QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown’s best days out.
The 15 most popular full-day tours in Queenstown. A short list of the ones worth planning a day around, with prices, run times and who to book with.
12-hour Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown: coach ride, Fiordland cruise, 3 viewing decks, lunch, and close Stirling Falls spray.
Most Popular“The coach driver was a great guide, very experienced and funny personality!”
Scenic flights over Fiordland then a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise from a small boat, with window seats and great wildlife spotting.
“The whole activity was excellent from start to finish, especially the outward and return flight to Milford Sound, just a sheer magical experience from start to finish, the cruise was also excellent. I highly recommend this to anyone just brilliant.”
Full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau with small-group comfort, big Milford Road stops, and a 2-hour cruise for penguins and waterfalls.
“Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and attentive; transportation was comfortable and we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. Milford Sound is a must on your South Island adventure.”
A small-group full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau with a Tasman Sea cruise and easy walks, plus pickup and picnic lunch.
“An excellent outing thanks to great weather, gorgeous scenery, and a very personable and knowledgeable guide. The name of the tour operator is Trips and Tramps out of Te Anau and I recommend them wholeheartedly.”
Small-group full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau with a cruise, photo stops, short walks, and chances to see Kea.
“Murray was superb tour guide. Made us all feel welcome and relaxed, had a vast amount of knowledge of the areas we visited. Stopped of at some amazing places along the way to Milford sound which you would not get with the large tour buses, well worth doing this trip and I definitely would do…”
A full-day guided Mount Cook trip from Queenstown with photo stops, guided commentary, 3.5 hours at Mount Cook Village, and optional walks.
“Great day made by our tour guide Beth who was so knowledgable, passionate, enthusiastic and fun !! The walk and sights at Mt Tasman were magical. Recommended”
Premium small-group Milford Sound day tour from Te Anau with scenic stops, Marian Falls walk, and a reserved 2-hour Milford Haven cruise.
“Excellent driver, very informative, and very comfortable drive to Milford Sound, with plenty of stops for photos and to stretch our legs. Would highly recommend tour. Excellent cruise, with reserved seating.”
Bike Queenstown’s Gibbston Valley wineries on a self-guided bike day with e-bike options, shuttles, and a map-led route with top cellar stops.
“Great fun beautiful scenery and yummy wines enjoyed the electric bikes and the trail was very easy to follow”
Pedal from Arrowtown to Queenstown along Lake Wakatipu on a self-guided ride with shuttle, mountain or e-bike, helmet, and trail map.
“The directions and signs are very clear and if you have doubts you can always use the map or look at the location on the map that’s on some of the signs. The e-bike helps a lot and it’s very easy to use. Beautiful sights, totally worth it”
Full-day 4WD Lord of the Rings tour from Queenstown with costumes, lunch, and Middle-earth filming stops like Isengard and Ithilien.
“I did a whole day LOTR tour and really liked it a lot. Jordan and Jenny really took the time and showed all the LOTR spots. Driving around in a 4WD makes it much more exciting.”
Full Day in Middle Earth from Queenstown: Lord of the Rings filming locations, scenic drives, replica props, and a 10-hour tour value.
“The three-star review is because I think this shouldn't be a full-day offering. This tour is essentially two separate tours, and while the tour guides and the locations were great for each tour, a lot of the content was similar. The reason anyone Read more”
Guided Milford Track walk plus a small-boat Milford Sound cruise. See Giant Gate Falls, Mitre Peak, and wildlife on a full day.
“We truly enjoyed walking on the Milford track with Rosa and Maddie, who are both very knowledgeable about the native species and birds. It was great to learn so much. The trip through the fjord was also truly amazing. It was a great day.”
Full-day Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Southern Alps coach tour from Queenstown to Christchurch, with stops for photos and breaks.
“Guide helpful and friendly”
Full-day LOTR Mavora Lakes tour from Queenstown: real filming spots, licensed props, and Southland scenery (up to 10 hrs).
“Great Experience! The only drawback is the amount of time spent in the car, however the reward of what's at each stop is definitely worth it! Our guides were indeed LOTR nerds and gave us tons of great information about the scenic filming locations, behind the scenes facts, and so much more. Highly recommend to…”
Private Lord of the Rings day tour from Queenstown with filming locations, replica weapons for photos, and real film paperwork copies.
“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.”
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