Outdoor Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise (opens in a new tab)

8 3 h 30 min

Experience the beauty of the New Zealand high country on a scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Watch a sheepdog show, feed the animals, and enjoy a morning or afternoon tea in the charming old woolshed. Begin your combo tour with a relaxing scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu aboard a modern catamaran, the Spirit of Queenstown. Disembark the vessel and be greeted by your rural host. From the amphitheater, watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. Enjoy a walking tour of the farmyard, visiting the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then, stroll to the charming old woolshed for morning or afternoon tea. You may have time to wander through the lakeside gardens before you re-board the Spirit of Queenstown for your cruise back to Queenstown.

Queenstown: Kids Quad Bike Family Adventure (45 min) (opens in a new tab)

132 1 h 15 min

New Zealand's only kids' quad biking experience - and the whole family gets their own machine. Kids aged 6-13 ride 50cc or 90cc quad bikes on purpose-built tracks just five minutes from central Queenstown, while parents, guardians, and older teens (14+) ride alongside on a 250cc quad. No licence or off-road experience needed for any rider. The 45-minute session runs on a large purpose-built riding ground with varied terrain. Your guide stays with the group throughout, adjusting the pace and terrain to suit the youngest riders - so every child gets the right balance of challenge and fun. It is all guided quad biking from start to finish. All safety equipment is included - helmets, goggles, and gloves - along with full wet weather gear if conditions call for it. Return transfers from central Queenstown, a professional guide, and complimentary photos are all part of the package. Sessions run year-round, rain or shine.

Queenstown: Guided Dirt Bike Ride – Private Off-Road Trails (opens in a new tab)

41 2 h

• Ride real off-road terrain on a private 650-acre property, 5 minutes from central Queenstown - hill climbs, creek crossings, and forest trails with sweeping canyon and lake views • Two sessions to match your experience: trail riding on challenging terrain for the competent rider, or a fully coached introduction to dirt bikes on purpose-built training tracks for those just starting out • Guided by award-winning, expert instructors who adapt the session to your ability - groups are kept small and intimate for a personal experience • Full MX gear fitted on-site before you ride - helmet, goggles, gloves, chest protector, knee/shin guards, and kidney belt • Complimentary photos and return transfers from central Queenstown included - no licence required, minimum age 10

Queenstown: Full-Day Private Photography & Sightseeing Tour (opens in a new tab)

30 9 h

Explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes on a private full-day tour with Martin, an experienced local landscape photographer and guide. Combining spectacular sightseeing with friendly, practical guidance, this tour welcomes everyone—from experienced photographers to beginners using a camera or phone. It is equally rewarding if you simply want to explore beautiful places and have your guide photograph you along the way. Travel in a comfortable 4WD among alpine peaks, lakes, rivers, forests and historic places, visiting famous viewpoints and quieter corners known mainly to locals. Your route is shaped around the season, weather, changing light and your interests. Learn about composition, light and camera settings at your own pace, or relax and enjoy the scenery while your guide helps you create memorable images. Photographs taken by your guide are shared with you after the tour. Return to Queenstown with stronger photographs, new skills and memories of an extraordinary day.

Free cancellation

Radical U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park (opens in a new tab)

35 30 min

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are exciting for the whole family. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be looked after by their friendly team – treating you to some authentic kiwi hospitality! Voted the #1 Thing to Do in Cromwell by TripAdvisor, Highlands – Experience the Exceptional is conveniently located along SH 6 in Cromwell in beautiful Central Otago. It’s a must do when you’re exploring the region – ideal for day trips because Highlands really does offer something fun and extraordinary for everyone. So whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, in a group, or with family, Highlands is an NZ must-do for the ride of your lives.

