Lake Wakatipu Attractions & Things to do

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions!

Highlights:
• Milford Sound Cruise
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Duration: 13 hours.

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This is a small group tour for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip to Milford Sound. 

We keep things personal using our fleet of modern Mercedes vans. Enjoy your journey with only 16 people, in a vehicle with premium features such as leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify.

Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as we travel from Queenstown through Te Anau and into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as our guide's favourite off-the-beaten-track spots.

Enjoy a 2-hour small uncrowded cruise while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer! You can also add on a picnic lunch to enjoy onboard.
Duration: 13 hours.

A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on our vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, a farm demonstration and a delicious BBQ Lunch served on the sunny terrace at the Colonel’s Homestead.

The rural demonstrator will give guests an insight into life in the New Zealand high country by providing an entertaining farm show including working sheep dogs.

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Walter Peak where the menu showcases food and wine from the wider Central Otago region. Chefs prepare a tasty selection of meats on the outdoor grill, while fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables are available from the dining area of the Colonel’s Homestead. Top off lunch with a selection of delicious sweet treats and local cheeses.

Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Get a taste of New Zealand farm life with dinner at Walter Peak Country Farm. Start your evening cruising along the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown on board the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 vintage steam ship, to arrive at Walter Peak Country Farm. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ buffet dinner in the Colonel's Homestead, as the resident pianist provides background music during dinner. On cooler nights, the open fire creates a cozy atmosphere. After dinner, you have the option to watch a farm show or relax in the bar before returning to Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw.

Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in.
Duration: 4 hours.

Discover one of the best things to do in South Island New Zealand as you embark on a full-day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. You'll travel through Fiordland on a luxury coach tour before continuing to explore via a renowned Milford Sound cruise, enjoying a picnic lunch on board. Join us for an unforgettable day in Fiordland National Park!
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes.

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour with Air Milford allows you to combine the stunning flight to Milford Sound with a beautiful cruise on the fiord. Relax as you enjoy the best of both worlds from above and from the sea.
Duration: 5 hours.

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This is a small group tour for travellers seeking a uniquely-kiwi trip to Milford Sound. 

We keep things personal using our fleet of modern Mercedes vans. Enjoy your journey with no more than 16 people in a vehicle with premium features such as leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi & Spotify playlists.

Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with their in-depth knowledge of the area. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as our guide's favourite off-the-beaten-track spots.

Enjoy a 2-hour small uncrowded cruise while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer! You can also add on a picnic lunch to enjoy onboard.

After your cruise, take in the views from above, on an incredible flight back to Queenstown over the Southern Alps.
Duration: 10 hours.

Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown.

Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a snow landing on the distinctive Jura Glacier. Stand in snow surrounded by high mountain peaks and bush covered valleys as you admire unparalleled views of Mount Aspiring and the mighty Rees and Dart River valleys.
Duration: 50 minutes.

Join a scenic cruise to Walter Peak on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
Once you arrive over at the working high country station, partake in a wander around the grounds to meet and greet all the animals that call the farm home. Our guides will give fun and informative commentary, and you'll be delighted by a farm show detailing life for the working dogs.
Indulge in a decadently classic country morning/afternoon tea with homemade scones and tea. Use your time to your leisure to wander the gardens and re-visit your new animal friends.

Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your departure time to check in.
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound.
The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales.
Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres.

Duration: 13 hours.

Experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago’s incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell.

Visit four boutique vineyards, tasting their unique cool climate wines and discover why the Central Otago region has become world-renowned in its own right.

Savour a delightful platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce and accompanied by a flight of wines to taste. There may also be an opportunity to retrace history with a stroll through the charming historical settlement of Old Cromwell.

Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of fun facts and interesting stories from your knowledgeable wine guide.

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes.

This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown.

Highlights:
•Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
•Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air
•Fiordland National Park
•Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
•Wildlife Spotting

Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Duration: 9 hours.

Cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/drinks from the Promenade Café.

Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hang on during this thrilling Jet boat ride that travels at high speeds on two rivers, covering more ground with a longer time out on the water than similar tours in the region. Leaving right from the Main Town Pier in Queenstown, scream with delight as your jet boat zooms across Lake Wakatipu, spins in circles on the Kawarau River, and navigates the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Be prepared to have heart-racing fun on this roller coaster of a ride!
Duration: 1 hour.

Discover the best of the South Island scenery on this half-day Walter Peak horse trek from Queenstown. Take a traditional steam-driven boat from Queenstown to Walter Peak before you hop into the saddle and follow a guide on horseback along winding trails through terraces and pastures. Along the way, admire sweeping views across shimmering Lake Wakatipu to the soaring peaks in the distance. After your horse trek enjoy a snack of freshly baked scones and cakes. This 3.5-hour tour includes safety equipment and round-trip boat travel from Queenstown.

Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in.

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Indulge in a bird's eye view of Queenstown and her surrounding mountains.
Alpine landing our pilot will choose the best location on the day.
Experience views of majestic Queenstown as you perch on rugged mountain terrain, you may even be standing on snow in the winter. Don’t forget your camera as these views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are not to be missed.
Duration: 20 minutes.

Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri, cross over the 670-meter high Wilmot Pass and enjoy a 2 hour and 45-minute cruise through pure serenity that is Doubtful Sound.

This trip is a round trip of approximately 13 hours. If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after booking.

Hotel pick up/drop off from select locations is available - please call RealNZ directly to find out if there is a pick up close to your accommodation.
Please be sure to arrive at your pick up location 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Duration: 12 hours.

Queenstown Jet offers you an electric ride. Filled with speed, thrills and even more of those famous 360 degree spins. Hold on as we race faster than ever before down Lake Whakatipu and onto the beautifully scenic Kawarau River. Be sure to hold on to your hats as we navigate under bridges at speed and skim the river edges with precision.

Great for families, we can take as young as two years old.

Our experience is champion in the jet boat game and we can’t wait to give you the ride of your life.
Duration: 1 hour.

Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. Enjoy reserved seating for Air Milford passengers aboard the cruise and commentary from the passionate skippers while exploring the nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Enjoy return flights to Milford Sound so you can experience its beauty from all angles.
Duration: 5 hours.

Our half day canyoning experience has a little bit of everything in an action packed 4 hour (approx) round trip. We walk in through an ancient beech forest that hides the high-walled canyon. Once in, you’ll descend the canyon by zipline, abseiling/rappelling waterfalls, plunging into natural pools, floating down narrow passageways and cascading down chutes - all in beautiful natural surroundings.

It's an awesome and exhilarating feeling. The Queenstown canyon half day trip is suitable for first-timers to adventure seekers and is a great option for groups and team building. No previous canyoning experience is required but you should be confident in moving water and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Go for it, you’ll have a blast! Minimum age is 12 years.
Duration: 4 hours.

Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and Mount Cook. From Queenstown enjoy a day tour to Milford Sound with a two hour nature cruise on the fiord. From Queenstown it is then a days travel up the West Coast to Franz Josef and Franz Josef Glacier. On the final day of the tour the journey takes you to Greymouth where you will board the TranzAlpine Train for your return to Christchurch.
Duration: 4 days.

A unique 1.5-hour scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, featuring breathtaking
views, fascinating stories, and genuine Kiwi hospitality.

Spot native wildlife, admire architecture, and glide over crystal-clear waters en route to the historic Kawarau Falls Dam.

A unique escape from the fast-paced Queenstown experience.

Licensed bar on board serving local beers and wines.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Mystical morning & afternoon half-day expeditions to Glenorchy and Paradise! Take in the Spectacular Dart River, discover storytelling and learn about Maori Mythology. Enjoy our morning or afternoon tea provided.

Travel with Queenstown Expeditions into the Heart of this region’s stunning beauty towards Glenorchy, Paradise and Diamond Lake, home to Many movie locations such as “The Lord of The Rings”. Meet and talk to real New Zealand people!

