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Day trips from Queenstown
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes by
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Passes by
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
12
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Milford Sound
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Stops with short walks
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
- Small-group experience (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
148 ratings
96
36
10
1
5
Guests from Australia, United States, India and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
LIU,
Apr 2025Verified booking
1.The driver & captain introduced the views very clearl ! 2.Milford sounds very beautiful! 3.There are many places to visit during the trip!
Zarir
Jun 2025Verified booking
Lynette was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the history of the region and the stops and locations were wonderful.
Christine
Apr 2025Verified booking
I had the vegetarian pie and must say that it was inedible. The filling consisted of some mushed up vegetables and was without any kind of seasoning. I had also thought that there would be walks to speak of. Instead we were dropped of somewhere and picked up again 10 minutest later by the driver at the other end of the carpark. You should not include these kind of walks in the tour description. It is misleading.
Ires
Apr 2025Verified booking
everything was excellent from the staffs and the scenery too
NANA
May 2025Verified booking
Sian
May 2025Verified booking
Celina
May 2025Verified booking
Luca
May 2025Verified booking
Aichun
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jinky
Apr 2025Verified booking
Achini
Apr 2025Verified booking
Wai
Apr 2025Verified booking
Huiwen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Katherine
Apr 2025Verified booking
Tanja
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ferdinand
Mar 2025Verified booking
Charity
Mar 2025Verified booking
Tal
Mar 2025Verified booking
LIN,
Mar 2025Verified booking
Aman
Mar 2025Verified booking
Curtis
Apr 2025Verified booking
Air nz turned the plane around and the head out staff offered no help or adjustment of tour and left us out to dry was fucking bullshit, head out kept all the money paid and said not our problem the plane was turned around and because it was less than 24hr notice they couldnt do shit!! We were in the fucking air how were we suppose to contact headout in the notice period when air nz made the call to turn around!!?? I will not be recommending using head out at all!!! I will tell everyone to avoid them!!!
Xiguo
Feb 2025Verified booking
The view is awesome. The travel guide Jeff was excellent. He explained the history and all relevant information to Milford sound, which made our trip a remarkable experience.
Marc
Jan 2025Verified booking
Scarlet, the busdriver to Milford was amazing. What we didn't lile was the glassroof of the bus, which let so much sum through. If you buy a glassroof the next time, please make sure you order an option to block the sun.
Gloria
Jan 2025Verified booking
I liked that we got a very experienced driver and guide. It was an older gentleman who was very clear about the expectations during the whole trip. He was very kind and gracious to talk to us about any aspect of the country and culture we had questions about. He was very professional and his time to provide a one-of -a kid experience was very much appreciated.
KONSTANTINOS
Feb 2025Verified booking
Everything was very good. I had a very good and unique experience. I would gladly do it again!
This review is translated. Show original review.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your flight from Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, known for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Passes by
Central Otago
Lake Wakatipu
Mt Aspiring National Park
Fiordland National Park
5
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)
- Small-group experience
- Round-trip flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
- One-way coach to Milford Sound (if option selected)
- Return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
- A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.
- This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.7
38 ratings
31
5
0
1
1
Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
John
May 2025Verified booking
Milford Sound Flights needed to cancel our booked morning trip, but managed to get us in on the afternoon trip. Much appreciated.
Seyyedmehdi
Apr 2025Verified booking
Clayton
Apr 2025Verified booking
Beiting
Feb 2025Verified booking
Everything is amazing. A comfortable trip within only 5 hours driving from Queen's town. The plane is extremely amazing. The scenery is beautiful. Enjoy myself whole day.
HYOJI
Jan 2025Verified booking
Smooth and pleasant flight with phenomenal views of mountain chains. The milfordsound cruise was not too busy. Could see a penguin swiming in ocean, seals enjoying sun bathing. Perfect day! Lovely experience!
