Alpine peaks, a crystal lake, world-first bungy jumps, and a food scene that punches far above its weight — welcome to the South Island's most exhilarating destination.
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and ringed by The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak, Queenstown is one of the most dramatically positioned towns on Earth. It's the place that invented commercial bungy jumping, pioneered jet boating, and turned a tiny lakeside settlement into a globally renowned adventure destination.
But Queenstown isn't just for adrenaline seekers. The Central Otago wine region produces some of the world's finest Pinot Noir, the lakeside dining scene rivals cities ten times its size, and the surrounding landscapes — from the golden poplars of Arrowtown to the cinematic grandeur of Glenorchy — reward anyone who simply wants to look.
Our Queenstown tours combine the best of both worlds: heart-pumping adventure for those who want it, world-class scenery and cuisine for those who don't, and the Milford Sound day trip that no South Island visit is complete without.
From the world's first bungy site to jet boats threading canyon walls — Queenstown wrote the book on adventure tourism.
Leap from the historic Kawarau Bridge — the world's first commercial bungy site — 43 metres above a turquoise river gorge. For a bigger thrill, the Nevis Bungy offers a 134-metre freefall, the highest in Australasia. AJ Hackett pioneered it here in 1988, and it's been a rite of passage ever since.
360-degree spins at 85 km/h through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River — centimetres from rocky walls. Queenstown's jet boats are purpose-built for shallow rivers, reaching places no other vessel can. The Shotover Jet has been thrilling visitors for over 50 years.
Jump from up to 15,000 feet with Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak spread beneath you — widely regarded as one of the most scenic skydives in the world. Up to 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens over the most spectacular views imaginable.
Ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere to Bob's Peak for 220° panoramic views of Queenstown, the lake, and surrounding mountains. At the top, race down three luge tracks — family-friendly fun with world-class scenery as your backdrop.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw — a 1912 coal-fired steamship and one of the oldest working passenger vessels in the world. Cross to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch and farm demonstration with mountain views.
See Queenstown from above — fly over The Remarkables, land on a remote alpine ridge or glacier, and witness landscapes inaccessible by any other means. Options range from 20-minute scenic flights to half-day heli-hike adventures on untouched snowfields.
World-class wine, golden autumn colours, and some of the most cinematic scenery on earth — Queenstown rewards every kind of traveller.
World-Class Pinot Noir
The world's southernmost wine region produces exceptional Pinot Noir in dramatic alpine settings. Visit boutique cellar doors in the Gibbston Valley — the "Valley of the Vines" — just 25 minutes from Queenstown, with tastings overlooking the Kawarau Gorge.
Historic Gold Mining Village
A beautifully preserved gold-rush settlement 20 minutes from Queenstown. Heritage stone buildings house boutique shops, galleries, and excellent restaurants. In autumn (April–May), the surrounding trees blaze gold and crimson — one of New Zealand's most photographed scenes.
Lord of the Rings Country
The 45-minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy along Lake Wakatipu is one of New Zealand's most scenic roads. The mountains and beech forests here doubled as Isengard, Lothlórien, and other Middle-earth locations in Peter Jackson's films.
No visit to Queenstown is complete without Milford Sound — Rudyard Kipling called it the "eighth wonder of the world," and it's easy to see why. Towering Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, and the sheer scale of the fiord leave visitors speechless.
The 4-hour drive from Queenstown is an experience in itself — through the Eglinton Valley, past Mirror Lakes, and through the remarkable Homer Tunnel carved into solid rock.
Cruise the full length of Milford Sound beneath 1,200-metre cliffs, past cascading waterfalls (including the permanent Stirling and Lady Bowen Falls), and out toward the Tasman Sea.
Look for New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and occasionally whales. The fiord's unique freshwater layer supports an extraordinary ecosystem.
Milford Sound sits within Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage area. It's even more dramatic on rainy days — hundreds of temporary waterfalls appear down the cliff faces.
A suggested multi-day itinerary blending adventure, scenery, and relaxation — customisable to your pace and interests.
