Explore: Queenstown

Welcome to Queenstown

Renowned for its adrenaline inducing activities Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of The Remarkables Mountain Range. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. Spend time on the Gibbston wine trail and end with a meal at Michelin star chef Josh Emett’s restaurant, Rata. Take a trip down memory lane on a 100 year old steamship the TSS Earnslaw. Soak in the scenery on your walk around the lake, or venture further afield into Fiordland National Park. Head over the hill to resort town Wanaka, or re-live scenes from Lord Of The Rings by four wheel drive. But - if you really do want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon swing or Zip line the Gondola. Just be sure it's done on an empty stomach  – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

(Group Tour)

During this full-day tour you will travel into Tolkien's Middle - earth and discover the mystical lands that inspired the Lord of the Rings movies. You will visit signature scenes shot around Queenstown area. You will travel to Glenorchy and visit Paradise Forest (the forest of Middle-earth). After then, you will return to Queenstown for lunch followed by Arrowtown and Gibbston before finishing in Skippers Canyon.
Content of the tours includes the settings for The Ford of Bruinen, Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings, the exodus from Edoras, Warg Battle, Misty Mountains, Ithilien Camp, Oliphants, Caradhras, Lothlorien, Fangorn, Gap of Rohan, Isengard, Dunharrow and many backgrounds to the scenes.
The tour includes: morning and afternoon tea, light lunch, local guide + commentary
Duration: 9.5 hours

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Following the shores of Lake Wakatipu south the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach township of Kingston. Then into Southland and rolling fertile farm country. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand and into Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Passing Te Anau you joining the Milford Road which takes you to Milford Sound.  This stretch of road has countless photo opportunities and short walks. The Mirror Lakes create perfectly clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and glacier formed meadows.  Further along the road The Chasm Walk includes two walking bridges over the dramatic Cleddau River, while the surrounding ancient native beech forest creates a fascinating landscape. You'll pass through the Homer Tunnel, an incredible feat of engineering at 1219 metres long. Milford Sound is the only sound accessible by road, making it very popular to visit. Coming into the village you'll be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak which rises spectacularly from the waters up to the sky. Real Journey cruises can take you out into the sound where you'll receive a wealth of information on how this magnificent area has been formed and experience first-hand the multitude of waterfalls that line the fiord.

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise

(Group tour)

The Milford Mariner offers you a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience on Milford Sound. Onboard the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Accompanied by a nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the day's activities, you enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.
The vessel itself was designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage. Departing from the Milford Wharf, the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea leisurely exploring on the way many points of interest, there is plenty of time to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife and the experienced nature guide on board will be able to answer any questions you may have. After reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel returns to the calm and shelter of Harrison Cove for your overnight stay.

Return to Queenstown while visiting Mavora Lakes

LOTR locations such as:

• • Fangorn Forest

  • The Silverload River

  • Nen Hithoel

  • Amon Hen

  • And more!

Everything Queenstown Private Tour

Tour duration is approximately 4 hours.

Visit Queenstown's most popular and iconic landmarks in this incredible private experience with Remarkables Scenic Tours. Take off with your guide and journey to Arrowtown to explore the Chinese Village, with time to explore the shops and relax. If you enjoy wine, get taken to a winery in the Gibbston Valley, Central Otago's premier wine region, stopping at the best photo locations along the way. Learn about history and culture, discover hidden gems and listen to captivating stories from your local and knowledgeable guide.
Duration: approx. 4 hours

Queenstown to Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park 

Leaving Queenstown you'll head through the Kawarau Gorge and over the historic Kawarau Bridge, a popular bungy jumping location. Choose to participate in this daredevil sport or watch others instead. Continue through Gibbston home to some of the best wines in the country. Follow the gorge to arrive in Cromwell, known for its many fruit orchards. Cromwell was completely submerged when the Clyde Dam was built and Lake Dunstan was established in 1992, the remnants of the old Cromwell town provide a unique snapshot into the history of this area. Head over through the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads, with the summit reaching 971 metres. Its tussock-covered hills are a barren but beautiful sight as you descend into the Mackenzie Basin. You'll go through the towns of Omarama and Twizel, the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Aoraki Mt Cook Highway to arrive in the small village.

View Pelennor Fields and the site used for the back drop of Minas Tirith.

Walking Track in Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park - suggested activity

Many short scenic walks begin in and around the Aoraki-Mt Cook Village, suitable for all ages and abilities. Located within the Aoraki-Mount Cook Village you will find the Department of Conservation information centre, where updates on the track conditions and suitability are available as well as information on the history of the area and its wildlife.

Today, you will travel with your private driver from Aoraki/Mt Cook to Christchurch. As you leave Mount Cook Village, you’ll drive along the stunning shores of Lake Pukaki, where the towering peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop. Continuing your journey, you’ll pass through the picturesque Mackenzie Country before reaching Lake Tekapo. Here, you can take in the striking blue waters and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Descending Burkes Pass, you’ll enter the charming little towns of Farlie and Geraldine, a perfect place for a short stop. From here, the landscape gradually changes as you make your way towards Christchurch, where your journey concludes.

Suggested Activity

Explore: Christchurch

New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it's known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. Christchurch is also known for many great restaurants, with the local delicacy being fresh-caught crayfish.