Queenstown · NATIONAL PARKS
15 tours
Out of 15 national park day trips covered here, these 15 earn a place in a Queenstown week. Each entry carries the current price, how much of the day it takes, and the detail the booking page glosses over.
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.”
Jet boat from Te Anau to Lake Manapouri via the Upper Waiau River, with LoTR filming spots, warm gear, spins, and a nature walk.
“Words can’t describe how beautiful this place is!! Not only we got to do super fun spins but we got to see one of the most beautiful parts of the world! Our guide was great fun and very informative. We then went on a little nature walk through what I thought was a magical Forrest!! This is a must!!”
Dart River jet boat from Glenorchy with a naturalist guide, Mt Aspiring National Park views, and Queenstown pickup options.
“Fun experience. Definitely get the splash jacket because the way back is chilly if you are wet. Driver Andrew made the route interesting.”
Full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass, with wildlife spotting and a signature engines-off moment.
“Its a full day activity including boat+bus+ bigger boat and return wonderfull views and animals at sea”
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.”
A full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau, via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass, with live onboard commentary and wildlife spotting.
“Quite an expensive trip due to all the travelling involved. From Te Anau, 20 minutes by bus to Manapouri, then 45 minutes by boat to West Arm, then 60 minutes by coach to Deep Cove, then a 2 and a half hour cruise by boat which travels dowRead more”
Jet boat speed on Matukituki River, then a guided walk in Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka i-Site.
“The fact that you are in this wide marvelous mountain surroundings, on the water, moving further into the valley and towards the high mountains, makes you feel in aw and humble. It was also a nice walk into the beech forest to a waterfall.”
Travel from Queenstown to remote Doubtful Sound by coach, ferry, and catamaran, with live commentary and wildlife chances in Fiordland.
“Super wonderful experience and once in a lifetime unforeseen adventure and surroundings. Highly recommend. Thanks”
Queenstown jet boat adventure on glacier-fed Dart River with guides sharing Maori legends and Lord of the Rings scenes. Jackets included.
“It was a great time, but I'd recommend doing your best to try to schedule on a day with little to no rain in the forecast.”
4 hours of jet boat thrills and a guided wilderness walk near Mount Aspiring, with glacier views, film locations, and shuttle service.
“Awesome experience! Bit expensive maybe, but after the 3hrs + of Jetboat and forest walk, I don't regret paying at all! Must do if you're staying in Wanaka!”
A 30-minute helicopter scenic flight from Te Anau over the Kepler Mountains, with a mountain tarn landing and big Fiordland views.
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.”
Fly over Mt. Aspiring, hike the Siberia River, then blast back by jet boat from the Wilkin Valley near Wanaka.
“Wauw, the flight in was absolutely beautiful, excellent pilot! Good hike, and really fun jetboat trip”
Private 4WD Cass Valley tour from Lake Tekapo with merino sheep, braided rivers, and backcountry scenery, plus tea, snacks, and local chat.
“Great offroad drive up one of the valleys. Some information about the region and its people/culture. And lovely talks about anything and everything for the rest of the way. Very kid friendly!”
3-hour 4WD Cass Valley tour from Lake Tekapo, with private Merino farm access, tea stop, rare birds, and Southern Alps views.
“The guide Cristina was absolutely fantastic. Great tour through the wilderness with awesome views.”