View the amazing scenery through our Luxury vehicle with large viewing windows. The ultimate platform for this half day adventure.

Hear about Maori Mythology from this area with our state-of-the-art storytelling system offering cultural history and stories from a different time and place in New Zealand. Our stories are professionally themed with music sound and voice transporting you to a different place in time.

Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Queenstown Jet Boat offers you an electric ride. Filled with speed, thrills and even more of those famous 360 degree spins. Hold on as we race faster than ever before down Lake Whakatipu. We will get you up close and personal with the lakes edge, skimming past trees and any obstacles in our way and be sure to hold on to your hats as we navigate under not one, but two bridges at speed.

Great for families, we can take as young as two years old!

Our experience is champion in the jet boat game and we can’t wait to give you the ride of your life.
Duration: 25 minutes.

After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 10 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours.

⭐ Set off on the Ride to Riches journey, traversing the stunning Twin River trail outside Queenstown, featuring seven bridges and three rivers.

⭐ Choose between our top-of-the-line Giant™ Talon E-bikes and Trek Powerfly 4's, valued at $6,500 – some of the best eBikes available in the country.

⭐ Enjoy the convenience of our door-to-door service, exclusively for direct bookings.

⭐ Experience a ride on what is widely acclaimed as New Zealand's most exceptional bike trail.

⭐ Tailored for the bold rider: minimal inclines, broad gravel paths, and simple navigation for a 4-hour exhilarating adventure.

⭐ Be guided by our knowledgeable and friendly team, dedicated to making your ride unforgettable.
Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again!
Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth.

Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes.

You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More!

This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props!
We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!
Duration: 4 hours.

The only scenic flight company ex. Queenstown to showcase some of Mt Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks largest Glaciers. These include the Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne Glaciers among many others and of course, Milford Sound itself. Each tour with Air Milford is guaranteed to see at least five major glaciers.
Duration: 1 hour.

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already done a cruise in Milford Sound and want to experience the spectacular region from the air and land.

This 4.5-hour trip includes a landing in Milford Sound with up to 2 hours on the ground to take a self-guided walk along the shore line, soak up the surroundings, take pictures or have delicious coffee and cake at the cafe (at own expense) before your return scenic flight to Queenstown.
Duration: 5 hours.

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1-1.5 hour lunch break back in Queenstown and change buses for the afternoon tour. Morning and Afternoon Tour itineraries are interchangeable and can be switched due to availability or weather conditions.

You will be visiting the Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley, Glenorchy and Paradise.

You will admire LOTR locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings, Ithilien, Isengard, Beorn's House, Lothlorien, Amon Hen and more!
Duration: 10 hours.

On this premier scenic flight you will marvel at the outstanding landforms and stunning beauty of the Wakatipu basin. The untamed Shotover River is revealed in rugged Skippers Canyon. See spectacular film locations from Lord of the Rings. The flight includes a landing at the Remarkables, 1538 meters above Queenstown where you can stand in the snow during Winter and admire the fantastic panoramic views.
Duration: 30 minutes.

See the highlights of Queenstown on a Segway tour, the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s capital of outdoor adventure. Begin with a short lesson on how to operate your personal Segway, and then follow a guide around the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing through Queenstown Gardens and other scenic spots. Enjoy a personalized experience on this small-group tour limited to eight people. Choose either a 1- or 2-hour tour offered at various times throughout the day.
Duration: 2 hours.

An adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action whilst discovering LOTR filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for an opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.
Duration: 4 hours.

Welcome to Tāhuna Queenstown. The four-season town sitting on the edge of the mighty Lake Whakatipu. With a name fit for a Queen, it boasts an incredible mountain landscape, thrilling adventure activities, a rich gold mining history, and world-famous wines.

See more and join this half-day tour that shows you around Queenstown like a local. Visit iconic scenic viewpoints, see Lord of the Rings filming locations, walk the quaint streets of Arrowtown, watch the fearless Bungy jump, taste Pinot in Gibbston, and take a cruise on the lake - all in an easy half-day adventure.

