Looking for the best tours from Queenstown? This alpine hub is your gateway to the South Island’s most iconic experiences. Cruise Milford Sound, fly over glaciers at Aoraki Mount Cook, explore Fiordland National Park, or taste your way through Queenstown’s boutique wine and gin tours in Gibbston Valley.
Our handpicked small-group journeys include award-winning Milford Sound day trips, scenic flights, heli-hikes, and flavour-filled wine tours. You’ll also find one-way adventures connecting Queenstown with Christchurch, Dunedin and Franz Josef – perfect for travellers wanting to see more of New Zealand without doubling back.
Why Book Queenstown Tours With Us
Only The Best
We handpick only the best tours with consistently excellent reviews
Trusted Local Operators
We partner exclusively with established and reputable tour providers
Guided Small Group Tours
Travel in comfort with experienced guides who share local insights and hidden gems
Easy & Secure Booking
Book with confidence - safe payments and friendly support
Getting There
Queenstown is one of the most accessible destinations in New Zealand, with both air and road connections. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) offers direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – all of which connect to international routes. From the airport, it’s only a 10-minute drive to Queenstown’s town centre.
If you prefer to arrive by road, scenic small group transfers from Christchurch, Dunedin and Franz Josef provide a stress-free way to travel. These fully guided journeys double as tours, with stops at highlights such as Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, the Taieri Gorge Railway and Central Otago’s gold-rush towns. It’s the perfect way to turn your transfer into part of your South Island adventure.
Best Day Tours From Queenstown
Bucket List Adventures from Queenstown
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
- Travel in premium Mercedes Sprinter vans on this award winning day trip, rated Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best. Journey through Fiordland National Park with stops at Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel, then enjoy a boutique Milford Sound Cruise with waterfalls, wildlife, Mitre Peak views and a picnic lunch. Optional scenic flights are available for the return.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 13 hours
- Price: From $329 NZD per adult
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour From Queenstown: Bus - Cruise - Fly
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Experience Milford Sound two ways in one day. Travel from Queenstown in a Mercedes Sprinter minibus, with guided stops at Lake Wakatipu, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn and the dramatic Homer Tunnel. Board a boutique cruise for close-up views of waterfalls, wildlife and Mitre Peak, then swap the road for the skies with a breathtaking scenic flight back over the Southern Alps. Includes picnic lunch, hotel pick-ups and modern onboard comforts.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 10 hours
- Price: From $749 NZD per adult
Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Small Group Tour from Queenstown
Join a fully-guided small group tour through Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass and Omarama, with photo stops at Lake Pukaki before entering Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Take the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Walk, admire New Zealand’s highest peak and enjoy local flavours at High Country Salmon and Jackson’s Orchard. Led by passionate guides in modern Mercedes vehicles, this 12-hour adventure blends iconic scenery, light hiking and authentic South Island stops.
- To: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 12 hours
- Price: From $250 NZD per adult
Mt Cook Scenic Tour From Queenstown
This full-day adventure takes you from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in comfort, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Travel in a premium Mercedes Sprinter minibus through Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Mt Cook Village. Enjoy up to 3.5 hours of free time to hike, sightsee, or join optional activities like glacier heli-hikes, scenic flights or a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Includes hotel pick-up, small-group touring and expert commentary throughout.
- To: Mt Cook
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 13 hours
- Price: From $249 NZD per adult
Glacier Helihike Tasman Glacier
Take your South Island adventure to new heights with a scenic flight from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, followed by a helicopter landing on the Tasman Glacier. Explore shimmering ice caves and dramatic glacier formations on a two-hour guided hike with crampons provided by expert Alpine Guides. This premium small-group tour combines fixed-wing flights, helicopter access and glacier trekking for the ultimate one-day alpine experience.
- To: Mt Cook National Park Glaciers
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 6 hours
- Price: From $1,599 NZD per adult
Tours In Queenstown
Top-rated Queenstown scenic tours + wine & gin tasting adventures
Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour
Explore four boutique cellar doors in the stunning Gibbston wine region on this fun, small group tour. Taste over 18 premium cool-climate wines, tour the famous Gibbston Valley wine cave and enjoy the option to purchase a delicious winery lunch. Hosted by a friendly, wine-certified guide, it’s the perfect way to savour Queenstown’s best wines in one unforgettable day.
