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Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand—and some would say, the world. From alpine landscapes and glacier-fed lakes to rich gold mining history and world-class vineyards, Queenstown offers an incredible diversity of experiences year-round.
Queenstown’s modern story began in 1862 with the discovery of gold in the nearby Shotover River, sparking one of New Zealand’s largest gold rushes. The influx of fortune seekers quickly transformed the area into a bustling settlement. Its name, legend has it, came from early settlers who declared it “fit for Queen Victoria.”
Since then, Queenstown has evolved into a globally renowned resort town, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually. They come for the natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and the unique charm of the South Island.
There’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences here. Get your adrenaline pumping with bungy jumping at the world’s first commercial site, jet boating, skydiving, or whitewater rafting. Take in the stunning scenery with a lake cruise on Lake Whakatipu, a gondola ride to panoramic views, or explore the region’s many hiking and biking trails.
Food and wine lovers will feel at home with award-winning Pinot Noir in the Gibbston Valley, local dining in Arrowtown and Queenstown, and artisan producers throughout the region. In winter, Queenstown transforms into a ski hub with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone all within easy reach. Iconic day trips to Milford Sound, Aoraki Mt Cook, and Glenorchy further showcase the area’s natural beauty.
Altitude Tours is proud to call Queenstown home. Our award-winning experiences depart daily, taking you beyond the ordinary with small groups, premium vehicles, and passionate local guides. Whether you’re heading to the vineyards, the mountains, or beyond, our team is here to help you experience more of what makes Queenstown so special.
Queenstown tours and activities are plentiful, something for everyone! They call Queenstown the adventure capital of the world and rightfully so. However there is also a great range of
sightseeing, wine touring and health and wellness experiences.
Yes there are many family friendly tours in Queenstown. Queenstown has both scenic, adventure and wet weather solutions for kids of all ages. A great place to explore as a family. One excellent top rated experience for families is the half day Glenorchy and Paradise Explorer.
Most Queenstown scenic tours will start and end downtown Queenstown. A central location that is easy to get to with lots of facilities around such as toilets, cafes, bakeries and restaurants.
Here is a list of activities to do in Queenstown. Try scenic tours to Glenorchy and Paradise, Wine Touring with the world’s best wine tour (awarded 2021), Milford Sound day trips from Queenstown, Mt Cook Scenic Tours. There are many other things to do and we recommend you check out Everything Queenstown which has the largest and most comprehensive range of things to do in Queenstown.
Yes there are many softer fun and safe Queenstown activities such as Queenstown wine tours, sightseeing trips, boat trips and water sports in the summer at the lakefront. We would recommend checking out our Wine Sampler Tour as this is a multi award winning wine tour.
The two peak seasons for visitors to Queenstown are winter for the ski season (June – September) and summer for hiking and lakes (December – April).
Yes tours in Queenstown operate all year round 365 days of the year. There are some which are seasonal, especially to do with the winter ski season. For a full overview of activities and tours for the Queenstown area check out Everything Queenstown.
The best way to explore Queenstown is to get local advice and to plan ahead as sometimes activities and tours can be booked out weeks in advance. We have a live chat function where you can talk directly to one of our team or drop us email at [email protected]
The weather in Queenstown can impact certain activities, such as skydiving, hot air ballooning, scenic flights. However for the most part Queenstown is just as great in poor weather. Try wine touring, indoor skydiving or scenic boat trips.
The must do Queenstown activities are take a wine tour through the famous Gibbston wine region, go bungy jumping and head to Milford Sound on a small group day trip.
The best wineries for touring are the ones found on the Altitude Wine Sampler Tour which are a combination of Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Kinross, Cargo, Brennan and Rockburn. These are a nice balance of well known and off the beaten track cellar doors. However in saying that we take people to all wineries on private charter and they are all unique and produce fantastic wine. There is no dud winery.
Yes, you can get around Queenstown without a car. There are taxi, ubers and private transport available to take you from A to B or sightseeing. Often organising a private vehicle and guide/driver works out the best value.
The busiest time of the year in Queenstown is actually Summer Jan – April. The Queenstown area is alive with trampers, boaters and long nights where the sun does not go down until 10pm at night. Winter from June – September is also busy with people skiing and snowboarding. Queenstown really is the best of both summer and winter.
To spend a day in Queenstown, start with a breakfast at Yonder Cafe, lots of interesting options on the menu – a real locals favourite. Then head out to Glenorchy for a morning half day scenic trip where you will travel on one of the worlds most scenic roads, see LOTR movie locations, try kiwi cuisine on the side of a river bank for morning tea and take in wonderful instagram ready scenery. Once back to town, connect with the famous Wine Sampler Tour – this tour will take you on a food and wine expedition through the wine growing region with a great guide. This tour was rated the world’s best wine tour in 2021 – yes that’s right. On return from your wine tour, head don’t worry about going back to your accommodation and have a table pre booked at either of these options. Botswana Butchery (higher end dining), The Cow (famous laid back pizzeria) or Tanoshi (Japanese). All are amazing options. Finish your night with a nightcap at The Rodd & Gunn Lodge Bar on the Queenstown waterfront and you have the perfect day.
Haha no sharks in the Lake. It’s very safe!
The best wine tour in Queenstown (in our opinion) is the Wine Sampler Tour which won the world’s best wine tour in 2021. A real gem of a product with sensational reviews.
Experiences you’ll forget to pull your phone out for.