Outdoor Activities in Queenstown

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

187 12 h 30 min

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as bucket leather seats, extended leg room, high performance air conditioning, small bag storage space & USB charging. Guided by our local expert commentary, we take you to all the main photo & experience stops but also add in a couple of extra special ones not listed here. Upon arriving in Milford Sound, your two-hour nature cruise awaits you aboard our cruise partners boat - the Milford Haven. Boasting a restaurant and bar, you can dine in comfortable seating enjoying a hot or cold add on lunch while the mountains, waterfalls and wildlife go by. We reserve seats & tables on the cruise so you have your own guaranteed space within the boat.

Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30mins (opens in a new tab)

6 30 min – 2 h 30 min

Heli Glenorchy’s Snow Landing is a short and scenic flight into the mountains, with a stunning landing in the snow. Perfect for photos, snow play, and taking in unforgettable alpine views—just minutes from Glenorchy.

Free cancellation

Queenstown Heli-Snowmobiling Adventure (opens in a new tab)

23 2 h 30 min

New Zealand's only heli-snowmobiling adventure. This adventure occurs on the Garvie Range, which is exclusive to Queenstown Snowmobiles. Access is only by helicopter. Explore the pristine backcountry trails. Fantastic scenery and panoramic photo opportunities. No more than six guest on each trip! Our tours are all professionally guided by qualified guides.

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

84 7 h

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo (opens in a new tab)

32 7 h

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover historic gold towns, alpine roads, peaceful lakesides, and hidden local gems. Whether it’s spring blooms, summer sunshine, autumn colours, or snowy winter scenes, this journey offers something special year-round — all tailored to you. - A 7-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace - Visit charming Arrowtown, the Crown Range, Wanaka town, and Lake Dunstan - Stop for optional walks, famous photo spots, or local food & wine - Travel in comfort with modern, clean vehicles - Hosted by friendly local guides who share real stories and insider tips - Flexible itinerary — skip or add stops anytime along the way - Ideal for couples, families, small groups, or solo explorers Breathtaking views, rich history, and total flexibility — this is how Wanaka and its surrounds are best experienced.

Free cancellation

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour (opens in a new tab)

23 10 h

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central Otago. Your day begins with a pickup in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. From there, travel in comfort and style aboard our luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicles as you leave the alpine landscapes behind and venture into a region shaped by pioneers, gold fever, and timeless beauty. Wind through dramatic gorges, past crystal lakes, and into historic settlements frozen in time. Along the way, discover hidden gems like charming, historic Clyde, and the hauntingly beautiful Blue Lake of St Bathans. In the highlands of Pukerangi, step aboard the legendary Taieri Gorge Train for a spectacular rail journey. As the train snakes through deep ravines, crosses towering viaducts, and dives into hand-carved tunnels, you’ll be immersed in one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences, before arriving in Dunedin

Half-Day Canyoning in Gibbston Valley from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

104 4 h

- Rated ★★★★★ by 1000+ thrill-seekers - Small groups sizes of up to 10 persons maximum - No experience required - Enjoy an array of thrilling activities - Climb, abseil, swim, slide and explore - All equipment included - The 8.30am tour has a lunch voucher inclusion - Queenstown transfers included

Glass Roof, Small Group, Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

90 13 h

Discover Milford Sound on the original small-group glass-roof tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours. Travel in a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter featuring an expansive glass roof, panoramic windows, leather seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging. With a maximum of just 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience away from the crowds. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating commentary, local history and hidden gems as you journey through Fiordland National Park, stopping at iconic viewpoints and scenic locations along the spectacular Milford Road. A freshly prepared packed picnic lunch is included to enjoy during the day. In Milford Sound, board a small-group nature cruise and experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This is Milford Sound at its most personal and unforgettable.

Free cancellation

Clay Target Shooting in Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

23 45 min

Join us at the Oxbow Gun Club, where you and your mates can enjoy a spot of healthy competition shooting clay targets out of the sky against one of New Zealand’s most magnificent backdrops. Enjoy one-on-one guidance in Clay Bird Shooting from an experienced instructor, ensuring few clays get away alive. When it comes to firearms, safety is always of the utmost importance. Oxbow prioritises safety first for our Clay Bird Shooting adventure. Not only will you go through a thorough safety briefing and gun safety demonstration, but you will also be provided with high-quality protective gear, including earmuffs, glasses and a shooting vest. The stand facilitates six shooters per session; each shooter is positioned in their own stand with safety barriers to ensure safe operation at all times.

Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier (opens in a new tab)

9 1 h

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to land at this hidden gem, Heliworks provides exclusive access to this remarkable destination. Experience panoramic views over historic Skippers Canyon and rugged schist slopes, making this helicopter tour a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you visit in summer, when waterfalls flow abundantly, or in winter, when the glacier is capped in fresh snow, each visit promises an unforgettable spectacle of nature’s wonders. - Exclusive landing rights at the stunning Earnslaw Burn glacier - Scenic flight over Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining sites - Spectacular views of seasonal waterfalls and vibrant blue ice - Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike

Free cancellation

Milford Sound Scenic Flyover ex Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

130 1 h 30 min

This trip provides a spectacular overview of Milford Sound and endless panoramic views of lakes, forested river valleys, waterfalls, jagged razor backed ridge lines and snow-covered peaks along the way. Ideal for those who can’t make it for the cruise, this Milford Sound flight is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Queenstown 30-Minute Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride with music (opens in a new tab)

27 30 min

Thunder Jet is the only jet boat provider who play music on their trips - your own personalised soundtrack! Also the only 30-minute jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, we guarantee an exhilarating jet boat ride along the stunning Kawarau River, where breathtaking landscapes meet thrilling speed. Reaching speeds of up to 95km/h while enjoying iconic 360º spins, you can choose between a 30-minute high-speed thrill or a 60-minute journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty, complete with expert local commentary. With plenty of opportunities for scenic photos and a blend of fun and professionalism from the skilled Thunder drivers, this is an essential Queenstown experience.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

352 12 h

Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Travel beyond the main tourist route through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass, with scenic stops at Lake Pukaki and opportunities to discover local favourites along the way. Once at Mt Cook, enjoy free time to choose how you experience this remarkable landscape, from walking the famous Hooker Valley Track to simply taking in the views of New Zealand's highest peak. With personalised guiding, plenty of photo opportunities, and a relaxed pace, this tour offers more than just a transfer—it’s a memorable journey into the heart of the Southern Alps.

30-Minute Alpine Scenic Flight from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

72 30 min

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s beautiful mountain peaks. Landing location is weather dependent.

Free cancellation

Milford Sound Scenic Flight from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

46 1 h 15 min

Experience Milford Sound by air on this scenic flight from Queenstown. Flying you over the highest peaks in Fiordland and their ancient glaciers. Get an aerial perspective of Milford Sound, as you fly beside Mitre Peak and both Bowen and Stirling Falls. Your return flight to Queenstown is via the Arthur Valley where you can see the famous Sutherland Falls in the distance and venture over the magnificent mountains and lakes of the Fiordland National Park.

Bike The Wineries (1/2 Day) - Quick Pedal to Pinot (opens in a new tab)

50 5 h

Short on time but still want to experience the best of Queenstown’s wine country? What you'll do ✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar Door, Gibbston ✓ Ride through the Gibbston wine region at your own pace ✓ Return shuttle from your final winery back to Queenstown Why Ride It? - Explore the heart of the Gibbston Valley wine region - Ride between cellar doors, breweries, and scenic viewpoints - Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of cycling, wine, food, and stunning scenery - Perfect if you want a shorter winery experience without a full day commitment Good to Know - A relaxed 7–16 km ride with some hills and undulating terrain - Suitable for most riders, couples, and groups - Electric Bikes are highly recommended for the best experience - Winery tastings and food are not included

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt. Cook 1-Way Small-Group Tour (opens in a new tab)

26 9 h

Explore the beautiful and famous Mt. Cook National Park while traveling to Tekapo on a fully guided small group tour from Queenstown. This is a 9 hour one way tour with free time in the middle of your journey to participate in the best activities. There is no better way to see the area! 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 apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments, and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Riversurfing (opens in a new tab)

64 4 h 30 min

We're the pioneers of Riversurfing operating since 1989. Also known as riverboarding or hydrospeed, similar to rafting but next level! We take you in the water, through Grade 3 rapids, on bodyboards. Why sit on a boat when you can get in amongst it and have some serious fun?

Routeburn Guided Hike Experience - Full Day (opens in a new tab)

37 10 h

Experience one of New Zealand's celebrated Great Walks on a full-day guided adventure along the Routeburn Track. Travel from Queenstown alongside Lake Whakatipu and through Glenorchy before entering Mount Aspiring National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Te Wāhipounamu wilderness. Cross the Routeburn swing bridge into ancient native beech forest and follow the beautiful Routeburn River past waterfalls, gorges and mountain valleys as the track climbs towards Routeburn Flats before the steeper ascent up towards Routeburn Falls. Your experienced local guide shares knowledge of native plants, birds, geology and history along the way. With approx 6-7 hours of hiking within the 10-hour day, this is an incredible option for active travellers wanting to experience the Routeburn without an overnight stay.

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago (opens in a new tab)

56 2 h

Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt Pisa range. This popular trek is perfect for all riding abilities and offers an unforgettable journey through picturesque fruit orchards and rolling hills.