Category Tour Reviews

Queenstown · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Queenstown

667 tours

Queenstown packs a fiord, a wine valley, four ski fields and the world’s first bungy bridge into about an hour’s drive. Below are the 15 bookings that beat everything else on the lake right now: what each costs, how long it takes and who it suits, with the full catalogue underneath if none of them fits your week.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - Hotel transfers and the start point that keeps your day on track

1.Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,001 reviews · from $216Our pick

Small group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with hotel pickup, scenic stops, and a 2-hour cruise to Mitre Peak.

“This experience was amazing! Our tour guide made multiple stops along the way to space out the trip and allow everyone to get some incredible pictures. He had some great facts to share along the way. There was a big storm the night before so we were worried they might cancel the trip but they assured us we were still good to go. Highly recommend this tour company!”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - Mitre Peak, Waterfalls, and the UNESCO Factor

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - TSS Earnslaw vs Spirit of Queenstown: Choosing the Right Dining Cruise

3.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

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

Queenstown’s Walter Peak BBQ cruise bundles a Lake Whakatipu ride, wood-fired gourmet buffet, and a farm dog and sheep show.

“The whole trip was excellent a lovely trip on the steam boat followed by a delicious varied lunch and then a very interesting talk and display of sheep shearing. Would thoroughly recommend.”

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Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - Entering the cave system: limestone, low ceilings, and loud water

4.Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,611 reviews · 2h 15m · from $77

Lake Te Anau cruise and guided cave walk end in a pitch-black glowworm boat ride, hot drinks, and Fiordland geology tips.

“Amazing experience which exceeded my expectations. The check in process in Te Anau was simple. The 30 minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau was via a very comfortable catarmaran. The views of the South Fiord and the Lake were spectacular. But the glow worm caves were the star attraction and they did not disappoint. We went into the caves in small groups of 12. The caves themselves were gorgeous and lighted to accent the rock formations. The river coursing throw the caves was crystal clear with waterfalls. We boarded a small boat to see the cave walls covered in glow worms. Something out of a fairy tale. There was…”

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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip - Road to Milford Sound: how the coach ride becomes part of the show

5.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

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

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.”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - The 2-hour route: Mitre Peak, the lighthouse, then deeper into the fiord

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - Timing, Check-In, and On-Site Details You’ll Care About

7.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

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

A high-speed Shotover River jet boat with 360 spins, canyon runs, and local stories from a small group capped at 12.

“We had a blast on the river shotover boat! It was really cool to be in the canyon and be on the river. It looks like they also have tours on the lake but we thought it was super fun to be on the river. We all loved doing this tour and felt very safe yet it was definitely a thrill ride!”

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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise - The long drive: Queenstown to Te Anau and Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown - The Scenic Flight Over the Southern Alps: Window Seats and Real-World Views

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

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

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise about 1h45m, and return by air for Southern Alps views plus hotel pickup.

“10/10 experience! The most amazing views of the NZ alps and Milford Sound. Views from the air and then by sea gave me the full experience. Coming into land at Milford Airport was one of the best experiences of my life. My pilot, Daniel was fantastic. Talked us through the flights, the views and any bumpy parts of the journey! He helped make the trip so special. I am a 33 year old, female, solo traveller and found everyone very welcoming, caring and lovely.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Lake Wakatipu speed run, where the views still make sense

From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip - Crossing Wilmot Pass by bus: big angles, wet rainforest, and quick picture breaks

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

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat - The 30-40 Minutes Over Central Otago and Fiordland: What You Actually See

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

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

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.”

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2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - The 2-Hour Route, From Milford Sound to the Open Ocean

13.2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,520 reviews · from $104

2-hour Milford Sound scenic cruise on a smaller boat, see Mitre Peak and waterfalls, spot fur seals and penguins, free tea or coffee.

“This is the 2nd time I’ve taken family members on this cruise. The Captain took great pride and care to entertain us and explore Milford Sound. Because Mitre Peak Cruises uses smaller vessels, they are able to get up close and personal with wildlife and demonstrations. Ever ride a cruise boat bow under a waterfall? We did! See a mother fur seal with her pup? We did! How about a Crested Penguin? We saw one also! Great explanations, interesting facts and information regarding history and biodiversity. Ask and see why the color of the water changes from inside the sound and the Tasman Sea. I would highly recommend this cruise…”

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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes) - Photo Ops That Feel Real, Not Forced

14.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

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

Enjoy a 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise from Queenstown with live captain commentary, photo stops, and heated comfort plus optional drinks.

“Relaxing, informative and entertaining. Excellent value for money. A very friendly and welcoming captain and assistant.”

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NZONE Skydive Queenstown

NZONE Skydive Queenstown - The Coach Route: Remarkables Ski Area, Glenorchy, Then Back to Town

15.NZONE Skydive Queenstown

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

Tandem parachute jump in Queenstown, up to 15,000 feet over Lake Wakatipu. Transfers included, pick your height, buy photos after.

“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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