- Location: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 6 hours
- Price: From $229 NZD per adult
Queenstown Gin Tour
Join New Zealand’s original Gin Tour and taste your way through Queenstown, Arrowtown and Cardrona. Visit three unique tasting rooms, sample over 12 gins and spirits, enjoy a gin & tonic on arrival and learn the craft of distilling on a guided tour of the Cardrona Distillery. Includes shared grazing platters, a traditional tarte flambée and entertaining stories from expert hosts. A flavour-filled afternoon for gin lovers!
- Location: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 6 hours
- Price: From $249 NZD per adult
Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour
See Queenstown like a local on this half-day adventure combining iconic views, historic Arrowtown, a Gibbston wine tasting with cheese and a scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu. Watch (or try!) a Kawarau Bungy jump, stroll Arrowtown’s gold-mining streets and relax with wine in the vines - all with a fun, local guide and small group.
- Location: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 270 minutes
- Price: From $219 NZD per adult
Queenstown Heli Wine Sampler Tour
Take your wine tasting to new heights with this unforgettable Queenstown experience. Start with a scenic helicopter flight and mountaintop bubbles, then explore four boutique Gibbston cellar doors, tasting over 18 premium cool-climate wines. Enjoy stunning landscapes, a guided wine cave tour and the option to purchase a delicious winery lunch - all in a relaxed small group setting led by a wine-certified guide.
- Location: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 7 hours
- Price: From $749 NZD per adult
Queenstown Heli Gin Tour
Take off on the world’s first Helicopter Gin Tour! Start with a scenic flight and exclusive mountaintop gin tasting, then visit three top distilleries in Cardrona, Arrowtown and Queenstown. Enjoy over 12 premium gin and spirit tastings, a distillery tour, shared platters and a traditional tarte flambée - led by a fun, gin-loving guide.
- Location: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 6 hours
- Price: From $769 NZD per adult
Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour
Sip your way into the evening on this fun late-afternoon tour of Queenstown and Gibbston. Visit three unique tasting spots and enjoy over 12 samples of local wine or craft beer - your choice at each stop. Includes shared antipasto platters, a wine-certified guide, and a relaxed small-group vibe. The perfect pre-dinner adventure!
- Location: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours
- Price: From $219 NZD per adult
Tours From Queenstown
Discover the best scenic journeys from Queenstown to Christchurch, Dunedin or Franz Josef
Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)
Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown in a single unforgettable day. This small group, fully guided tour includes scenic stops at Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy free time for walks or optional scenic flights, a picnic lunch and stops at local gems like a salmon farm and fruit orchard. The perfect way to experience the South Island’s top highlights en route to Queenstown.
- To: Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo (one way)
- From: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 12 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult
Queenstown to Dunedin Small Group Tour Including Taieri Gorge Train (One Way)
Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Central Otago on this unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Dunedin. Travel in comfort in a luxury Mercedes-Benz through iconic gold rush towns, the Gibbston wine region, Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan. Stop for morning tea at the historic Dunstan House and explore the ghost town of St Bathans before reaching Pukerangi. Here, board the legendary Taieri Gorge Train for a breathtaking rail trip through dramatic canyons to Dunedin.
- To: Dunedin (one way)
- From: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Join a bucket list adventure on this fully-guided West Coast adventure from Queenstown to Franz Josef. Explore stunning highlights like the Cardrona Valley Pub, Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay and Lake Matheson. Enjoy an authentic West Coast experience with passionate guides sharing local stories, travelling comfortably in modern minibuses. Lunch and snacks are included for a relaxed, memorable day.
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
- To: Franz Josef via Wanaka (one way)
- From: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 12 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Tours To Queenstown
Scenic small group journeys connecting Queenstown with Christchurch, Dunedin & Franz Josef
Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)
Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown, exploring iconic highlights like Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Mt Cook National Park, Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass and Kawarau Gorge. Enjoy 2.5 hours free time in Mt Cook National Park for walks or optional activities, plus stops at High Country Salmon farm and Jacksons Orchard. Led by passionate guides in comfortable minibuses, this tour includes a picnic lunch and plenty of photo opportunities.