Free cancellation

Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular! (opens in a new tab)

158 2 h

Enjoy a beautiful crisp morning horse trek in the Cardrona valley, Wanaka. All horse riding experience levels are catered for and the group sizes are small. A scenic trail takes you under the willow trees and through the river then up into the hills for some stunning views down the valley and across to the surrounding mountains. Learn about the 1860s gold rush and a working farm among other interesting facts from the informative guide. **PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR HORSE RIDING ABILITY UPON BOOKING SO THE APPROPRIATE HORSES ARE SELECTED FOR YOUR RIDE**

Tandem Parasailing Adventure in Lake Wakatipu Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

1 h

Experience Queenstown from up to 600 ft above Lake Wakatipu, with incredible panoramic views of the lake, mountains and town below. Unlike many of Queenstown's high-adrenaline activities, parasailing offers a peaceful and scenic way to experience the destination from the air. Take-off and landing are completely dry, making it easy to fit into your day without needing swimwear or a change of clothes. Fly solo, share the experience on a tandem flight, or take to the air as a group of three. Paraflights is ideal for couples, families, groups of friends, solo travelers and anyone looking for a memorable Queenstown experience without the intensity of bungy jumping or skydiving.

Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

344 5 h

Raft the gentle upper reaches of the Shotover River on this half-day trip through Skippers Canyon. You'll drive from Queenstown through a former gold-mining region and learn about this significant part of New Zealand's history. The Class I and II rapids are suitable for ages three years old and up.

Free cancellation

Milford Sound Discoverer 2 Hour Scenic Helicopter Experience (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h

Experience the stunning beauty of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi from both above and at ground level. This unique tour combines a scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park with an alpine landing, allowing you to explore the majestic landscapes surrounding Mitre Peak. Enjoy a guided 30-minute walk along the Milford Sound shoreline with an informative pilot, providing insights into the region's natural wonders. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless journey. - Scenic helicopter flight with two landings, including one in Milford Sound - Guided 30-minute walk to capture picturesque views - Informative pilot commentary enhances your understanding of the area - Allow 2.5 hours, including check-in and safety briefing

Free cancellation

Full Day Routeburn Canyoning Adventure from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

56 8 h

Go beyond the famous Routeburn Track and plunge into a wild canyon hidden deep within one of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness landscapes. Canyon Explorers is the only canyoning operator permitted to operate in the Routeburn Valley, giving you access to a remote part of Mount Aspiring National Park that most visitors never experience. Walk through native forest along part of the world-renowned Routeburn Track before descending into a canyon within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Te Wāhipounamu area. This is a challenging canyoning adventure, with higher jumps and abseils, crystal-clear pools, waterfalls, ziplines, natural slides and narrow rock passageways. Two experienced guides lead every trip, providing expert instruction and support throughout the experience. A percentage of every trip also supports the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust and its work protecting vulnerable native wildlife.

Wanaka Private Tour from Queenstown Scenic 6 to 7 Hour Experience (opens in a new tab)

7 h

Explore Wānaka and its stunning alpine scenery on a private scenic tour from Queenstown. Visit beautiful Lake Wānaka, enjoy scenic photo stops and local sights, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests. This comfortable private experience is ideal for couples, families and small groups who want to explore Wānaka at their own pace with a local driver.

Free cancellation

The Great Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Adventure (opens in a new tab)

8 3 h – 6 h

For the Lake Dunstan Self-Guided Experience, we will meet you at our Clyde Depot in its historic heart. We will fully brief you on your world class trail e-bike. From here we will transport you to the Historic Precinct of Old Cromwell where you will start your adventure and ride the amazing Lake Dunstan Trail back to Clyde. Cycle across one of New Zealand’s most spectacular trails - you'll see engineering marvels, cling to the edge of dramatic cliffs, and discover stories carved into the schist of Central Otago. What sets us apart is our local experience, premium e-bike fleet, and seamless service. You'll also have access to your personal itinerary on the CCT app. You savour the ride. We'll handle the rest. Enough talk, let's ride!

