Queenstown · PRIVATE
40 tours
The Southern Lakes reward a little planning, and private tours are where a first trip usually goes wrong. These 15 are the ones worth the money, with prices, running times and who each one suits.
Private Milford Sound day tour from Te Anau with pickup, a 2-hour Cruise Milford cruise, Fiordland stops, and a scenic Lake Te Anau ride.
“It was definitely a wonderful tour despite the not so wonderful weather. Nigel was a wonderful guide and always make sure we are well situated.”
Private day tour from Queenstown to Arrowtown and Wanaka via Gibbston Valley and Crown Range Road, with pickup, photo stops, and free time.
“Wayne was a great guide. We saw a lot in s short amount of time. The scenery was stunning. Well worth it!”
Stargaze at Cowan’s Private Observatory in Lake Tekapo Park, with sheltered crater views, expert-led telescope time, and dark-sky comfort.
“Weather bad, so couldn't go out, but indoor experience was nice. After the indoor explanation, they sky became clear, so I could see the stars by going into to countryside.”
Private self drive ATV on Kingston’s X Track near Queenstown. 30 minutes in a Can-Am Maverick X3 Max Turbo for $173.
“Awesome fun, highly recommended. Took my 14y/o daredevil daughter for a spin as a passenger and she couldn't get enough. The Can Am's are an excellent bit of off road kit and are really fast and really safe. The 40min drive out and back to Kingston from Queenstown is also super scenic and worth doing on it's own”
Private 4-hour Queenstown to Arrowtown tour with honey farm tastings, Lake Wakatipu views, and Lord of the Rings stops. Pickup included.
“Half Day of fun with honey, cheese, wine, and icecream. We saw a lot of different sites and ended the day with an hour in Arrowtown where we could do what we wanted to.”
A private Queenstown wine tour with hotel pickup, a luxury ride, lunch, and Central Otago tastings, plus a Gibbston stop.
“John was great personable, knowledgeable, and flexible. The tastings at the vineyards we visited we were excellent. Lunch was an experience!”
Private 10-hour LOTR day from Queenstown with two guides, movie-location stops, licensed weapon props, scripts, tea and snacks. Return 6pm.
“Highlight of my time in Queenstown. The full day is actually run by 2 different companies but that turned out pretty well as I got to spend time with Annie in the morning and then Dan in the afternoon. Both fantastic guides who clearly enjoy what they do. No better way to spend the day.”
Half-day private Gibbston wine tour from Queenstown with pickup, tasting up to 20 wines, a scenic lesson stop, and platter pairing.
“This was one of the best experiences we had on our trip! It is also one of the best wine tours we have been on. Susana is an extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide. Her relationships with the various wineries lead to excellent tasting exRead more”
Private Queenstown photo tour with a pro photographer, 4WD pickup, early light stops, and hands-on camera settings across the Southern Lakes.
“Martin was our guide and was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Our entire group had a fantastic time as Martin showed us wonder after wonder traveling through the deserts, forests, and lakes of NZ. Martin shared with us so many hRead more”
Heli to Cecil Peak for a champagne picnic above Lake Wakatipu, pilot narration, gourmet food, and pickup from Frankton, small group up to 6.
“We did this for my wife’s 60th birthday. It was really special and the views were stunning. We’d do it again.”
Private 4WD photo tour from Queenstown to Arrowtown and either Skippers Canyon or Glenorchy, coached by Aiste.
“I will highly recommend this tour. Aiste is an awesome guide and photographer. She took us to all the beautiful places ( family of 4) and clicked some amazing pictures. She was very patient and showed us everything possible. After the tour Read more”
Private Skippers Canyon photo adventure from Queenstown with pickup, pro guidance, camera settings handouts, and gold-mining views on a half-day ride.
“Martin is the best guide I have ever met. He is a professional landscape photographer. He shared a lot of photography tips with us. He has a strong passion about landscaping photography. He is very knowledgeable about the local history. Read more”
Private Glenorchy day trip from Queenstown for up to 4. Custom stops, red shed, optional walks, and Paradise Road views.
“Excellent tour. Jay was very knowledgeable and took us all the best spots. Also A great photographer.”
Private Wanaka day trip from Queenstown with Arrowtown, Cardrona, Cromwell and Lake Wanaka. Customizable comfort for up to 4.
“Superb trip and superb Guide Vibhas..So cool , he even customised this trip to our needs and even showed the extra spots not mentioned in the itinerary.. may your venture grow well guys .”
Private Queenstown photo tour with 4WD coaching by Martin Kohn, flexible routes across Southern Lakes and Central Otago. 5 hours.
“Martin was absolutely wonderful! It was so refreshing to be on a photography focused tour where I had the time to get the perfect shot in each location. He was very knowledgable about all areas and types of photography and even helped Read more”
