Best tours of Queenstown

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and want to visit a city that offers mountains, fjords, adventure activities and good food, then you should choose to visit Queenstown, which is one of the highlights of the South Island. There you can not only discover some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery, but also wine tasting and incredible cultural experiences.

Some of the best things to do in Queenstown during the city's most exciting tours include discovering the sets of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, taking a speedboat ride on the local lakes, joining a beer tour, visiting The Remarkables mountain by helicopter and discovering the wilderness trails on an ATV campervan. Are you ready to discover the heart of the South Island?

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Scenery Tour in Queenstown is a unique experience that allows fans to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Middle-earth. Queenstown and the surrounding area have been iconic locations used in the films, making this region a must-see destination for fans of the saga.

During the tour, you can visit the town's iconic sites such as the main square, Lake Wakatipu and the cobblestone streets of the old town, but you can also include a visit to Glenorchy and Paradise, which served as backdrops for memorable scenes in the films. You'll be able to walk the same paths that saw Frodo and Sam's footsteps, and explore the landscapes that shaped the story.

In addition, these tours will provide you with detailed information about the production of the films and interesting anecdotes about their making. Expert guides will share stories and fun facts that will make the experience even more enriching and exciting, especially if you plan to visit Queenstown with children, as many of these tours are interactive and include themed costumes and performances.

For passionate fans, Lord of the Rings-themed games are also available, where you can recreate iconic scenes and fully immerse yourself in the magic and adventure of the trilogy.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 111 euros, including transfers around the tour sites and the assistance of an expert local guide.
• Duration of the tour: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see the natural scenery of one of the most successful film sagas in history.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you won't have much free time to explore the sites on your own.

The thrilling speedboat tour of the Queenstown Lakes is an experience that will leave you breathless. These tours offer the perfect combination of adrenaline, breathtaking scenery and fun on the water.

During the speedboat ride, you will enjoy the speed and thrill as you glide through the crystal clear waters of Queenstown's most prominent lakes such as Shotover and Kawarau. You'll feel the breeze on your face and enjoy the feeling of freedom as you cruise the lakes surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking natural scenery in the best weather, especially if you plan to visit Queenstown in the summer.

In addition to the thrill of speed, you'll have the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of the lakes. You'll be able to appreciate the different shades of blue of the waters, the lush vegetation surrounding them and the snow-capped mountain peaks reflected on the surface of the water. Some tours also include a visit to Wakatipu, which is also one of New Zealand's largest lakes.

Expert guides will provide information on the history and geography of the region, and can point out points of interest and highlight interesting aspects of the surrounding landscape.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 74 euros.
• Duration of the tour: about 2 hours.
• Benefits of these tours: You will get to see some of Queenstown's main lakes in an alternative way.
• Disadvantages of these tours: it is a very demanding tour, not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

The Queenstown Beer Tour is a must-do experience for beer lovers. The town and surrounding area is known for its vibrant beer scene and offers a wide variety of craft breweries worth exploring.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit some of the region's most famous breweries. A must is Altitude Brewing, which offers a wide selection of locally brewed craft beers. Here you can sample different styles and learn about the brewing process from expert brewers.

Another notable brewery is Canyon Food & Brew Co. known for its focus on quality beer and the perfect combination of food and drink. Here you can enjoy a complete dining experience, pairing craft beer with delicious local dishes.

In addition to the breweries, these tours can also include visits to local bars and pubs that offer a wide selection of craft beers. You can enjoy a lively atmosphere and sample different beers from the region while socialising with other lovers of this popular beverage.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 104 euros. Tours usually include transfers, tastings and the assistance of an expert local guide.
• Duration of tour: between 4 and 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to make the most of your time and visit some of the most outstanding breweries in the region.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will not have free time to stay in the bars and pubs outside the tastings.

The thrilling helicopter tour to The Remarkables in Queenstown is an experience that will leave you speechless. This hill is part of an iconic mountain range that rises majestically on the fringes of the town, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

During the helicopter flight you will enjoy an electrifying ride as you soar above the peaks of The Remarkables. From the heights, you'll be able to admire the grandeur of the mountains and appreciate the natural beauty of the region, with its valleys, lakes and glaciers, which are often included in the tours of the best tours from Queenstown.