Jet Sprint Boating & Ultimate Off-Roading in Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

45 45 min

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0 to 100kph in only 2.5 seconds, it’s the perfect activity in Queenstown for the adrenaline seeker. After your ride in our 620 horse-power boat, take a ride in Oxbow’s Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built, all-terrain vehicle that goes everywhere. The Ultimate Off-Roader is a 4-Seater, 4WD, 4-wheel steer vehicle with an extremely low centre of gravity, allowing them to practically go anywhere!

Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour (opens in a new tab)

92 45 min

Join us for a relaxed informative 45 minute tour of the vineyard, winery and wine cave. Visit Home Block, the region's oldest vineyard, step into the winemaking facility where you'll get a behind the scenes glimpse of how some of the best Central Otago Pinot Noirs are made. Taste four of Gibbston Valley's premium handcrafted wines in New Zealand's largest wine cave. Please note that under 16’s are not permitted on the Winery Tour, instead please book the Cave Tour should you wish them to join.

Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines (opens in a new tab)

222 7 h

⭐Possibly the most outstanding wine tour by ebike in the country. ⭐ Embark on an adventure outside Queenstown to the Valley of the Vines to try many delicious award-winning wines ⭐ We only do Giant™ 2026 Talon E-bikes Trek Powerflys and Trek Marlin 6 (2024) pedal bikes as our standard. Probably the best bikes in NZ. ⭐Door-to-door options for direct booking only ⭐Ride arguably the best bike trail in New Zealand ⭐Perfect for the easy rider - Minimal hills, wide gravel trails, Easy Navigation. 1 hour ride ⭐Knowledgable, friendly guides ⭐Finish at any winery - Text us at 3pm or when you've decided your final stop.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

291 1 h

Experience the sensation of floating on a smooth cushion of air with this ticket for two indoor skydiving flights in Queenstown. Enjoy the included flight gear rental and the one-on-one orientation.

Kiwi Park Queenstown Wildlife Sanctuary Admission Ticket (opens in a new tab)

1 h – 2 h

Discover New Zealand’s unique wildlife at Kiwi Park, a five-acre conservation sanctuary in the heart of Queenstown. Home to more than 20 species of native animals and birds, the park offers an opportunity to see some of the country’s rarest wildlife up close. Visit the specially designed nocturnal houses for a chance to spot the iconic kiwi bird in a naturalistic environment, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Attend engaging wildlife presentations and conservation shows where knowledgeable staff share insights into New Zealand’s ecosystems and animal care programs. Stroll through beautiful native bush surroundings while observing tuatara, kea, and other native species. Perfect for families and nature lovers, Kiwi Park combines education, conservation, and memorable wildlife encounters in one rewarding Queenstown experience.

Milford Sound Heli Tour from Queenstown with 2 Alpine Landings (opens in a new tab)

58 1 h 30 min

Soar over captivating Milford Sound on a 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown. You'll fly over New Zealand's most dramatic scenery, from secluded alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks to lush rainforest and deep bush-lined valleys. With 2 remote alpine landings throughout your experience, this the an trip that you will not forget as you will be accessing remote locations that are otherwise inaccessible. Take in the amazing landscapes throughout where it changes dramatically from lush rainforest to arid rock faces and everything in between.

Free cancellation

Explore Queenstown's Scenic Trails with an Electric Bike (opens in a new tab)

19 4 h – 8 h

Electric Bikes enable you to go further, faster, with less effort! Our fleet of Electric Bikes are mostly Merida E-Big models. These pedal-assisted, front suspension E-Bikes are perfectly suited for exploring the Queenstown Trail network. Our team will explain how they operate so you get the most out of your ride; our e-bikes are nice and simple to use. Flatten-out those hills, explore more of the trail, and enjoy a hassle-free ride with Queenstown's most experienced bike hire operator.

Shotover River Rafting Trip from Queenstown (opens in a new tab)

117 5 h

Queenstown’s famous Shotover River provides the white water rafting action for those looking for extra excitement and thrills. Drive through Skippers canyon to the start of the rafting. Raft your way down the Shotover river taking on the wild and untamed rapids. Finish the trip rafting through the darkness of the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the drop into Cascade Rapid.

Free cancellation