Queenstown , New Zealand

Best of Queenstown Sightseeing Tour

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(94 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Welcome to Tāhuna Queenstown. The four-season town sitting on the edge of the mighty Lake Whakatipu. With a name fit for a Queen, it boasts an incredible mountain landscape, thrilling adventure activities, a rich gold mining history, and world-famous wines.

See more and join this half-day tour that shows you around Queenstown like a local. Visit iconic scenic viewpoints, see Lord of the Rings filming locations, walk the quaint streets of Arrowtown, watch the fearless Bungy jump, taste Pinot in Gibbston, and take a cruise on the lake - all in an easy half-day adventure.

The 4.5-hour Best of Queenstown Tour departs the Station Building, central Queenstown at 8:30 am, arriving back to Queenstown Bay at 1:00 pm.

Available options

Best of Queenstown Sightseeing Tour

What's included

Wine tasting at a local winery (non-alcoholic options are available)

Free time to explore Arrowtown

Commentary from an entertaining local guide

WiFi on board

Shared cheese board

Private boat cruise on Lake Whakatipu

Scenic viewpoints and photo stops around Queenstown

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your day meeting your friendly guide in the Queenstown Town Centre. From here we start our sightseeing with a short drive to the top of Queenstown Hill, where we take in the iconic viewpoint showing off the town and famous backdrop.

Enjoy the scenic drive out past the famous Shotover River, where we watch jet boats speed through canyons, before passing under Coronet Peak ski field on the drive to Arrowtown. In Arrowtown, we allow you free time to explore this adorable mining village. Join our guide for gold panning, or take one of our maps and explore on your own, visiting the famous Arrowtown Bakery, and local gift stores, or stock up on treats from the Remarkable Sweet Shop.

From here we continue our journey to the Gibbston wine region, a stretch of road lined with vines and home to the world-famous Pinot Noir. Our first stop takes us on a thrilling turn, visiting the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, the home of Bungy jumping and a great spot to watch the fearless.

The Church Cellar Door is a picturesque location, in a small refurbished church sitting on large sweeping grounds. Here you will have a tasting of Mt Edwards wines with a shared cheese board.

For those who don't drink wine, or children on tour, they can choose to have a coffee or non-alcoholic beverage instead of wine.

Stop 5

The journey doesn't finish there. After heading back toward Queenstown, we meet a boat charter in the Frankton Marina, which will take you on a guided 25-minute lake cruise on Lake Whakatipu showing you the sights from the water before dropping you off back in Queenstown Bay in the Queenstown Town Centre.

What's not included

Hotel pick up/drop off

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

19 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

75 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum numbers of 4 apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Please be waiting at the Station Building pick up 10 minutes prior to the departure time.

Meeting point

Pick up will be at the bench seats outside the Station Building on Camp Street, by Marmolada Cafe. Please be waiting 10 minutes prior to departure.

About Queenstown

Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. This vibrant town offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both excitement and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Queenstown Garden

Queenstown Garden is a beautiful public garden located in the heart of the city. It offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown offers a range of activities, including the Skyline Gondola, Luge rides, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city and lake.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a historic site that showcases the lives of Chinese miners during the Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lamb

New Zealand lamb is renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. It's often served with seasonal vegetables and local wines.

Main Course Contains meat

Green-Lipped Mussels

Green-lipped mussels are a delicacy in New Zealand, known for their unique flavor and texture. They're often served steamed with garlic, wine, and herbs.

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Pavlova

Pavlova is a popular dessert in New Zealand, made with a crisp meringue shell, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Bungee jumping Skydiving Jet boating Hiking Mountain biking Spa treatments Wine tasting Scenic cruises

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and a wide range of outdoor activities. It's ideal for hiking, water sports, and exploring the great outdoors.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Queenstown is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution when engaging in adventure activities and be aware of the weather conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Getting there

By air

Queenstown Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Queenstown Bus Interchange

Getting around

Public transport

Orion buses provide reliable and affordable transportation throughout Queenstown and to nearby attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Queenstown Frankton Arrowtown

Day trips

Milford Sound

120 km from Queenstown • Full day

Milford Sound is a stunning fjord known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. A day trip to Milford Sound includes a scenic drive and a boat cruise through the fjord.

Glenorchy

45 km from Queenstown • Half day to Full day

Glenorchy is a charming village nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It's a great base for hiking, horse riding, and other outdoor activities.

Wanaka

65 km from Queenstown • Full day

Wanaka is a picturesque town known for its stunning lake and mountain views, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Festivals

Queenstown Winter Festival • June Gibbston Valley Winter Festival • July Arrowtown Autumn Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Book accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Try local specialties like lamb, green-lipped mussels, and pavlova.
Explore beyond the city center and visit nearby attractions like Arrowtown and Glenorchy.