The 15 Best Things to Book in Queenstown

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The 45-Minute Crossing to Walter Peak

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95Our pick

Take a 45-minute cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous BBQ buffet, lakeside gardens, and a lively sheep-shearing and farm-dog show featuring working dogs such as Echo and Kim.

“We are so happy we booked this tour for our last day in Queenstown. The food was amazing - could not have asked for anything better. I am a vegetarian and had such a full plate to eat and my husband says the meats were cooked to perfection. The service of the workers both on the steamboat and at the farm were fantastic. I can’t recommend this enough!”

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1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

2.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,592 reviews · from $144

Spend about 12 hours traveling from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a local driver-guide, scenic stops, lunch, and a cruise through Fiordland. Expect a long but rewarding road journey, three viewing decks, free tea, waterfalls, rainforest, and possible seals, dolphins, or penguins.

“it was great overall. from the tour guide and all the new things you learn about the heritage of the lands and how things have changed over the many years.”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Tour Reviews

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

3.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Top rated

Take a 25-minute Shotover River jet boat ride through narrow canyon walls, white-water rapids, and rocky bends. Your driver adds 360-degree spins and local stories, while a downtown Queenstown shuttle handles the return trip. The boat carries a small group, with rides led by drivers such as Peter, Joe, Paul, and Matt.

“This is awesome. Totally easy and a ton of fun. This specific jet boat tour is clearly the one to do. A short scenic drive up to the launch point, is worth it vs. just being in Queenstown harbor area. The captain was great fun, and highly experiencRead more”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Tour Reviews

Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

4.Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,416 reviews · from $235

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a Mercedes van with up to 15 people, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. Your local guide, such as Chelsea, James, Katy, or Thomas, leads the day, with lunch, WiFi, hot drinks, and a nature cruise included.

“Great day taking in the NZ scenery! Milford Sound was stunning even on an overcast day…the long drive was worth it!”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Tour Reviews, Tours

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

5.Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $462

True South Flights takes you from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, where you board a roughly two-hour cruise before flying back by another route. Expect window seats, pilot commentary, hotel pickup from selected central hotels, and pilots such as Luke, Andrew, Michael, and Tanmay.

“Amazing scenic flight and cruise with True South to Milford Sound - so impressed with the friendly and professional staff and our pilot Jason who ensured we were well informed with key commentary on the flight over to Milford Sound. The aerial view of flying over Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and the first glimpses of Milford Sound is a memory we will hold for a lifetime - just breathtaking! The cruise on Southern Discoveries was great with lots of information shared on the local area, history and moved at a pace that allowed us to take photos and enjoy the amazing ambience and beautiful sights. Thank you and highly recommend…”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Queenstown Whitewater Rafting, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

6.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a one-hour, 45-kilometre ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 km/h, 360-degree spins, heated handrails, river scenery, and a lively English-speaking pilot such as Reuben, Charles, Sam, or Jack.

“exciting, adrenaline filled and memorable..we absolutely loved it”

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1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

7.Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,558 reviews · 5 hours · from $447

Fly from Queenstown over Fiordland National Park, land near Milford Sound, and cruise for two hours beneath Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. Every passenger gets a window seat. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Kirk are known for clear commentary, but weather can delay or cancel flights.

“Absolutely incredible adventure! I am so glad I chose the flight over the bus tour. Some of the most amazing views from above and in the water! Our pilot Mike was exceptional even through some turbulent conditions. Well worth it!”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Wakatipu Cruises, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

8.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,462 reviews · from $49Best value

Take a 90-minute cruise from Queenstown’s Beach Street jetty to the end of Lake Wakatipu and back. Captain-led commentary covers local history and scenery, with views of Queenstown Gardens, Kelvin Heights, Kawarau Falls Dam, the Remarkables, birdlife, and lakeside homes. Choose the heated cabin or outdoor seating.

“Boat was warm and comfortable with friendly skipper and crew. Good selection of drinks from the bar. Unfortunately the weather was very cold and wet with limited visibility. On a clear sunny day this would be a five star review.”

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Queenstown Skydiving, Tour Reviews

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

9.NZONE Skydive Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,438 reviews · from $222

Join NZONE Skydive for a tandem jump above Queenstown, choosing 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet. After a safety briefing and coach ride, your instructor guides you through the aircraft flight, free-fall, parachute descent, and landing. Photos and video are optional extras.

“This was truly one of the best things I have done in my life! I’m actually scared of heights, but did the 12,000 foot jump and was not scared at all. It was a beautiful day, I had absolute confidence in my jump master, and the whole thing was incredibly exhilarating, enjoyable and fun. I will do it again ! My teenagers had the time of their lives- this is a must do activity in Queenstown. This operation is so incredibly professional - I had no doubt about the safety and competence of the entire team. Thank you NZone for giving me one of the most fun and memorable days…”

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1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

10.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,417 reviews · from $152

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof, air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide, photo stops, and a two-hour cruise. Expect a full 12-hour day, dramatic waterfalls, possible seals and dolphins, and helpful guides such as Danny, Dean, or Paulie.

“Grand the tour guide was so friendly and kind all the moment. It was a pleasure this trip with him.”

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Lord of the Rings Tours from Queenstown, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

11.Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,285 reviews · from $123

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy in a small group of up to 11, stopping at LOTR filming sites, Isengard, Glenorchy Wharf, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and private Arcadia Station. Guides such as Amy, Dan, Tristan, Max, and Solomon mix movie detail with local stories. Costumes and swords make great photos.

“Absolutely beautiful day and tour around the South Island from Queenstown to see so many LOTR film locations, as well as iconic vistas! The road to Glenorchy is a must and we had the best tour guide in Tom who knew so much about the mRead more”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Wakatipu Cruises, Tour Reviews, Walter Peak Farm Cruises from Queenstown

Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

12.TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,255 reviews · 1h 30m · from $68

Spend 90 minutes aboard Queenstown’s TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired Edwardian steamship. Walk the decks, visit the wheelhouse and museum, watch stokers feed the fire, and enjoy Lake Whakatipu’s mountain views. Commentary is in English, with drinks and snacks available to buy onboard.

“The only disappointment in the tour is the number of tourists, some of whom didn't behave properly. :)”

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Tour Reviews, Tours

Queenstown Segway Tour

13.Queenstown Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,235 reviews · from $61

Learn to ride a Segway with guide Kevin, then cruise from One Mile Car Park along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Bay, and Queenstown Gardens. Choose a one-hour bay ride or two-hour route with extra trails, hills, scenic stops, and a brief off-Segway activity. Small groups are limited to eight.

“Saw so much in our 1 hour ride. Was taken through all the main parts of the city with little stopping. Most of the time spent sight seeing”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

14.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

Hold tight for a 25-minute Shotover Jet ride through rapids, rocky banks, and narrow canyons. Your English-speaking driver handles high-speed runs and 360-degree spins, with commentary on local history, geology, and Māori culture. Add the Queenstown shuttle if you prefer not to drive.

“It was a fun experience! It includes a good mix of thrill and getting to view the scenery. Be warned that the wind is quite fast and cold, so dress warm and maybe wear a ski mask if you are sensitive to fast winds. We got to do a lot of fun 360s and the seats were very comfortable!”

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BBQ, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Wakatipu Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Walter Peak Farm Cruises from Queenstown

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

15.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,196 reviews · from $98

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm, ideally aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy a chef-prepared BBQ buffet, lakeside views, and a live sheep shearing and sheepdog show before returning across Lake Wakatipu. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours and costs $98.67 per person.

“The lake view during the cruise was quite beautiful, and the BBQ lunch was nice! They got all kinds of meat, so don’t miss it if you are a meat lover!”

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