9 Best Queenstown Tours Worth Your Money
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and there’s no shortage of tours to prove it. From calm lake cruises to fast jet boats, there’s something here for every type of traveller.
If you’re planning your first trip, it can be tricky to work out which experiences are genuinely worth booking – so this guide covers the best Queenstown tours to help you decide.
I’ve visited several times and tried a mix of experiences, including the TSS Earnslaw cruise, a local wine tour, a jet boat ride and even skydiving over the mountains. I usually use Viator to find and compare tours I’d actually spend my own money on, so the options below focus on those that offer real value and memorable experiences.
Whether you want a relaxing day on the lake or an adrenaline rush, these are the tours I think are most worth considering for your trip.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Queenstown Tours
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Milford Sound Tour
✅ Scenic Cruise
✅ Small Group Tour
✅ Lunch Included
Wine Sampler Tour
✅ Small Group
✅ 4 Wineries
✅ Winery Cellar Tour
Shotover Jet
✅ 360° Spins
✅ Shuttle Transfers
✅ Thrills For All Ages
Not sure which tour to choose yet?
Browse all current Queenstown options on Viator — from scenic cruises to adventure tours — and find one that fits your travel style and schedule.
👉 Explore all Queenstown tours
Landscapes, mountains, adventure, and wine – these are the things that Queenstown is known for, and the best ways to experience them.
Want more Queenstown content? My Queenstown Travel Hub includes things to do, places to stay, and more.
Best Scenic Tours in Queenstown
Milford Sound is often called the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s easy to see why. I’ve driven there a couple of times in summer, and even with the frequent rain (it’s one of the wettest parts of New Zealand) the scenery is spectacular.
From my own experience, I highly recommend taking a tour rather than driving yourself. It’s a long day from Queenstown, and the return journey after a full day of sightseeing can be tiring.
There are plenty of organised tours from Queenstown that include commentary and scenic stops along the way. Most combine coach transport with a cruise through the fiord (technically not a sound), giving you the best chance to relax and enjoy the landscape without worrying about the road conditions.
I’ve been to Milford Sound several times, both on clear days and in the rain, and it’s always impressive. The steep cliffs, waterfalls, and dark water make it one of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. If you’re visiting for the first time, this is a must-do.
“Beautiful scenery on our journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound brought to life by our driver & guide. The cruise on the Sound was jaw dropping, not to be missed.” -Jonathan (Read more reviews)
🤩 Milford Sound tours often sell out. Check current availability and book early on Viator.
2. TSS Earnslaw Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: varies according to whether you have a meal | ✅ Book it!
If you’re visiting Queenstown and looking for a relaxed scenic tour, the TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu is a must-try experience. I didn’t take this tour until my fifth visit to Queenstown, and I really wish I’d done it sooner.
This historic steamship offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and is genuinely powered by steam. You can even watch the crew loading coal into the furnaces — something I’d never seen before. It’s a shorter excursion, so it fits easily into most itineraries.
I chose the BBQ dinner option, and the food was excellent. If you’re visiting in winter, the lunch cruise might be the better choice so you can see more of the scenery in daylight.
Tip: If you are visiting in winter, go for the lunchtime cruise rather than dinner. You get some amazing views of the lake and mountains, and they would be wasted in winter as the sun sets much earlier.
As a solo traveller, I would just add that I was the only person I could see at the meal who was dining solo. After lots of solo adventures, dining alone doesn’t really bother me, but I wanted to mention it in case you are a solo traveller who would be self-conscious about it.
There are three versions of this tour — cruise only, lunch and farm show, or dinner and farm show. I’d recommend choosing one that includes a meal, as the experience at Walter Peak farm is lovely and adds to the day. You can easily check times and prices on Viator before booking.
⛰️ Book your dinner cruise here!
🍽️ Book your lunch cruise here!
🚢 Book the cruise only here!
3. Mount Cook Sightseeing Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ Book it!
A full-day guided sightseeing tour to Mount Cook is the perfect choice for visitors who appreciate breathtaking scenery and enjoy walking.
This tour includes several stops along the way, starting with Cromwell, known for its large fruit sculpture and historic buildings.
