Queenstown Travelers Recommend

The dramatic focal point of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a popular natural wonder on New Zealand’s South Island. Whether you want to cruise the fjord, soar overhead in a helicopter, or hike through the mountains, these are your options for Milton Sound tours from Queenstown. 

Half-Day Tours

Those short on time can take in the highlights on a half-day tour, with options including a combination flight and cruise with round-trip flights from Queenstown landing in the heart of Fiordland National Park. After taking in views from above, set out to cruise Milton Sound, enjoying photo stops at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke. Maximize your time by opting for a tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, and pre-book activities in advance.

Full-Day Tours

Full-day tours mean you can spend more time exploring and soak up the scenery on the spectacular drive from Queenstown. Enjoy panoramic views and ample photo opportunities aboard a glass-roofed coach or comfortable minivan as you drive the Milford Road, passing the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu, Lake Te Anau, and the Homer Tunnel. Most full-day tours include a range of activities, such as a boat cruise or scenic plane flight. 

Helicopter Tours

The sweeping glaciers, rugged mountains, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are dazzling from the air, and helicopter tours offer the ultimate aerial view. Opt for a round-trip private or small-group flight from Queenstown; swoop over the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and Tasman Sea; and touch down on Tukuko Glacier, Otago's Glacier Basin, or one of the west coast beaches. 

Things to Know

• Milford Sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, about 178 miles (287 kilometers) northwest of Queenstown.

• The quickest way to get to Milford Sound is by plane, while by road, it’s at least a 4-hour journey each way. 

• Day tours from Queenstown typically last between 10 and 13 hours.

• Be sure to bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress according to the weather—it can get chilly out at sea.

• Full-day tours differ in their inclusions, but many include hotel pickup, lunch, and sometimes extra activities.

Queenstown is known for its bucket-list adventure activities, such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting. With three days to fill, you can not only get your thrills, but you can also take some time to slow down and relax, and even take a trip to Milford Sound. Here’s how to maximize your time on a 3-day stay in Queenstown.

Day 1: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

On day one, try out some of those nerve-testing adventures for which Queenstown is so famous. Feel a blitz of adrenaline as you sway above the canyon floor on the Nevis Swing, take a leap of faith from a bungee platform, or sign up for an unforgettable package adventure that includes jet boating on the Shotover River, white-water rafting, and a helicopter ride over Skippers Canyon. If all that seems a little too thrilling for your taste, try a 4WD tour, which follows off-road trails and makes stops for scenic photo ops, short strolls, and even picnics. 

Come evening, head to Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf—a dining and entertainment precinct near the lake’s edge—where you can enjoy dinner with a view at one of several restaurants and pubs. 

Day 2: Sail, Stroll, and Sip

After an action-packed first day, slow things down with some more leisurely activities. Start with a tour of Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost wine region. Guided wine tours include tastings at cellar doors, and allow visitors to sample pinot noirs and white wines made using riesling, pinot gris, and gewürztraminer grapes—without having to worry about transportation. Lunch, typically in the form of a gourmet sharing platter, is usually included.

Back in town, embark on a cruise aboard a vintage coal-fired steamship. Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can watch sheep-shearing demonstrations, wander around the farm’s lakeside gardens, and dine on an al fresco barbecued feast of roasted meats and seafood while admiring views of the Remarkables mountain range. Look for the stars twinkling overhead during the return boat ride to Queenstown. 

Day 3: Experience Fiordland National Park

Among the most popular day trip destinations from Queenstown is Fiordland National Park, a spectacularly scenic region within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and characterized by high peaks, sheer cliffs, and mirror-clear waters. Most day trips to the park include a sightseeing cruise around either Milford or Doubtful sound, during which you can admire the dramatic scenery and spot wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins. Day trips by bus typically last upward of 12 hours, though there are half-day trips by plane instead. For a closer-to-town day trip with that scenic wow-factor, consider a guided hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Return to Queenstown in time to ride the Skyline gondola up Bob’s Peak for a memorable buffet dinner at the mountaintop Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, where large windows frame views over Queenstown, Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. 

Queenstown forests turn bright with autumn foliage during fall (March–May), as lingering summer heat tapers into cooler weather. Otago Valley wineries buzz with activity when the grape harvest begins in March, and conditions are perfect for a wide range of active adventures. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline sports or sipping local vintages, here’s how to experience Queenstown in the fall.