Philippus
Mar 2025Verified booking
Christopher
Mar 2025Verified booking
Andre
Feb 2025Verified booking
David
Jan 2025Verified booking
Joel
Jan 2025Verified booking
Snezana
Dec 2024Verified booking
Krystyna
Nov 2024Verified booking
Rob
Nov 2024Verified booking
Matthew
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Charleen
Oct 2024Verified booking
The Milford Sound Flight was fantastic and the boat cruise was phenomenal. Unfortunately we nearly missed the whole experience because we were not picked up from our hotel as the email stated. Someone forgot to pick us up!! We had to get a taxi and rush to the airport where the flight was loaded & ready to go! 5 mins later & we would've missed it 😢
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Te Anau
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes by
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Hollyford Lookout
Homer Tunnel
1
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
5
END POINT
Te Anau
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau looking for a no-frills, convenient visit to Milford Sound.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, and Knobs Flat.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau looking for a no-frills, convenient visit to Milford Sound.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, and Knobs Flat.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Round-trip transfers with stops for short walks
- Complimentary tea & coffee on-board
- Tip: Pack motion sickness tablets for the winding Milford Road. Even if you don't usually get car sick, the serpentine route can catch you off guard.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.4
109 ratings
63
35
4
3
4
Guests from Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ivan
May 2025Verified booking
Spectacular in its completeness, Brian a genius of driving and explanation.
View original review in Spanish
Phavit
Apr 2025Verified booking
The transfer was really good, also the driver was really nice and kinds to everyone. The coach was comfortable and the cruise was excellence.
Angela
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything! The bus ride to the cruise was great. The commentary was informative and gave so much information along the way. The transfer to the boat was seamless and the ride back restful. The cruise commentary was appreciated and all staff friendly. Thanks everyone.
Ian
Apr 2025Verified booking
The driver was awesome and very entertaining
Jacob
Mar 2025Verified booking
RealNZ was easy to travel with! We would definitely use them again in the future.
Penelope
May 2025Verified booking
LAURENT
May 2025Verified booking
JEAN-JOSEPH
Apr 2025Verified booking
Richard
Apr 2025Verified booking
Dominique
Apr 2025Verified booking
George
Apr 2025Verified booking
Olaf
Mar 2025Verified booking
Robert
Mar 2025Verified booking
Nico
Mar 2025Verified booking
Bryce
Mar 2025Verified booking
Francelle
Mar 2025Verified booking
Fiona
Mar 2025Verified booking
Chou our driver was great, very informative and funny. The weather was perfect, thank you for arranging that. The trip on the water was spectacular, more than we expected. The guide on the ship was excellent. Booking was easy, the directions were great.
Ian
Feb 2025Verified booking
The bus trip was very informative and relevent - Thank you Scarlet. The cruise was beautiful and well worth it. Friendly staff on the boat with good commentary and a nice lunch.
Gabriela
Feb 2025Verified booking
Very professional and friendly guide/driver (Caren?), beautiful landscape. One thing to mention: we didn't know that the bus was coming from Queenstown and that it was nearly full. We joined the party in Te Anau and had to take the seats at the very rear of the bus. That is not okay, especially when you are very early at the meeting point!
Sharon
Jan 2025Verified booking
The guides on the bus and the boat were both very knowledgeable and made it a most enjoyable experience. Would recommend
Dr.
Mar 2025Verified booking
The bus driver was great. He gave a huge amount of interesting information.
Mitchell
Feb 2025Verified booking
Great tour and driver Awesome experience
vedantam
Jan 2025Verified booking
Good service, commentary and food / drink at the bar.
Norbert
Mar 2025Verified booking
Anne-Marie
Mar 2025Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your journey in the stunning city of Queenstown on a comfortable AC minibus where your guide will guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
1
Lake Wakatipu
Free Admission
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Passes by
Devils Staircase
2
Lake Te Anau
Free Admission
The largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Meet some of the local animals or wildlife and then stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
3
Eglinton Valley
Free Admission
Eglinton Valley is a stunning flat-floored valley surrounded by towering peaks. Its vibrant grasslands make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a photo stop.
