. A family-owned and operated wildlife centre in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species. We have over 20 species of native wildlife including New Zealand's national icon, the Kiwi and our living fossil, the Tuatara. Kiwi Encounters: Enjoy an unforgettable experience viewing Kiwi while learning about these fascinating birds from our professional wildlife team. Times: 10am, 11am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 4:15pm & 5pm (Oct-April) 10am, 11am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3:45pm & 4.30pm (May - Sep) Conservation Show: Get up close and personal with our most fascinating, endangered wildlife in this entertaining 30-minute free flight show. Times: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30 & 5:30pm (Summer) 11:30am & 3pm (Winter) Important: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before Kiwi Encounter, Subject to availability. Maximum occupancy in Kiwi House is 80 people. Kiwi House open at all times outside Kiwi Encounters for viewing.