You’ll drive through the Lindis Pass, with its amazing landscape views.
The road to Mount Cook runs along Lake Pukaki, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters.
Unfortunately the famous Hooker Valley track near Mount Cook is currently closed past the first bridge while they repair the second bridge. But you will get the chance to visit Mount Cook Village and some of the other hiking options.
Just be aware that making the most of this tour requires a fair amount of walking, so may not be suitable for everyone.
“Fantastic coach with a knowledgeable tour guide who was very cordial, friendly and accommodating. The route was scenic.The Hooker Valley walk was spectacular.” -Nikhil (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
4. Doubtful Sound
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | ✅ Book it!
This is another tour that I put off doing for a long time. In many ways it’s similar to the Milford Sound tour, however as it involves a coach, ferry and another coach before you get to the cruise, it sounded like too much.
But, it was worth it. Those parts of the day were also very scenic, and the whole day was well organised so that the extra steps to get to Doubtful Sound didn’t feel like a chore.
I think Milford Sound is the preferred option for most first-time visitors, but Doubtful Sound is quieter, more remote and bigger. If you want to do this type of tour and aren’t set on Milford Sound, then Doubtful Sound is worth considering. I’ve already been to Milford Sound four times, so as a return visitor, I’d probably head to Doubtful if I had to choose.
For more information, take a look at my Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound comparison or my full review of Doubtful Sound.
👉 Check available Doubtful Sound tours on Viator
Best Wine Tours in Queenstown
5. Wine Sampler Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you want to enjoy some of the local wines while in Queenstown, look no further. Wine tours are the best way to explore the area without having to worry about driving.
No one blinked an eye that I came alone. In fact, wine tastings are low-pressure ways to meet others—especially if you’re a little introverted like me.
This tour through Gibbston Valley will include four fantastic wineries, in the comfort of our air-conditioned vehicle. It includes a wine cellar tour at the famous Gibbston Valley Winery as well as stops at three other popular wineries.
We had lunch at Kinross, which was my favourite stop on this tour – and not just because of the food. Most wineries only offer tastings of their own wines, but Kinross has a partnership with a few smaller wine brands so you can try (and buy) wines from smaller producers.
I had a fantastic day on this tour. The guide worked seasonally at one of the wineries we visited so she knew the staff very well.
Not only did I get to indulge in some of the finest wines from the region, but I also got to spend a day meeting people with a shared interest. And I came away with an Altitude Tours wine glass, which thankfully made it safely home to London in my suitcase as a bonus souvenir!
“Great day visiting 4 wineries, knowledgable staff and driver, good food and awesome people you get to know along the way. Lots of fun, laughs and beautiful wine in a beautiful region known for its Pinot Noir” -Sarah (Read more reviews)
6. Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: flexible | ✅ Book it!
If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to go wine tasting but want to have control over your budget and itinerary, a hop-on hop-off wine tour might be the perfect option for you.
With this type of tour, you have the flexibility to design your own experience by choosing which wineries you want to stop at. This means you can prioritize the ones that interest you the most and skip the ones that don’t.
It’s a great way to make the most out of your wine-tasting experience without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the tour includes stops at adventure activities such as the Kawarau River bungy jump, adding an element of excitement and thrill to your wine-tasting adventure.
However, it’s important to note that there are a few downsides to consider. While the tour provides transportation to the wineries, tastings are not included in the price.
Also, some wineries may require visitors to pre-book their visits, so if you are determined to visit certain wineries you need to check and book in advance.
“The Hop on Hop off drivers were all super friendly and the timetable easy to follow. We booked all our tastings and each of the 5 wineries we visited were fabulous!” -Jane (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
Best Adventure Tours
7. Shotover River Jet Boat
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1/2 hour | ✅ Book it!
Jet boating is one of the most popular adventure activities in Queenstown, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll race down narrow river canyons at high speed, with plenty of 360-degree spins to keep the adrenaline going.
I’ve tried a few jet boat companies over the years, but my favourite is the Shotover Jet. They operate on a short section of the Shotover River, which means the drivers know every curve and rock — and they get impressively close to both.
The spins are the best part, and while you’ll get a bit splashed, the laughter more than makes up for it.