The 4.5-hour Best of Queenstown Tour departs the Station Building, central Queenstown at 8:30 am, arriving back to Queenstown Bay at 1:00 pm.
Duration: 4 hours.

A winning combination: Spectacular alpine scenery including Skippers Canyon and the Queenstown basin as well as the chance to land in the snow on one of the regions stunning peaks. Route dependent on snow conditions.
Duration: 35 minutes.

Includes: 1 Alpine Lift from our hangar at Queenstown Airport, fly up to the Remarkables Mountain range, where the helicopter will land and shutdown, so you can experience the complete serenity of the area.  Experience the view and snap the ultimate photograph, one mile high. Views over the mountain vista, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Wakatipu basin.
Duration: 30 minutes.

The limited passenger numbers on our modern Mercedes Sprinter Vans make for a much more personal experience. It also allows us to stop more often for photos and short walks than the big 50-seater coaches (up to 12 stops along the way). We connect with Milford Sound's only boutique small boat cruise. Passenger numbers on the cruise are limited to 50% of the boats capacity.
Duration: 13 hours.

A chance to do Milford differently and capture a different perspective away from the crowds. You will have the opportunity to explore the shores for approximately 2 hours, with our three short walks, taking you to unmissable vantage points and through awesome wilderness.


Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Experience unimpaired views from your window seat onboard our fixed-wing aircraft as you fly through a landscape of unbelievable grandeur and beauty.
Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot will provide interesting and informative commentary during this 80-minute flight of a lifetime.
Departing from Queenstown Airport enjoy panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and glacier-fed braided rivers as you fly along the Dart River Valley. With endless snow-covered mountains, the Olivine Ice Plateau, Mt. Tutoko and the Tutoko Glacier just some of the incredible highlights along the way.
The breath-taking scenery continues into Fiordland National Park, out over the rugged West Coast and the Tasman Sea before a quick U-turn descending into Milford Sound itself. Flying down the middle of the Fiord, with the dramatic sheer mountains either side, aerial views of the cascading Stirling Falls, you'll almost feel like you are, not literally, in touching distance from Mitre Peak.
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Old gold, liquid gold and gold-star movie settings. The charming village of Arrowtown is a living settlement and the town and nearby locations are the source of many wonderful stories. More than just a sightseeing tour, our guides help bring Arrowtown and the surrounding area to life.

3 Regions : Queenstown, Arrowtown & the Gibbston 

Visit historic Arrowtown & the Chinese village, make a photo stop at Lake Hayes (the Mirror Lake), the Kawarua bridge bungy jump, see the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, visit a working honey farm and taste honeys including Manuka plus, enjoy a photo stop over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Duration: 4 hours.

Travel with a family-owned and operated company. Milford Sound Day Tour, enjoy maximum space with our day tours.    

Sit back, stretch out, relax, and enjoy the scenery in the warmth and comfort of our luxury small coach. The most luxurious way to travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound on a Full-Day Tour, our drivers are local kiwis who know all about this region and its stories. Enjoy our Full Milford Sound Cruise before hopping back on the bus for your return journey to Queenstown.
Duration: 12 hours.

Rated one of the world’s best classic hikes, the Routeburn Track combines personal achievement with awe-inspiring scenery. With this half-day tour, enjoy a more relaxed pace through the forest and into a world of peace and tranquility surrounded by the sounds of rivers, waterfalls and native birds.
Duration: 5 hours.

View the spectacular sights of Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin from above, aboard this 20 minute scenic flight.
Duration: 20 minutes.

Paradise Valley full day tour is the perfect activity for families and small groups, offering flexibility to accommodate your personal interests whether they be walking, photography or viewing movie locations of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. This tour will allow you to leave your worries behind as you take your time exploring all the Glenorchy region has to offer. It is the ultimate tour for those wanting a leisurely day with great food, and optional walks. So if you’re looking for stunning views and exclusive locations then this tour is for you.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours.