Outdoor activities in Queenstown

THE 10 BEST Queenstown Outdoor Activities

Outdoor Activities in Queenstown

  • Traveler favorites
    Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews
Outdoor Activities
Flexible booking
Book risk-free with fully refundable, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Price
$0 - $500 +
Duration
Languages
Filter to see tours in the language(s) you’re looking for.
Popular Attractions
Special offers
133 places sorted by traveler favorites
Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$152.42
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$180.58
per adult

Cold feet?
 Book risk-free with free cancellations on most bookings.

Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$134.06
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$153.03
per adult
Jet Boat Rentals
25 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$99.83
per adult
Air Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$365.26
per adult
Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$427.88
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$137.73
per adult
Helicopter Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$737.31
per adult
Adventure Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$373.56
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$413.19
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$137.73
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$180.58
per adult
Adventure Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$68.44
per adult
4WD Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$262.60
per group
Jet Boat Rentals
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$78.96
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$412.57
per adult
Adventure Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$737.31
per adult
Nature and Wildlife Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$109.57
per adult
…
Showing results 1-30 of 133
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Nina D
    Otago1 contribution
    Chris picked up a group of 5 of us just down the road from our accomodation, he was very friendly and accomodating, the tour went super smoothly and we saw some incredible sights! High recommend!
    Review of: Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JAMEQ
    Singapore, Singapore112 contributions
    We had a great time with Keith as our driver cum tour guide along the journey. Keith was careful in his driving yet able to ensure we have an enjoyable journey to board the cruise and back to Queenstown on time too.

    Thanks, Keith!
    Review of: Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise with Buffet Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Katherine H
    2 contributions
    I’ve just downloaded the app and created an account just to rave about the experience. The views were breathtaking, both the coach and the cruise were comfortable and accommodating. The highlight of the experience by far was our driver (Ian) who was entertaining, funny, full of great knowledge of the area, fauna and flora and kept us safe, entertained and well taken care of for the whole journey.
    He honestly made our trip!!
    Review of: Premium Milford Sound Coach & Cruise tour from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claire
    Charlotte, NC2 contributions
    I couldn't recommend this tour and tour operator more. Everything was well-planned and well-communicated from the moment we met our guide on the bus. I so wish I could remember the name of our guide, but I misplaced my note - but she was wonderful. She did a great job of making the trip there and back interesting and comfortable - two things I learned were very important on subsequent tours I took!

    Our guide had a real passion for the area and it was apparent in the way she talked about the surrounding landscape and wildlife. We had just enough stops along the way to capture some of the amazing scenery on the way to Milford Sound.

    Milford Sound itself was breathtaking. There was almost so much to be in awe of, that it was overwhelming. I went on a rainy day, which was actually quite amazing, because it meant more impromptu waterfalls spilling over the mountains surrounding the sound. The boat captain was also quite helpful. Sharing plenty of interesting facts about the formation of the Sound while we took in all of its beauty.

    I couldn't recommend this tour more - both the tour company and the tour itself! Thank you Altitude Tours for the experience of a lifetime!
    Review of: Small Group, Award Winning, Full Day Milford Sound Experience from Queenstown
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CannyCannuck
    1 contribution
    What a great introduction to the scenic beauty which surrounds Queenstown! Our tour guide Shane was so knowledgeable about LOTR trivia, local legends and all the local flora and fauna - I don’t know how he keeps all that information in his head. The tour was interesting and fun and just the perfect length for a tired, jet-lagged family from Vancouver! Thanks for a great start to our vacation!
    Review of: Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour
    Written August 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kim H
    30 contributions
    Definite for an adrenaline junkie. Seeing the caynon as you speed though makes the experience magical.Fun and just hold onto to you hat x
    Review of: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown, New Zealand
    Written July 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angela P
    14 contributions
    Our pilot was fantastic and pointed out just about every feature we flew over while also allowing us to enjoy the views. The cruise was beautiful as well. Weather delayed our trip two days in a row but the staff was super helpful in helping us reschedule and even helped us store our bags so we could leave Queenstown after our tour. This is a great company and a must do activity when you’re in Queenstown!
    Review of: Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise with Scenic Round-Trip Flight from Queenstown
    Written August 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joe G
    Worcester, MA9 contributions
    Do yourself a favor and do this tour. Sinchan, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the history, geology, and nature of the region. He promoted the flight home, and I think everyone who did it believed it to be preferable to a 4 hour ride back in the dark. The scenic flight was incredible.
    Review of: Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nancy B
    Gregory, MI8 contributions
    Our driver, Peter, made the long bus ride interesting with stories and history of the areas we drove through.There were only 7 passengers on the trip. We stopped at a salmon farm and a few stretch breaks along the way. The hike up Hooker Valley was great and Mt. Cook was visible several times. The path became too slushy with ice for us to complete it, but the view from the 2nd swinging bridge was amazing. The river was glacier blue and the mountains were all around us. It was worth the long drive.
    Review of: Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Small Group Tour from Queenstown
    Written August 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • phillipf12016
    Armidale, Australia30 contributions
    What an amazing day. Michael the pilot was great and knowledgeable about the area. The views were spectacular and we enjoyed every minute of the flight and the boat trip. It is worth every cent. We landed on top of a mountain covered in the snow. I would definitely recommend this flight and boat package
    Review of: Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown - 202
    Written June 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel3833
    San Diego21 contributions
    Amazing trip and I highly recommend! From start to finish, the entire day was very professional and well organized. Our pilot, Alex, was top-notch and did an excellent job on the flight over and back to Milford Sound. He described the mountains and other landmarks as we flew and also made sure our group got to the boat on time and back to the airport. The flight was as impressive as the boat cruise and the entire experience was the best part of my trip to New Zealand.
    Review of: Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
    Written August 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiwis_in_the_sun
    Charlestown, Australia72 contributions
    Amazing scenery with plenty of photo opportunities in the best spots as selected by James our driver who was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
    Plenty of toilet breaks along the way with coffee available en route so need to go into coffee withdrawal from an early morning start.😉
    July was really cold out on the water so wrap up well when going outside, otherwise the boats have really good heating with tea and coffee available along with a microwave for heating your own food.
    The flight back was the perfect way to top off an awesome day, not only cutting the trip back from 4 hours by van to 40 mins by plane, but also seeing the southern Alps along with the high level lakes was perfect.
    If I was doing the trip again I wouldn't change a thing as the drive out was awesome through the valleys and Homer Tunnel with Keas in the carpark, the boat trip comfortable and the flight back over the Alps offering great views and massive time savings 👌
    Review of: Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight
    Written July 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jayjepsi
    29 contributions
    The most beautiful part of our whole trip. The scenery from when we left till we got there was out of this world! This is an absolute must for anyone visiting queenstown! Our coach guide was funny as and made the trip even better!
    Review of: Milford Sound Coach Tour with Lunch from Queenstown
    Written July 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tanya H
    2 contributions
    Sam was the best!!! Made sure you were calm from start to finish. Could not be happier and the team were great and kept you up to date with times and weather conditions. Great experience
    Review of: NZONE Skydive Queenstown
    Written July 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ted L
    4 contributions
    Pete was a fun and informative guide. The day went great! He had stories and facts through the day.
    Review of: Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Optional Activities
    Written August 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown











Queenstown: Outdoor Recreation Information

Outdoor Activities132
Outdoor Activities Prices From$18
Outdoor Activities Reviews13,149
Outdoor Activities Photos13,134