It’s a great adventure option if you’re not sure about trying something more intense like skydiving or bungy jumping. The ride itself is around 25 minutes, and you can either drive yourself to the site or catch the shuttle.
If you want to see what it’s like, I’ve included a short video I filmed from the shore that shows one of the spins in action. You can check current availability and prices on Viator, where I usually book my own activities.
🤩 Check Shotover Jet prices and availability now!
8. Rafting and Sightseeing
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Rafting on the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon is an adventure that caters to a wide range of visitors, including families. This activity is perfect for all visitors who are seeking a memorable and thrilling experience. If you want a more active alternative to a jet boat, this might be the one for you.
The tour starts with a minivan drive from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon along a high and narrow road (people with a fear of heights may find this drive difficult).
As you embark on this thrilling ride, be prepared to get wet! It is recommended that visitors bring a swimsuit and towel to enjoy a rock jump and swim at the end.
The Shotover River’s rapids will provide a fun challenge for both young and old, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Previous rafting experience is not required, making it accessible to everyone above the age of 3 (although personally I think I’d wait until they were a bit older!)
Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-time adventurer, rafting on the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon promises an unforgettable experience.
“Was a little nervous to raft but it was light rapids. So much fun. Jumping off the rocks. Floating in river and riding rapids. The drive is the scariest part. Amazing views. They even take pictures that you can buy it was so much fun!” -Denise (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
9. NZONE Skydive
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 1/2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Perhaps it’s a stretch to call this a tour, but it’s a great way to see some scenery! If you’re an adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline rush like no other, then NZONE skydiving is the ultimate experience for you.
If you want to try one of the most memorable experiences in Queenstown, skydiving is hard to beat. I’ve done it twice now with NZONE, both times jumping from 15,000 feet. The views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains are absolutely incredible — it’s one of those rare moments where you really can’t believe what you’re seeing.
I won’t pretend it isn’t terrifying. Even on my second jump, the anticipation was nerve-wracking. But once you’re out of the plane, the fear disappears and the feeling is unlike anything else.
At 15,000 feet they give you oxygen on the way up, so if that makes you uneasy, you might prefer the 12,000-foot option. On my second jump I had a bit of ear pain once we got to 15,000ft, although I’d had a cold a couple of weeks before and suspect that was the cause. Otherwise, both experiences were smooth and completely worth it.
Skydives only go ahead on clear days, so don’t plan it for your last day in Queenstown — leave time in case you need to rebook. NZONE are good about refunds if weather cancellations mean you can’t jump. I also recommend paying extra for the photos or video; it’s the kind of thing people don’t believe until they see the proof!
You can check prices and availability on Viator, where you can also see the latest reviews and weather updates.
You can even see a video of my jump here!
FAQs About Visiting Queenstown
Do I have to drive to the location?
No! Most tours from Queenstown either have a central pick-up point that you can walk to from your hotel, or collect from your accommodation.
What do I need to bring on the tour?
The booking page for each tour lists what is and isn’t included and recommendations for what you will need. For example, check if the wine tours include lunch and bring your wallet if not. Make sure you bring sunscreen and appropriate clothing for the activity.
Are tours in Queenstown suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Not all tours are suitable for everyone, but everyone can find a tour that suits them. For example, someone with a heart condition perhaps shouldn’t go on a jet boat but would be fine on the TSS Earnslaw cruise. The tour website will specify any restrictions.
🤩 Book the #1 recommendation to Milford Sound here!
Final Thoughts: Day Tours from Queenstown
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, offers an array of amazing tours that are simply a must for anyone visiting for the first time. But don’t wait too long to book your Queenstown tours! With its popularity soaring, tours tend to sell out quickly.
While you’re at it, be sure to check out my post about the best places to stay in Queenstown for a complete guide to an unforgettable experience.
For other planning assistance, take a look at the best things to do in Queenstown, and how long you should stay in Queenstown to get the most out of it. Plus a list of the best Queenstown cafes to satisfy your caffeine requirements!
Start planning today and experience Queenstown’s magic for yourself!
🇳🇿 Want more New Zealand travel tips? You’ll find all my posts in one place right here.