- To: Queenstown via Mt Cook & Tekapo (one way)
- From: Christchurch
- Duration: Approx. 13 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult
Dunedin to Queenstown Small Group Tour Including Taieri Gorge Train (One Way)
Follow Central Otago’s stunning gold rush landscapes on this scenic small group journey from Queenstown to Dunedin. Travel in luxury Mercedes-Benz transport with stops at Cromwell, historic Dunstan House for morning tea, Ophir Bridge and the ghost town of St Bathans. At Pukerangi, board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a spectacular train ride through deep canyons to Dunedin Railway Station, an Edwardian architectural gem.
- To: Queenstown (one way)
- From: Dunedin
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Experience New Zealand's West Coast on this small group adventure from Franz Josef to Queenstown, showcasing stunning West Coast beaches, alpine lakes and rainforest highlights. Visit iconic spots like Lake Matheson, Bruce Bay, Ship Creek, Thunder Creek Falls and Lake Wanaka with its famous Wanaka Tree. Enjoy a scenic journey through Haast Pass, with lunch provided and expert guides sharing stories and local insights.
- To: Queenstown via Wanaka (one way)
- From: Franz Josef
- Duration: Approx. 12 hours
- Price: From $290 NZD per adult
Latest Queenstown Updates 2025:
- We are now taking bookings for brand new small group tours travelling between Queenstown and Dunedin, featuring the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway. This offers an off-the-beaten bath journey through breathtaking landscapes: towering schist cliffs, historic tunnels carved over a century ago and winding river valleys. These tours provide a more intimate alternative to larger group travel and are perfect for those seeking both history and stunning scenery.
This builds on the popularity of the Queenstown to Christchurch via Franz Josef small group tour routes launched in November 2024. Previously accessible only by large coaches or private transfers, this route is now available in a more personalised format, bookable directly through Retreats Abroad – your gateway to trusted New Zealand tour operators.
- The Hooker Valley Track will be temporarily closed during 2025. As a substitute, Mt Cook Tours from Queenstown will include an optional visit to the Tasman Viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the Tasman Glacier and surrounding alpine landscapes – an incredible experience that complements the journey beautifully.
- Queenstown experiences two peak seasons: the busy summer months from December through February, when visitors flock to explore the region’s outdoor beauty, and the winter ski season from June to August, which draws snow sports enthusiasts from around the world. To secure your preferred tour date during these popular periods, we recommend booking early via our platform.
Queenstown Tour FAQ
Some of the most popular day tours include trips to Milford Sound, Mt Cook, wine tours in the Central Otago region and scenic journeys such as the Taieri Gorge Railway between Queenstown and Dunedin.
Of course! Retreats Abroad features many small tours designed to accommodate both small groups and solo travellers, offering a more personalised and social experience compared to large coach tours.
Many small tours offer carefully planned itineraries that include several highlights in a single day, such as glacier visits, wildlife spotting and scenic viewpoints. Multi-day tours also allow for combining multiple regions and activities.
You can book tours directly through our website, where we partner with reputable local operators. Once booked, you will receive confirmation and all necessary details from the operator.
Meal inclusion varies by tour. Some tours provide meals or refreshments, while others suggest local dining options along the route. Tour descriptions will specify what’s included.
Many small tours cater to a wide range of ages, including children and seniors. If you have specific mobility or health concerns, check the tour’s activity level and accessibility details before booking.
We recommend comfortable clothing and walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, sunscreen, a raincoat, hat, water and a camera. Specific tours might require additional gear, which will be communicated upon booking.
Tours operate rain or shine, but some activities may be adjusted or rescheduled due to severe weather. Operators will keep you informed of any changes and their cancellation or refund policies.
The small group tours featured on Retreats Abroad offer convenient pickup locations within Queenstown, such as central hotels or designated meeting points. Details will be provided in your booking confirmation.
Yes, many operators offer private or customised tours on request. Contact us through the platform to discuss options and availability.
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