Once at The Remarkables, you will have the opportunity to disembark and explore this spectacular mountainous area. Enjoy gentle walks along marked trails, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Every step will lead you to picturesque sites and panoramic views that will leave you in awe and allow you to take some of the best photographs of your trip.

In addition, the helicopter flight will give you the chance to get a unique perspective of Queenstown and the surrounding area. You will be able to appreciate the beauty of the town, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding snow-capped mountains from a privileged position, especially if you plan to visit Queenstown in winter.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 180 euros.
• Duration of tour: about 20 minutes flying time.
• Pros of these tours: You'll get to see New Zealand's most famous mountain from a different and exciting perspective.
• Disadvantages of these tours: If you visit Queenstown during the autumn or rainy spring season you may have reduced visibility during the experience.

The Queenstown Wild Trails ATV Adventure Tour is a thrilling and adrenaline-filled experience that allows you to explore the natural beauty of the region in a unique way. Riding an ATV gives you the freedom to explore these sites and discover remote and picturesque landscapes.

On these tours you will ride through varied terrain, from lush forests to rugged hills and breathtaking canyons. The trails are designed to offer an exciting and challenging experience, allowing you to test your riding skills while enjoying the spectacular scenery around you.

In addition to the thrill of riding an ATV, you will have the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of Queenstown. You'll see panoramic views of the mountains, lakes and rivers as you ride through New Zealand's unspoilt wilderness.

During the tour you'll be accompanied by expert guides who will give you safety instructions and lead you along the trails. They know the highlights and will be able to share with you interesting information about the flora, fauna and history of one of New Zealand's most remarkable regions.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 139 euros, including quad biking and the assistance of an expert local guide.
• Duration of tour: about 1 hour.
• Benefits of these tours: you will experience a thrilling and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: minors are generally not allowed to participate.

You can book a tour in Queenstown in advance online or book some of these experiences once you are in town, at a tour provider's office or on a website. However, be aware that if you plan to visit in the summer or during peak season months, prices may increase or tours may sell out before they start.

In any case, I advise you to book in advance to freeze the price and avoid dynamic rates. You can also save time by having detailed information in advance to organise an itinerary and get the most out of your visit to Queenstown.

On this type of Queenstown tour you will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. You will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, lakes and landscapes that characterise this town. During quad biking or adventure tours, you can also take to the wild trails and discover remote and picturesque sites that would otherwise be inaccessible.

As well as the scenic beauty, you can observe the diversity of the local flora and fauna. The Queenstown region is home to a rich biodiversity, and as you hike the trails, you may spot native birds such as the national bird, the kiwi, and enjoy the presence of other native animal and plant species that are common in New Zealand's national parks.

Queenstown offers some of New Zealand's best attractions, but it is also a place of inhospitable terrain, so the best alternative to get to know it thoroughly is to have the assistance of a guide. For this reason, I advise you to choose guided tours, be guided by local experts and enjoy the natural environment of the region in a relaxed way.

Also, if you plan to visit Queenstown during the high season months, I advise you to book your tours in advance, which will save you time and money.

Taking a tour in Queenstown is highly recommended due to the countless attractions and exciting experiences this city has to offer. This destination is known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, making it an ideal place for lovers of nature, extreme sports and breathtaking scenery.

One of the main reasons to tour the city is the opportunity to explore its natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and lush valleys, Queenstown offers spectacular scenery that invites adventure. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, paragliding or a thrilling boat ride, these tours allow you to enjoy your surroundings, especially during the summer in Queenstown when the mild weather accompanies the experience.

Taking a guided tour of Queenstown will give you an expert perspective. Local guides can enrich your experience by providing fascinating details and recommendations of sites that you might normally overlook on your own.

In addition, guided tours allow you to optimise your time and make the most of your visit. Itineraries are carefully planned, which means you don't have to worry about transport details, which can be cumbersome. The guides will save you time and effort in planning and navigating your pre-planned tour.

Another advantage is the convenience of a guided tour. Tour operators organise transfers, ensuring that you arrive at destinations safely and smoothly. In addition, tours often include specific activities and attractions, allowing you to enjoy a more complete and effective experience, which is ideal if you are planning a 3-day stay in Queenstown, or even less.