• Visit Otago Valley wineries for tastings during the grape harvest.
• Look down on fall’s red and yellow forests from the Queenstown Skyline Gondola.
• Cruise Milford Sound on a scenic trip through Fiordland National Park.
• Discover the Dart River by jet boat and “funyak.”
• Take in aerial views of fall colors on a thrilling tandem skydive.
• Travel to remote Doubtful Sound for a beautiful wilderness cruise.
• Explore Lord of the Rings film locations near Queenstown.
• Fly through the air on a zipline tour just outside of town.
• Experience the fall harvest bounty with on-farm dining.
• Touch down on a snowy glacier during a scenic helicopter flight.

Snowy peaks and bluebird skies keep Queenstown buzzing through the winter months of June to August. Ski areas draw an active crowd, but little snow at lower elevations means there’s also white-water rafting, wine tastings, and scenic flights across the Fiordland. Here are a few favorite ways to experience Queenstown in winter.

• Ski or snowboard the Remarkables on a day trip from Queenstown.
• See waterfalls at maximum flow on a Milford Sound cruise.
• Ride the Queenstown Skyline Gondola to a restaurant with mountain views.
• Try tandem skydiving over Queenstown’s gorgeous winter landscape.
• Spot Fiordland crested penguins on a Doubtful Sound cruise.
• Visit Lord of the Rings film locations along Lake Wakatipu.
• Taste local wines on a vineyard tour of the Otago Valley.
• Feast on farm-grown delicacies at the edge of Lake Wakatipu.
• Take off on a scenic helicopter flight with a glacier landing.
• Explore the Shotover River on a high-speed jet-boat ride.

In Queenstown, the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables provide the perfect backdrop for romance. Here are a few ideas for couples planning a getaway to the gateway to New Zealand’s nature.

Soar on a Helicopter to a Private Picnic

There are few things more romantic than taking a helicopter ride to picnic on a glacier. Take a scenic flight for aerial views of Lake Wakatipu, the Richardson Mountains, Cecil Peak, and Fiordland National Park. Tours typically touch down on a scenic plateau, or near a glacier, for a private picnic for two. Add in some Champagne or a cruise on Milford Sound for an extra special day.

Fine Dining with a View

Take the gondola to the Stratosfare Restaurant—located at the summit of Bob’s Peak—to soak up views of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a romantic meal and stay to stargaze after dark. Or, board a vintage steamship for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm; packages typically include a BBQ meal and drinks.

Enjoy an Overnight Cruise

There’s something so romantic about being on the water, especially overnight. Options include crossing Milford Sound to Harrison Cove, or cruising the length of Doubtful Sound. Enjoy the privacy your own cabin as you take in panoramic views, and enjoy a meal and drinks; most tours give you the chance to explore on a kayak or tender.

Savor the Flavors on a Wine Tasting Tour

Wine is an important part of celebrating romance. Spend the day soaking in the views of the Central Otago region while sampling its fine wines, typically accompanied by cheese and gourmet platters. Leave the driving to someone else so you can focus on the experience, and each other.

Summer in Queenstown ushers in long days and plenty of sunshine, so travelers can expect warm weather between December and February. Those temperatures are perfect for outdoor exploring, and adventures abound from the mountains to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. Here’s how to make the most of a summer trip to Queenstown.

• Cruise Milford Sound on a sightseeing cruise.
• Enjoy late-evening light from the Queenstown Skyline Gondola.
• Get aerial views of Fiordland National Park on a scenic flight.
• Paddle the turquoise Dart River in an inflatable “funyak.”
• Dare yourself to try a tandem skydive with unmatched views.
• Board a high-speed jet boat on the gorgeous Shotover River.
• Cruise Doubtful Sound to see an even-more-remote side of Otago.
• Follow in Frodo’s footsteps on a Lord of the Rings tour.
• Try a zipline experience starting at the Skyline Gondola summit.
• Join an Otago wine tour to see vines heavy with ripening grapes.

Queenstown bursts into bloom for a spring that lasts from September to November. Since there’s still snow in the mountains, you can start the day on the slopes, then head to lower altitude for hiking, cycling, and other warm-weather adventures. Here are a few ways to experience Queenstown in spring.