Ride the gondola to Bob's Peak for your first panoramic view of Queenstown, the lake, and The Remarkables. Luge rides for those who want them, then explore the lakefront, Queenstown Gardens, and the vibrant town centre.
Cross Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch with mountain views, watch a sheep shearing demonstration, and return on the lake as the afternoon light turns golden.
Early departure for the scenic drive through Fiordland — Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls. Return via a different route through Te Anau for variety.
Bungy at Kawarau Bridge, jet boat on the Shotover, skydive above the lake, or a scenic helicopter flight — choose your level of thrill. Our guides handle all bookings and logistics.
Explore the charming heritage village of Arrowtown, then visit cellar doors in the Gibbston Valley for Central Otago Pinot Noir tasting. Return to Queenstown for a farewell dinner at one of the lakefront restaurants.
South Island guides who know every hidden viewpoint, the best time for each activity, and which restaurant to book for dinner.
Maximum 16 guests means personal attention, flexible stops, and a more intimate experience of the mountains and lake.
Mix adventure and relaxation to suit your group. Choose your activities, pace, and dining preferences — we handle the rest.
Single-day Milford Sound trips or 3–5 day South Island itineraries that combine Queenstown with Wanaka, Fiordland, and the West Coast.
Planning your South Island adventure? Here are the answers to the most common questions. Get in touch for anything else.
Year-round. Summer (December–February) is warm with long days for hiking and water sports. Autumn (March–May) brings spectacular golden colours and wine harvest season. Winter (June–August) means skiing at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Spring (September–November) is quieter with blooming landscapes. Milford Sound is actually more dramatic on rainy days, with hundreds of temporary waterfalls.
Three to four days covers the essentials — Milford Sound, a couple of adventure activities, the gondola, and time for wine and dining. Five or more days lets you add Glenorchy, Arrowtown, multi-day hikes, skiing (in season), and day trips to Wanaka or Te Anau. Even two days with Cooee Tours packs in a remarkable amount.
Not at all. While the adventure activities get the headlines, Queenstown is equally rewarding for scenery, food, wine, and gentle exploration. The TSS Earnslaw cruise, Arrowtown's heritage village, Gibbston Valley wineries, lakeside walking trails, and simply sitting with a flat white overlooking the lake are all world-class experiences in their own right.
Yes — it's the most popular day trip from Queenstown. The drive is approximately 4 hours each way through spectacular Fiordland scenery that's a highlight in itself. We depart early morning and return by evening. Some visitors prefer to fly one way by scenic flight for a different perspective (weather dependent).
Queenstown is New Zealand's premier ski destination with two major fields — The Remarkables and Coronet Peak — both within 30 minutes of town. The ski season typically runs June to October. Off the slopes, winter also brings quieter trails, cosy restaurants, and the stunning sight of snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake.
All tours include accommodation pickup, comfortable transport, and an expert South Island guide. Activity fees (bungy, jet boat, etc.), Milford Sound cruise, and lunch are included where specified in your itinerary. We provide detailed inclusions when you enquire. Private and customised multi-day options are also available.
"The Milford Sound day trip was life-changing. The drive through Fiordland was stunning, and when we came through the Homer Tunnel and saw the fiord for the first time... I actually gasped. Our guide made the whole experience seamless."
Melbourne, Australia
"Did the bungy, the jet boat, AND the skydive in three days — bucket list smashed. But honestly the surprise highlight was the TSS Earnslaw cruise and lunch at Walter Peak. Queenstown has something for every mood."
London, United Kingdom
"We're not adrenaline people at all, but Queenstown was still the highlight of our NZ trip. The Gibbston Valley wines were exceptional, Arrowtown was charming, and the scenery everywhere you look is absurd. Cooee nailed the balance perfectly."
Sydney, Australia
Whether you want to jump off a bridge or sip Pinot Noir by the lake, Queenstown delivers. Small groups, expert guides, and the South Island's most spectacular scenery.