4
Mirror Lakes
Free Admission
A short walk from the highway, Mirror Lakes offers reflective views of the surrounding mountains. On calm days, the reflections are almost perfect, creating an optical illusion.
5
Lake Gunn
Free Admission
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Passes by
Hollyford River
6
Darran Mountains
Free Admission
The Darran Mountains are a rugged mountain range within Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping vistas and a chance to click photos of some large, cheeky, and colourful birds.
Passes by
Homer Tunnel
7
Milford Sound
Tickets included
Embark on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for the towering Mitre Peak rising sharply from its waters and the famous Pop's View Lookout that offers panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and beyond.
11
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
Inclusions
- Small group guided tour
- Tour guide
- Round-trip transfers
- Milford sound cruise
- Cruise entry
- Minibus
- Start from Queenstown.
- The following stops will be included on the way to and back from Milford Sound.
Minibus
- Queenstown
- Lake Wakatipu
- Devils Staircase
- Lake Te Anau
- Eglington Valley
- Mirror Lakes
- Lake Gunn
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek
- Darran Mountains
- Homer Tunnel
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
- Milford Sound
- Mitre Peak
- Pop's View Lookout
- Return to Queenstown
- Tip: Keep an eye out for white-headed woodpeckers and martens when you take a short stroll around Mirror Lakes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
45 ratings
27
16
1
0
1
Guests from Australia, United States, Italy and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Zarir
Jun 2025Verified booking
Lynette was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the history of the region and the stops and locations were wonderful.
NANA
May 2025Verified booking
Celina
May 2025Verified booking
Luca
May 2025Verified booking
Achini
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ferdinand
Mar 2025Verified booking
Charity
Mar 2025Verified booking
Aman
Mar 2025Verified booking
Xiguo
Feb 2025Verified booking
The view is awesome. The travel guide Jeff was excellent. He explained the history and all relevant information to Milford sound, which made our trip a remarkable experience.
Dirk
Mar 2025Verified booking
Elizabeth
Feb 2025Verified booking
ROBYN
Feb 2025Verified booking
Luke
Jan 2025Verified booking
ISHA
Dec 2024Verified booking
Warren
Dec 2024Verified booking
Marvin
Nov 2024Verified booking
We loved the natural beauty of Milford Sound and coming up close to the waterfall for a glacial wash. The driver of Altitude Tours passenger van Erik was super interesting like a walking encyclopedia and made the trip a real joy.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide Albert was very knowledgeable about the whole area of Queenstown. It was a great relaxing drive with great views. Milford sound was breathtaking. Would highly recommend this tour.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
We knew from the pictures that Milford Sound would be spectacular. Two things made this even better. Our guide Lynette clearly loves people and her job sharing her knowledge. As importantly, she's a safe and smooth driver which can be a big deal traveling 8 total hours in a bus on the narrow and twisty roads. The captain of the boat found opportunities to get us up close to a group of seals and then a couple of penguins. He also took us almost underneath a waterfall which was an amazing experience. Dress for cold and wet as we did and you won't have to run inside. We usually like to do our own discovering on trips but we're really glad we signed up for this full-day tour.
Carlo
Dec 2024Verified booking
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Nov 2024Verified booking
- A treat for nature lovers, experience a full-day tour of Doubtful Sound as you begin your odyssey from Te Anau through rolling hills and lush valleys.
- Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea while learning about Doubtful Sound’s glacial origins and rich Maori heritage from your guide.
- Set sail on Lake Manapouri’s tranquil waters, then cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass for panoramic views of verdant rainforests and rugged peaks.
- Marvel at the diverse wildlife – from whales and albatrosses to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins against a backdrop of stunning beauty.
- Pick up your cameras and snap incredible pictures of the Browne Falls while relaxing on a 3-hour catamaran cruise.
- A treat for nature lovers, experience a full-day tour of Doubtful Sound as you begin your odyssey from Te Anau through rolling hills and lush valleys.
- Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea while learning about Doubtful Sound’s glacial origins and rich Maori heritage from your guide.
- Set sail on Lake Manapouri’s tranquil waters, then cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass for panoramic views of verdant rainforests and rugged peaks.
- Marvel at the diverse wildlife – from whales and albatrosses to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins against a backdrop of stunning beauty.
- Pick up your cameras and snap incredible pictures of the Browne Falls while relaxing on a 3-hour catamaran cruise.
Inclusions
- Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
- Knowledgeable nature guide
- Coach transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri
- 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise
- Lake Manapouri cruise
- Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Food & beverages
- Drinks from the open bar
- Hall Arm is a scenic masterpiece that showcases nature's beauty at its finest. Get your camera ready when you pass and prepare for a visual treat.
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- Pack a waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, and non-slip shoes/boots for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.3
114 ratings
36
78
0
0
0
What our guests say
Gregory
Mar 2025Verified booking
Fantastic experience the whoke journey was amazing and informative we we very lucky with beautiful weather however this impacted the number of waterfalls . the team were very interesting and knowledgeable which kept the experience engrossing. Just loved it
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
Very well organized and informative. In particular, enjoyed the narration by Chris as we drove from Te Anau to Manapouri and back. Great guy!
Horacio
Apr 2025Verified booking
Amazing!!..A very different and profound experience..
GROUX
Mar 2025Verified booking
Klaus
Mar 2025Verified booking
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Dec 2024Verified booking
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More day trip options from Queenstown
Wanaka
Lakeside town | Water activities | Hiking trails
67 km away
- Visit the iconic Wanaka Tree for a picturesque photo opportunity by the lake.
- Hike to Roy's Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains.
- Enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing on Lake Wanaka.
- Explore Puzzling World, an attraction featuring optical illusions and maze challenges.
Mount Vesuvius
Ski resort | Hiking trails | Scenic views
22 km away
- Ski or snowboard at The Remarkables Ski Area during winter months for thrilling slopes.
- Hike the numerous trails in summer, including the popular Remarkables Summit Track.
- Enjoy stunning views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from various lookout points.
- Experience mountain biking on dedicated trails designed for all skill levels.
Lake Tekapo
Turquoise lake | Stargazing | Church of the Good Shepherd
225 km away
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a picturesque stone church by the lake.
- Stargaze at Mount John Observatory, renowned for its clear night skies and astronomy tours.
- Enjoy hot pools at Tekapo Springs with stunning lake views.
- Explore walking tracks around Lake Tekapo, including the scenic lakeside path.
Kawarau Gorge
Wine and bungy | Scenic drive | Adventure activities
25 km away
- Experience bungee jumping at the historic Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand's first commercial bungee site.
- Take a scenic drive through Kawarau Gorge to enjoy dramatic landscapes and river views.
- Go white-water rafting on the Kawarau River for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
- Explore local wineries in the area, sampling Central Otago’s renowned Pinot Noir.
Skippers Canyon
Historic mining area | Rugged landscapes | Adventure tours
22 km away
- Take a guided tour or self-drive through Skippers Canyon to experience its rugged beauty.
- Go white-water rafting on the Shotover River for an exhilarating adventure in stunning scenery.
- Explore historic gold mining sites and learn about the area's rich history.
- Enjoy photography opportunities with breathtaking canyon views and landscapes.
The Catlins
Coastal region | Wildlife spotting | Scenic beauty
200 km away
- Discover stunning waterfalls such as Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls on scenic walks.
- Spot wildlife including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins along coastal tracks.
- Visit Curio Bay to see fossilized trees and potentially spot Hector’s dolphins swimming nearby.
- Explore remote beaches, rugged coastlines, and lush rainforests within this beautiful region.
Cardrona Valley
Historic valley | Skiing and snowboarding | Scenic drives
50 km away
- Ski or snowboard at Cardrona Alpine Resort during winter months for family-friendly slopes.
- Hike or bike scenic trails during summer while enjoying beautiful valley views.