• Visit The Remarkables for spring skiing and snowboarding.
• Cruise Milford Sound to see waterfalls swollen with spring rains.
• Spot flowering trees as you ride the Queenstown Skyline Gondola.
• Take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park.
• Explore the Dart River in an easy-to-paddle “funyak.”
• Catch fast-moving spring water on a Shotover River jet-boat ride.
• See new growth at Otago Valley wineries with a wine-tasting tour.
• Hit high speeds on a luge experience and gondola ride.
• Meet baby lambs on a tour of Walter Peak High Country Farm.
• Watch for penguins on a scenic cruise of remote Doubtful Sound.

Queenstown, the so-called adventure capital of the world and certainly of New Zealand, is the place to try extreme sports and activities, such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting. With two days to spend here, you also have enough time to explore the more peaceful surrounding area. Here’s how to best fill a 48-hour stint in Queenstown. 

Day 1: Sightseeing by Water, Air, and Gondola

**Morning:**Queenstown is surrounded by lakes and rivers that beckon curious travelers. Start day one with a splash on Lake Wakatipu, or the Kawarau or Shotover river. Choose a water-based adventure that suits you, whether it be a leisurely catamaran cruise, a jet-boat excursion, or a white-water sledging experience. 

**Afternoon:**Take to the skies for a helicopter tour from Queenstown. Soar over the Remarkables and the Southern Alps, marveling at the jagged peaks below. Some helicopter tours from Queenstown whisk visitors to faraway destinations, such as the Milford Sound, that may not otherwise be feasible on a 2-day trip.  

**Night:**Back in Queenstown, take the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak. The ride up the mountainside takes only 10 minutes and offers some Instagram-worthy views of Queenstown and beyond. At the top, enjoy dinner with a view at the summit restaurant. 

Day 2:Lord of the Rings, Bungee, and Wine

**Morning:**From Queenstown, it is only a 45-minute drive to Glenorchy, which is known for its stunning lake and mountain scenery.Lord of the Rings filming location tours take visitors to beauty spots in Glenorchy where scenes from the trilogy were shot.

**Afternoon:**There is no better place to attach yourself to an elastic cord and throw yourself off a great height than Queenstown, the birthplace of the bungee jump. Though there are now lots of places in town to go bungee jumping, the original site at Kawarau Suspension Bridge remains one of the best. 

**Night:**After the rush of bungee jumping, you may need a glass of wine to unwind. Depart in late afternoon for a wine tour of Central Otago, pairing local pours with pizza, or prepurchase a tasting voucher for a Queenstown wine lounge, where you can sample multiple varietals plus cheeses and charcuterie.

Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, is a place for nonstop action. Even if you’re here for only one day, you still have plenty of time to squeeze in a few heart-pounding activities—be it bungee jumping, skydiving, luging, or white-water rafting. Here’s how to get the most out of 24 hours in Queenstown. 

Morning: High-Adrenaline Adventures

Queenstown is paradise for thrill-seekers, with a seemingly endless array of pulse-raising pursuits on offer here. Get into the spirit of things by kicking off your day with an out-of-the-ordinary activity. Brace yourself for a bungee jump over the Nevis River, free-fall from a height of up to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) during a tandem skydive, go rafting on the rapids of the Shotover River, speed around Lake Wakatipu and Kawarau River on a jet boat, or ride an all-terrain vehicle around Queenstown Hill.

Afternoon: Slow Down Back in Town

After an exhilarating morning, you’re probably going to want to take it easy with some more laid-back activities. Ride the Skyline gondola up Bob’s Peak, enjoying fabulous views of Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu. Dine at the restaurant at the top and—if you’re still hungry for adventure—fly down the luge track to the bottom of the mountain. 

Back at the base of Bob’s Peak, set off to explore town on a Segway tour or visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, whose aviaries are home to rare native species including black stilts, New Zealand falcons, and kiwis—the fuzzy brown flightless bird that serves as a national symbol.

Night: Lake Cruises and Farm Dinners

Come evening, wind down even more with a visit to the peaceful Walter Peak High Country Farm, a working sheep and cattle farm. Enjoy a scenic evening cruise aboard a vintage steamship before arriving at the farm for a barbecue feast accompanied by a live pianist. After dinner, pull up a stool at the bar to sample New Zealand wine and beer, or take a stroll around the farm and soak up the tranquility of this rural patch of the South Island. 

Queenstown is best known for its electric nightlife, alpine scenery, and adrenaline-pumping activities, but the fun-loving city is also one of the best places on the South Island to sample New Zealand’s delicious cuisine and fine wines. Here are your options for food and wine tours in the area.

