Queenstown · 1-DAY TOURS
22 tours
Start at the top and work down. The 15 one-day trips below run from a half day close to town to twelve hours on the road, with what each costs and what you give up for the shorter version.
12-hour Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise with onboard tea, viewing decks, lunch, and chances at rainforest waterfalls and wildlife.
“love love loved the tour. Pick up effortless driver full of knowledge cruise amazing. If you have never been to milford sounds do your best to get there it is so beautiful and serene.”
Cruise Lake Manapouri, ride over Wilmot Pass, then enjoy a 3-hour catamaran on Doubtful Sound with wildlife spotting.
“It was accessible for my sister with a walker and all the staff were kind and accomodating.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with guaranteed window seats, then enjoy a 2-hour cruise to Mitre Peak and waterfalls.
“Milford Sound from the air is absolutely unforgettable. I was blessed with perfect weather on the day of my visit, and taking the plane was definitely the right choice. The aerial views were truly breathtaking, even more so than the cruise, and the whole experience was very efficient and smooth. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Milford Sound – it’s an experience you really shouldn’t miss.”
Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with a glass-roof coach, photo stops, and a 2-hour wildlife cruise with live nature guides.
“The whole day was just a great experience! Our driver Danny was incredibly helpful and kind, educating us on the history of the towns we drove past or visited as well as the environment around us. I would highly recommend this tour and especially with RealNZ and if you can choose your driver choose Danny!!”
Milford Sound from Queenstown by premium glass-roof coach and a 2-hour nature cruise, with stops for photos, waterfalls, and wildlife.
“It was a superb day. Junior, the driver, was knowledgeable and friendly. He ran a tight ship which allowed the tour to run smoothly. At the port, there seemed a lack of organisation as to where people would queue. This led to two queues forming.”
Te Anau to Milford Sound by glass-roof coach and a 2-hour cruise, with photo stops, live guide talk, and a bar onboard.
“Our guide was excellent and very informative.. Heaps of fun.”
Queenstown day trip to Doubtful Sound: cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass rainforest, then enjoy 3 quiet hours on the fiord.
“very comfortable coach with a great tourguide, Brian had the perfect balance of great information and opportunity to just enjoy the spectacular scenery in peace. The transfers were quick and smooth.”
Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail from Clyde to Auripo, past the 37m Poolburn Viaduct, tunnels, bridges, cafes, and a tavern stop.
“No better way to see and experience the Central Otago region - the team at BikeItNow were brilliant, the bikes were all set up perfectly and ready to go. Couldn’t ask for a better day. Thanks to Lisa and all the crew.”
Christchurch to Queenstown in one day via Tekapo, Pukaki, and Mt Cook, with Fairlie pie lunch and small-group comfort.
“Lynette was very nice and helpful. We are happy with the tour and the experience she has excellent driving skills”
Jet boat speed, a Funyak canoe paddle, and wilderness lunch in Mt Aspiring National Park from Queenstown with transfers.
“JJ and Matt were friendly and knowledgeable. I had a small back strain and JJ cheerfully made sure I was comfortable and not in danger of further injuring myself. The scenery was gorgeous and we got a good amount of time out on the river, with some nice landmark guidance should we want to go back out in the area for activities like the Routeburn Track. Even the drives between Queenstown and Glenorchy were beautiful and the driver pleasant. Glenorchy was charming and I would have gladly spent another couple of hours hiking nearby if I had had the time.”
A single-day, multiple entry pass to Tekapo Springs hot pools, with lake views, three temperatures, and a calm adults-only space.
“Wonderful to soak in the hot water after a busy day. Adequate seating areas in the pool, including in the center. Lockers for rent to stow personal belongings away if needed. Disappointed that the middle pool and also a smaller pool to the right hand side of the entry were closed. The large middle pool was being renovated with scaffolding everywhere which affected the beautiful views and from the lower pool (35 degrees Celsius), one had to stand up to see them. The best view would be from the middle (37 degree C ) pool and the upper pool (38 degrees C). There was another pool closed off though I…”
A half-day coach trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy with comfy seating, Maori mythology stories, and 1.5 hours to walk by Lake Wakatipu.
“one of the best tours we’ve been on ! Guide was super friendly and even made extra stops for us because he had time ! Really knowledgeable and welcoming and would highly recommend it to everyone ! Made our morning (: It’s a short and fulfilling tour !”
Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook day trip with glacier views and a self-guided Hooker Valley walk, plus snacks, WiFi, and photo stops.
“A drive to see the area around Mount Cook, with the opportunity to complete several walks and see the glacier and other locations. Driver was informative and checked people knew the walks to suit them and the weather. Free water and snacks, walking sticks available. Nine hour trip. Good chance to be free to see more than driving in own car.”
Small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with a 2-hour cruise and 40-min flight back over Lake Wakatipu.
“Our guide, Shelly, was incredibly knowledgeable about the Milford sound, and the fjord area. As her family is from the area and her grandfather built the road she shared stories of its history and took us for a bush walks. Highly recommend. Ask for Shelly!!”
Fly Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook. See Mount Cook summit plus Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman glaciers, then enjoy 5 hours on the ground.
“The scenic flight with Will was amazing. We circled the Frank Josef, Fox and Tasman glaciers several times and experienced Mt Cook and other awe-inspiring views as we waited on a weather hold due to cloud cover over the Mt Cook airport. Will’s commentary was entertaining and informative, even while he was a bit stressed by the weather. We had a literal last chance landing at the airport and Will skillfully put us gently on the ground then delivered us to the start of the Hooker Valley Track for our fantastic trek to the Hooker Lake. After our fabulous 3 hour hike, Will collected us precisely on time, dropped us…”