- Visit the historic Cardrona Hotel for a meal or drink in a charming setting.
- Participate in seasonal events like Cardrona's annual Winter Festival.
Lake Hayes
Picturesque lake | Walking trails | Relaxation spot
15 km away
- Walk or cycle around Lake Hayes on its 8 km track with beautiful scenery year-round.
- Enjoy picnicking by the lake while taking in views of surrounding mountains and vineyards.
- Go fishing or swimming in designated areas during warmer months for outdoor fun.
- Capture stunning photographs of reflections on the lake's surface during sunrise or sunset.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Queenstown
How much do day trips from Queenstown cost?
Day trip prices from Queenstown typically range from NZD 260 to NZD 675 per person, depending on the destination and inclusions such as meals or guided tours.
How long will I spend at each destination on my day trip?
Time at each destination depends on the tour itinerary but usually ranges from four to 13 hours. Some stops may offer additional activities, allowing extended exploration time if preferred.
If I’m visiting multiple stops, is there transport available to and from the intermediate stops?
Yes, most day tours include transport between all stops on the itinerary. Guided tours ensure convenient travel, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without needing separate transport.
Is there any free time allocated for exploration or relaxation?
Yes, once you reach a stop, you are allocated enough time to explore on your own.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of during the trip?
While most tours cover major expenses, additional costs may include meals not specified in the itinerary, optional attractions or activities, or souvenirs.
What should I wear on a day trip from Queenstown?
Dress in layers suitable for changing weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for outdoor activities, along with a waterproof jacket if you're visiting Milford Sound where rain is common.
Are day trips suitable for kids?
Yes, many day trips from Queenstown are family-friendly, with activities that cater to all ages. Some tours, like those to wildlife parks or lakes, are particularly enjoyable for children.
From happy customers
Donna
New ZealandApr, 2025
The whole trip was a great experience, well worth doing. On the way over to the farm the Earnslaw skipper gives you a good factual commentary about the area and the workings of the steamer.
Walter Peak was a picturesque destination. The gourmet bbq lunch was great. Really enjoyed the farm show, especially informative for tourist's.
Gift shop was definitely worth a look.
Something for everyone.
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise
Kim
New ZealandApr, 2025
What an amazing experience from start to finish! The boat ride, Walter Peak, the beautiful views and the food were phenomenal. Highly recommend!
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise
Melissa
New ZealandApr, 2025
+ 1 more
I really liked the Mitre Peak's boat. We were not too many on it and thanks to its size, we could get very close from the falls.
The crew was nice and having hot drinks available is a big plus!
Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise
Liu,
TaiwanApr, 2025
1.The driver & captain introduced the views very clearl !
2.Milford sounds very beautiful!
3.There are many places to visit during the trip!
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
Gilbert
United StatesMar, 2025
+ 1 more
The sound itself. It was an unforgettable spectacle. I was stressed about the rain as we got close to the facility, but it turned out perfectly: the rain engorged the waterfalls so they were more spectacular, and the rain slacked off soon after we sailed, and ceased completly about midway. So we got good visibility and great waterfalls. The food was decent, although it was hard to find a place to eat it while we kept getting up to gawk at more wonders outside. We agreed we were in awe and it was one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives.
Milford Sound Cruise
Kevin
United KingdomMar, 2025
We had the most amazing weather to begin with. Plus the crew and the boat captain (doing the commentary/speaking) was so fun it made the experience even better! 💯 recommend it!
Milford Sound Cruise
Fiona
New ZealandMar, 2025
Chou our driver was great, very informative and funny. The weather was perfect, thank you for arranging that. The trip on the water was spectacular, more than we expected. The guide on the ship was excellent. Booking was easy, the directions were great.
From Te Anau: Milford Cruise & Return Transfers
Beiting
Feb, 2025
Everything is amazing. A comfortable trip within only 5 hours driving from Queen's town. The plane is extremely amazing. The scenery is beautiful. Enjoy myself whole day.
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flyover & Cruise