Must-Try Dishes and Wines

Queenstown’s restaurant scene has everything from trendy bistros and local cafés to elegant fine dining establishments, and the city’s culinary offerings are as cosmopolitan as its population. The local favorite is a roast dinner of lamb or pork with kumara (sweet potato), but you’ll also find excellent burgers, stonebaked pizzas, tacos, tapas, and sushi. Queenstown’s coastal location means abundant fresh fish and seafood, and menu staples include crayfish, bluff oysters, whitebait, and scallops. End your meal with a delicious pavlova (a dessert of meringue, berries, and cream).

Queenstown resides on the doorstep of the Central Otago wine region, and the Queenstown Wine Trail links some of New Zealand’s top wineries. The region is most famous for its pinot noir red wines, but other popular varietals include chardonnay, riesling, and sauvignon blanc.

Must-Do Experiences

• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and enjoy a traditional New Zealand barbecue lunch accompanied by regional cheeses and wines.

• Ride the Queenstown gondola and enjoy dinner with a view at the mountaintop Stratosfare Restaurant.

• Cycle around the wineries, cellar doors, and vineyards of the Gibbston Valley on a self-guided bike tour.

• Explore the Central Otago wine region on a full-day wine tasting tour and discover the boutique wineries of Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell.

Located alongside shimmering Lake Wakatipu with a magnificent mountain backdrop, Queenstown is better known for its outdoor adventures than its museums. However, artistically minded travelers will find plenty to enjoy in the sweet smattering of local galleries. Here’s where to go to get your art on.

Odyssey Sensory Maze

Make your way through the dozen unique sensory zones that make up this mystery maze. Special lighting effects, unusual scents, optical illusions, and dark spaces challenge and entertain older kids and adults.

**How to Visit:**Prebook your admission to save time and money.

Queenstown Arts Centre

Check out contemporary visual art by local artists in a variety of mediums at this community-based gallery and art studio. In a former high school, the gallery rotates exhibits on a monthly basis. Visit artists at work; take a class; or purchase a painting, a sculpture, or some jewelry or textiles.

**How to Visit:**Stop by on a private walking tour of Queenstown.

The Ivy Box

Set alongside the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, this little gem on Park Street is worth a browse. The art collection is small but excellent, and the gallery—housed in a former butcher shop—is a welcoming space for all visitors.

**How to Visit:**Take a short, scenic walk to the gallery from downtown Queenstown, or rent a bike and cycle the Queenstown Trail. 

Ivan Clarke Gallery

This whimsical gallery features a variety of art by its namesake. Admire the dramatic New Zealand landscapes—and don’t miss the Lonely Dog collection. Art, books, and cards are for sale. 

**How to Visit:**Pass by the gallery on a small-group Segway tour, and stop by later.

The small town of Queenstown has a lot going for it. It's on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, and has year-round attractions.

Start with a tour of the town and surrounding areas. Private and small-group tours are a personalized way of getting to know Queenstown, while tours by Segway let you cover more ground. Helicopter tours are a luxurious way of seeing the sights.

In winter, Queenstown is convenient to the Otago ski fields. The rest of the year, enjoy outdoor and adventure activities such as white-water rafting, hang gliding, hiking, skydiving, and bungee jumping. Travelers seeking a more relaxing experience can take a day tour to the Central Otago wineries, famous for their pinot noirs.

Check out a few more of our suggestions below.

Queenstown is an outdoor adventure playground, with all kinds of activities to keep your kids happy and tire them out. Whether you have teens with a fondness for extreme sports or a toddler who needs age-appropriate adventures, here are a few suggestions for things to do with kids in Queenstown.

• Explore central Queenstown and its surrounding areas along Lake Wakatipu on a Segway tour with older children.
• Take a gentle hike with smaller kids (either in a hiking pack or a stroller) along the edge of Lake Wakatipu.
• Ride the Skyline cable car (locally called the gondola) to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of the town, lake, and mountains.
• When the weather is cold or wet, check out Kiwi Birdlife Park to learn about New Zealand’s native flora and fauna, or get lost at Odyssey Sensory Maze.
• Movie buffs—young and old—can join a day trip to places featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Older kids and parents can join a white-water rafting tour on the Shotover or Kawarau rivers, with various options available to suit all ages and experience level.