Say kia ora to the adventure capital of the world and get ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime. 

Nestled on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is not only a breathtaking city (no, literally, it might take your breath away) but also a heart-stopping place full of adventure. Characterized by its mountain ranges, sweeping lakes, and adrenaline-pumping activities, this resort town will provide you with a ton of jaw-dropping photos and even more unforgettable moments. From shooting along the Shotover river at 85kph and visiting the small charming region of Arrowtown, to relaxing with a glass of champagne in an onsen pool, our tours and holidays in Queenstown (Tahuna in Maori) are quite simply, nothing short of remarkable. Whether you've just finished a premium South Island Tour of New Zealand or you're waiting to begin a cycle New Zealand tour, make sure you check this town off your bucket list. 

Our Queenstown Tours

10 Days From 3731

Explore New Zealand’s South Island on a 10-day small group tour which includes Franz...

6 Days From 1800

Explore the rugged reaches of the South Island on this six-day trip with Intrepid from...

4 Days From 931

Cycle New Zealand's South Island, from Queenstown to Middlemarch’s Otago plains. Follow...

17 Days From 7079

Discover the best of New Zealand on a 17-day Premium adventure, taking in the most...

18 Days From 7079

Discover the best of New Zealand on a 17-day Premium adventure, taking in the most...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Things to do in Queenstown

Scenic view of the mountains in Arrowtown, Queenstown

Embark on a day trip to Arrowtown

If you love learning about the history of the place you’re travelling to then taking a trip with your Queenstown tour to the fascinating, old-mining destination of Arrowtown should be high on your priority list. Located a short 21km from Queenstown, Arrowtown provides an insight into New Zealand’s gold mining past and is surrounded by lush greenery and historical buildings. Walking along its quaint streets and browsing through the unique shops are just a few of the many things you can do in Arrowtown. Just a short amount of time in this town is all it takes to begin to understand the legacy of the miners who once lived there.

Intrepid group tour on a jetboat ride on Shotover River in Queenstown, New Zealand

Speed along the Shotover river

If bungy jumping isn’t for you but you still want to experience something that’ll get your heart rate up, then racing through some of New Zealand’s breathtaking canyons at 85kph on your Queenstown tour is sure to do the trick. Embark a jetboat ride on the Kimi Akau (Shotover River) that’ll take you through the spectacular canyons at lightning speed on what is guaranteed to be a wonderfully exhilarating adventure. Operated by the Ngai Tahu, Maori people with a deeply spiritual and centuries-old connection with the land, you’ll be speeding over water as shallow as 10cm and we’re not even exaggerating.

Onsen hot pool in Queenstown, New Zealand

Relax in one of Queenstown's Onsen hot pools

You know that speed boat activity we were just talking about? Well how about relaxing in a perfectly warmed, private spa with a glass of champagne while you’re overlooking part of the route that that very same boat takes? Indulge in the tranquility of your surroundings and let your mind relive all the fantastic memories you’ve made on this trip while your body starts to unwind. Offering a high-quality boutique day spa experience with a nod to traditional Japanese bathing techniques, this world-renowned spot is perched on the cliffs overlooking the Shotover River and has a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Scenic boat ride across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand

Take a Lake Wakatipu boat cruise

There are few better ways to appreciate all New Zealand’s natural beauty than on a restored steamship gently gliding over the serene Lake Wakatipu. The third largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Wakatipu is interestingly in the shape of a lightning bolt and gives you a magnificent view of one of this country’s most beloved mountain ranges, the Remarkables. This cruise gives you ample time to absorb the stunning alpine scenery before you and might even have you wishing you never had to disembark.  

Skyline gondola in Queenstown, New Zealand

Travel on a gondola up the skyline Queenstown

Offering the best view in all of Queenstown, the gondola at Skyline Queenstown not only provides the ultimate gateway to exhilarating adventures but also to one of the best culinary experiences going ‘round at their Stratosphere restaurant and bar. A whopping 450 metres high, the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car allows you the chance to participate in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, from exploring the galaxies on a clear night to traveling back down the mountain on a luge cart, taking corners and going through tunnels at speed.

Juicy burger filled with beef, lettuce, tomato, an onion from Fergburger in Queenstown

Pig out at Fergburger

Becoming a compulsory stop in Queenstown, Fergburger is guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds. From the classic ‘Fergburger’ with prime NZ beef, lettuce, tomato, and onion to the ‘Ferg-lafel’ full of falafel patties, lettuce, avocado, and lemon yoghurt, this internationally famous takeaway spot ensure you’ll always be spoilt for choice. Don’t let its quaint appearance fool you, this fast-food restaurant not only packs a punch but also delivers on the flavour.

Queenstown Tour Reviews 

Queenstown FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). 

However, we continue to strongly recommend  that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

If you're traveling to Queenstown from a different part of New Zealand then the quickest and easiest way to do it would be via taking a flight into Queenstown airport with daily flights landing from destinations such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. However driving to Queenstown is also an option as all major highways are clearly marked with directions and offer easy transportation into the town with a scenic view along the way. 

Getting around Queenstown is fairly easy with a bunch of different transportation options. If you traveled to Queenstown by car or want to hire one on your arrival then getting around Queenstown is quick and efficient with generous parking available in the town center. Alternately, Queenstown has an excellent public transportation system with the local bus network providing fares for $2 to all major suburbs within the town. 

Read more about getting around Queenstown

The weather in Queenstown is very different across the four seasons, from cold and snowy Winters to long and hot Summers. Some days in Queenstown can also feel like a mixture of a few seasons in one! Sitting against the Southern Alps, Summers in Queenstown can see temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with Winters dropping down to 5°C. Despite these temperatures, Queenstown sees visitors at any time of the year, with lots do across the four seasons. 

Read more about the weather in Queenstown

What to pack for Queenstown largely depends on what time of the year you're going in. As Winters can be quite cold, rainproof jackets, insulated clothing, and thick jumpers and coats are recommended, as well as gloves, socks, and beanies. If you're traveling in Summer then the temperature can be quite hot so dresses, t-shirts, shorts are acceptable. Remember to pack sunscreen to put on before you go outside to protect you against the sun's UV rays. It's also a good idea to bring sensible hiking boots or walking shoes as there are many trails in Queenstown you might want to explore. 

Hiring a car in Queenstown is relatively easy. If you're flying into Queenstown from other parts of New Zealand, then you can hire a car easily from the airport with 9 car rental companies to choose from. The average cost of renting a car in Queenstown is roughly $36 per day and varies on the type of car you rent and how long you need it for. 

For the months between April and September New Zealand uses NZST (New Zealand Standard Time) and from October to March, New Zealand observes daylight savings and so switches to NZDT (New Zealand Daylight Time). During NZST, New Zealand is 2 hours in front of the time in Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, and 19 hours in front of Los Angeles time. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Queenstown prides itself on providing accessible and inclusive adventures so everyone's able to experience the many activities that this town has to offer, and have a whole heap of accommodation with disabled access for ultimate convenience. 

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