Best of Queenstown 7 days

Suggested activities

Explore: Queenstown and surrounds

Celebrated as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown offers much more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.

Suggested activities

Adventure: Fly Cruise Fly Milford Sound

Fly to Milford Sound and experience the vast and dramatic alpine scenery of Fiordland National Park. Get up close and personal with Milford Sound on a leisurely cruise of this spectacular, famous fiord. Thrill in the spray from thundering waterfalls, marvel at sky-high peaks and marvel at lush rainforest as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative, and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience this natural wonder.

World Famous: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and farm tour

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.

After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals.

Suggested activity

Explore: Arrowtown and Wanaka Private Tour

Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka on a private tour from Queenstown that explores the local history in one of New Zealand’s most exciting adventure destinations. You’ll have time to stroll Wanaka’s main street and view the iconic Wanaka Tree, and visit the famous Cardrona Hotel for a drink.

Tour the old gold mining town of Arrowtown; with its quaint shops, world-class restaurants and amazing history it’s like stepping onto a movie set. Your guide will regale you with tales of old and gold, and give you free time to shop and explore at your own pace.

Nature: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Take in the tranquillity of remote Doubtful Sound on this unique overnight wilderness cruise. Accommodation is in a private cabin with an ensuite bathroom or a quad-share bunk room with shared bathroom facilities. As you take in the stunning scenery of the fiord, you'll enjoy a running commentary about the area and its history, points of interest, and wildlife. You'll have the opportunity to see dolphins, fur seals, and – if you're lucky – rare Fiordland penguins. Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender or, if you're really brave, take a dip in the water. In the evening, enjoy a three-course buffet dinner prepared on board and served in the dining saloon.

Suggested activities

Food and Wine: Private Boutique Wine Tour

For the more discerning wine lover, or simply people who prefer the flexibility of a private tour. Join a local, senior wine guide on a wine-tasting journey to some of New Zealand's most memorable vineyards, at your own pace. You'll have your guide's local knowledge and familiarity with Central Otago's thriving wine region at your disposal, over this intimate half-day tour.

World Famous: Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls.

Adventure: Helicopter Flight to the Earnslaw Burn

Fly over schist-covered slopes with birds' eye views of Queenstown’s historical gold mining sites on the way to this incredible landing site. A filming location for LOTR’s The Hobbit, it was recently featured on TV’s Travel Guides.

After landing on the valley floor, with the blue ice of the Earnslaw Glacier towering above, you can explore and spot the astounding number of waterfalls spilling down the valley walls.

Suggested activities

Adventure: Skyline Gondola

In the heart of Queenstown, located 450 meters above the town in the Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve is the Skyline Complex. A gondola ride to the summit makes for awe-inspiring views of the city surroundings.

Adventure NZSki: One Day Lift, Lesson & Rental Pack

Available in winter (July-September) only.

This is a one-day activity designed for anyone who has skied or snowboarded before, and can be used at either The Remarkables or Coronet Peak. Under the expertise of your Snowsports instructors, you'll build on your basic skills, grow in confidence on challenging terrain, and iron out any bad habits.

It’s time to leave or journey onto the North Island for the second part of your New Zealand vacation. 

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