7 City Tours in Queenstown Worth Booking

1.Family Adventures Rafting and Sightseeing Trip in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · from $185Our pick

Join Family Adventures for a five-hour trip from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon. Guides such as Georgia, Josh, Mark, Holly, and Luke lead families through easy Shotover River rapids, river swims, floating, and optional rock jumps. The journey includes transport, equipment, snacks, and time to hear about Central Otago’s gold-mining past.

“First time we have done this, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Simon and the crew made for an enjoyable experience. Spay yourself with insect repellent as there are quite a few sandflies around”

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2.Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 252 reviews · from $129

Travel from central Queenstown to Wanaka and Arrowtown in a small group of up to 15. Guides such as Murray, Brian, Chris, Mazda, and Serena share local stories while you enjoy Crown Range viewpoints, Cardrona Hotel, That Wanaka Tree, and free time in both towns.

“It's was awesome experience we all had. Pit was our tour guide, he told us everything about places also helping us to take pics, which we all enjoyed the trip.”

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3.Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $173

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook in a small group of about 15, with commentary, WiFi, scenic stops, and roughly 3.5 hours at the national park. Guides such as Beth, Kevin, Ana, and James are praised for clear stories and good trip management. Choose a short walk or the Hooker Valley Track, weather permitting.

“Tour participants should be aware of the activities on the tour and decide what they want to do before leaving. We wanted to hike and had two beautiful hikes once we got there. Fortunately, the weather held out and the scenery was brRead more”

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4.Scenic Highlights, Tour with Wine & Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 4h 30m · from $136

Start in central Queenstown with a local guide and explore lake viewpoints, the Shotover River, Arrowtown, Kawarau Bungy Bridge, and Gibbston wine country. You will taste local wines with shared cheese platters, then return by scenic boat across Lake Whakatipu. Guides may include Lee, Ash, Beth, or another Altitude Tours local.

“I had a great time in the tour! It was a bit of the best of what Queenstown can offer and I enjoyed everything. The driver-guide (Podge) was amazing and very, very knowledgeable -- he was able to answer almost every question that my co-travelers and I asked about Queenstown, even the history-related ones. Over all a really, really good experience.”

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5.Skippers Canyon Goldrush Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 4 hours · from $101

Join Cal Brown for a four-hour, small-group ride from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon. GPS-triggered stories cover gold mining, film locations, and local characters in five languages. Expect sharp bends, huge views, frequent photo stops, and a final beer, wine, or barista coffee at historic Gantley’s Tavern. Cal’s calm golden retriever, Aster, may also be along.

“Wow - a lifetime experience. We are still spreading the word about Cal Brown's unique and very personalised Tour. He has studied the history of Skippers Canyon Goldrush Era in great depth and together with his 11 seater vehicle equipped with multi-language audio system it was an experience we will never forget. His loyal partner Aster (Golden Retriever) made this Tour even more memorable. If you have a love of natural rugged beauty this tour tops the list.”

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6.Cardrona Summer Gondola Sightseeing Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $21Best value

Take the McDougall’s Chondola from Cardrona Alpine Resort to the summit in about four minutes. Your return pass includes alpine walking trails, 360-degree views toward Queenstown and Wanaka, and the iconic Cardrona Swing. Food and drinks are available on the mountain, but transport to the resort is not included.

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7.Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

See Queenstown’s best nearby sights in three hours, with hotel pickup, a scenic Kawarau Gorge drive, AJ Hackett bungy action, Gibbston Valley wine tasting, Arrowtown, and Shotover River views. Guides including Ted and John bring the region’s early history to life. Non-alcoholic tasting options are available.

“The Highlights & wine tasting tour was great! Our guide Ted was very enthusiastic, informative and patient! I really enjoyed myself.”

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