Travel Guide for
Queenstown

AuthenticAs Star Gazing -Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour

Private stargazing tour from Queenstown, for your group only (up to 4 people). Duration is about two hours, with pickup from your accommodation. Your guide Simon holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics with Astrophysics and shares Māori astronomy whilst guiding you through the southern sky. You'll use binoculars, laser pointers and a Unistellar telescope that shows nebulae and galaxies live on a screen. Astro portraits of your group under the Southern Night Sky are included, plus a curated set of edited images delivered the next day, including images from the telescope. Hot chocolate and cookies are provided. Weather dependent. If conditions aren't suitable we will reschedule with you. Aurora sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Operated under DOC concessions. Qualmark Silver operator.

2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound & a once in a lifetime landing on a glacier/alpine in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown: Guide-Driven Off-Road Buggy Tour with Wakatipu Views

No licence, no driving required - your expert guide takes the wheel while you take in the scenery. Hop in, buckle up, and enjoy a fully guided off-road adventure across a private 650-acre park just minutes from Queenstown. Your guide navigates the terrain throughout – steep climbs, creek crossings, and forest tracks – stopping at an exclusive summit viewpoint high above the Queenstown, with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Ride-along buggies are suitable for all ages from 4 years old. No experience needed. Full wet weather gear is provided if needed – the adventure runs in all conditions. Choose from a 1-hour or 2-hour tour to suit your schedule. Return transfers from central Queenstown are included. Complimentary photos taken on-site. Allow an extra 30 minutes for check-in and transfers.

Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from Queenstown

On this unique experience, fly high through alpine scenery to a carpet of snow! Lift off from base and fly to your pilot’s favourite, of the many breathtaking mountains in the southern lakes region, land among the snow and take in the scenery, build a snow man,sledge down the mountain, have a snowball fight or take your picture on top of the world. Re-board your helicopter after enjoying your winter-wonderland, fly over the stunning alpine scenery and back to the base.

Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

The Goldrush Tour was created with one goal: to be Queenstown's most detailed historical experience Travelling through Skippers Canyon with up to 11 guests, professionally produced documentary-style stories bring the history to life through a premium onboard audio system. Available in 8 languages, these stories deliver a level of historical detail impossible to achieve through traditional live commentary with multiple audio channels available, including music and dedicated children's storytelling At the many photo stops, your local host shares fascinating historical photographs, answers questions, and provides additional insight into the landscape and its remarkable past. The tour concludes at a historic pub dating back more than 160 years, where you can enjoy a complimentary drink before returning to Queenstown Lasting up to 4 hours, The Goldrush Tour offers an immersive way to discover the stories, scenery, and heritage that shaped one of New Zealand's most remarkable landscapes

Queenstown: Guided Dirt Bike Ride – Private Off-Road Trails

• Ride real off-road terrain on a private 650-acre property, 5 minutes from central Queenstown - hill climbs, creek crossings, and forest trails with sweeping canyon and lake views • Two sessions to match your experience: trail riding on challenging terrain for the competent rider, or a fully coached introduction to dirt bikes on purpose-built training tracks for those just starting out • Guided by award-winning, expert instructors who adapt the session to your ability - groups are kept small and intimate for a personal experience • Full MX gear fitted on-site before you ride - helmet, goggles, gloves, chest protector, knee/shin guards, and kidney belt • Complimentary photos and return transfers from central Queenstown included - no licence required, minimum age 10

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your camera. You will learn life long skills on the fine art of landscape photography from an award-winning photographer, while discovering some unforgettable locations. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own equipment. I also have a few special locations up my sleeve that have magical views. Glenorchy is surrounded by magical snow-capped mountains, stunning lakes and rivers, ancient beech forests. And at the edge of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, the frontier town of Glenorchy has provided the backdrop for many films, including The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Also the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the world’s greatest drives, following along the Wakatipu Lake. You will get to enjoy the whole journey as your guide looks after the driving.

Guided Tour of Earnscleugh Castle Heritage and History

Earnscleugh Castle is a Category 1 Heritage New Zealand-listed Jacobethan manor, its red-brick façade rising out of the Central Otago landscape just 5 minutes outside historic Clyde. Recently featured on Grand Designs New Zealand, and acclaimed for bringing the grand back into Grand Designs, it's a restoration story unlike any other. On this hour-long guided tour, owners Ryan and Marco lead you through the halls themselves, from gold rush ambition in the 1920s to decades of neglect, family feuds, and a four-year restoration that brought the castle back from ruin. You'll hear about the pioneers who built it, the decisions that shaped it, and the antique and modern touches that define it today. Set against the Fraser River and the Old Man Range, this is a chance to walk through a century of Central Otago history, told by the people who lived every bit of it. Guided tours - $50 per person Duration: 1 hour Minimum group size applies for private tours Hosted by the owners

Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. In one of the wineries, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch in a stunning setting, soaking up the views and the relaxed atmosphere. We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff. Please contact us in advance to inform us of any dietary restrictions or special requests for your tour.

Queenstown: Full-Day Private Photography & Sightseeing Tour

Explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes on a private full-day tour with Martin, an experienced local landscape photographer and guide. Combining spectacular sightseeing with friendly, practical guidance, this tour welcomes everyone—from experienced photographers to beginners using a camera or phone. It is equally rewarding if you simply want to explore beautiful places and have your guide photograph you along the way. Travel in a comfortable 4WD among alpine peaks, lakes, rivers, forests and historic places, visiting famous viewpoints and quieter corners known mainly to locals. Your route is shaped around the season, weather, changing light and your interests. Learn about composition, light and camera settings at your own pace, or relax and enjoy the scenery while your guide helps you create memorable images. Photographs taken by your guide are shared with you after the tour. Return to Queenstown with stronger photographs, new skills and memories of an extraordinary day.