Queenstown · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Queenstown

540 tours  ·  from $8 a head

A long weekend or a fortnight, the problem is the same: one valley, far too many good days in it. The 15 below are the ones that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - Eglinton Valley and the Mirror Lakes
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

1.Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,001 reviews · from $216Our pick

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small guided van, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a two-hour fiord cruise.

“The day started early and it's quite a long drive there and back but we did get to stop along the way to grab a quick bite. Our guide/driver was Jess and she was awesome! She provided lots of information and history about New Zealand and tried to keep us interested during our long journey. Once we arrived, we did the Milford Sound cruise (which includes lunch on the boat). It was an amazing experience and the views are incredible. This tour provides an easy way to see Milford Sound although if you're prone to car sickness, I would recommend taking something for that as as times it is quite…”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - The cabin, decks, and onboard comfort
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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

2.Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,930 reviews · from $111

Review of Cruise Milford’s small boat tour, with close waterfall and wildlife views, live commentary, hot drinks, pricing, parking, and practical tips.

“Great cruise of Milford Sounds. The staff were helpful. As promised a small boutique cruise. An informative cruise and easy to check in. Very punctual so be on time and allow time to get parking. Would recommend highly”

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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - Choosing between the TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown
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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - From Milford Sound Wharf to Mitre Peak
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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

5.2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,561 reviews · 2 hours · from $101

Review of Mitre Peak Cruises’ two-hour Milford Sound trip, with small boats, waterfall spray, wildlife, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Fun cruise! We enjoyed the trip on the smaller Mitre Peaks boat. Commentary was engaging. Quinn's energy was EXCELLENT. Beautiful views”

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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - Check-in, lockers, and getting ready
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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise - Lake Te Anau gives the morning a proper beginning
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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

7.Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,416 reviews · from $235

Review of Altitude Tours’ small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a 1 hour 45 minute cruise.

“We had an incredible time! Chase was our guide and he ensured we stayed on track with the schedule and were able to experience the entire itinerary. The trip was seamless and the weather was perfect. Chase was knowledgeable, courteous, and a great driver! I would highly recommend this tour compared to the big bus options.”

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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown - The Queenstown departure at True South Flights
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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

8.Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $462

Fly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps, cruise Milford Sound, and return by a different scenic route in this efficient half-day tour.

“Holy cow was this awesome! The beauty of Milford Sound is unmatched. The plane was an amazing way to experience the beauty of the mountains. Our pilot Andrew was incredible and very friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was a little crowded, but it was comfortable nonetheless. One of my favorite things we did in NZ!”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - The Kawarau River brings rocks, bridges, and fast turns
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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

9.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and two rivers, with 360 spins, mountain views, practical tips, and value advice.

“Easy location, excellent customer service by phone and in person. The guide was very friendly and considerate. It was absolutely awesome!!! You are bound to get wet especially if you are sitting in a corner so be prepared. We loved it though.”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour - Milford Road and the best photo stops
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour

10.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,681 reviews · 12 hours · from $162

Review of RealNZ’s Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise, with scenic stops, guide tips, costs, comfort, and practical advice.

“Craig was our driver and he was very good , really safe driver no messing about and was a genuinely nice man.”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat - Pickup from Queenstown and check-in at Frankton
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke
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2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

12.2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,520 reviews · from $104

Review of Mitre Peak Cruises’ 2-hour Milford Sound trip, with waterfalls, wildlife, smaller boats, practical tips, price, and honest drawbacks.

“My family enjoyed this tour. I booked with this company as it's advertised as less people on the boat than some of the bigger boats. The tour was fully booked as it was over the holidays, but it was still pleasant. We found a seat on the top Read more”

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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes) - Leaving Queenstown Bay by the waterfront
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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

13.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,462 reviews · from $49Best value

Cruise Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown for mountain views, lakeside homes, birdlife, live commentary, and a warm cabin in 90 minutes.

“I was hesitant to sign up as I’m not a “wine” connoisseur. But, it was one of the best half day tours I’ve gone on. Our guide, Ben was knowledgeable and entertaining. The wineries were each unique. The third winery, with the cheese board snack, was great! I went by myself and by the end of the day we were all friends!”

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NZONE Skydive Queenstown - Starting at 35 Shotover Street in Queenstown
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NZONE Skydive Queenstown

14.NZONE Skydive Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,438 reviews · from $222

NZONE Skydive Queenstown pairs a tandem free fall with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, plus central transfers.

“OMG- best thing ever. Did this with my two teenagers. What a day! The team at NZone are fantastic. My instructor, Linsey, was the best- put me at ease from the get-go and explained everything as we went, as well as having quite the sense of humour 😄 He also took the time to explain more about the parachutes, packing techniques etc after the jump, with my kids and me. Chris and Ivan were also wonderful instructors for my kids. Thank you all- a memory with my children I’ll be forever be grateful to have 🙏”

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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown - Twelve Mile Delta and Bob’s Cove: a gentle walk
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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

15.Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,285 reviews · from $123

See Lord of the Rings filming sites near Queenstown and Glenorchy, with private land access, costumes, picnic food, and expert local guides.

“Absolutely beautiful day and tour around the South Island from Queenstown to see so many LOTR film locations, as well as iconic vistas! The road to Glenorchy is a must and we had the best tour guide in Tom who knew so much about the mRead more”

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New in Tour Reviews

★ 5.0Queenstown Gin and Whiskey toursFrom $4623 reviews
★ 5.0Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin3 reviews
★ 5.0Nevis Catapult – World’s Biggest!From $1763 reviews
★ 4.9Milford Sound Scenic Flight & Nature TourFrom $3283 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Boutique Wine TourFrom $1553 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka3 reviews
★ 5.0Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike with LunchFrom $2513 reviews
★ 5.0Private 3 Day Queenstown Glenorchy Wanaka and TekapoFrom $6983 reviews
★ 5.0Coach, Farm Tour & Milford Nature CruiseFrom $2183 reviews
★ 5.0Wanaka Breweries E-Bike TourFrom $1523 reviews
★ 5.0Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo the Ultimate combo from QueenstownFrom $4023 reviews
★ 5.0Introduction to Wanaka Rock Climbing – Half DayFrom $3833 reviews
★ 5.04 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from QueenstownFrom $2,2033 reviews
★ 5.0Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Guided Hike from Te Anau with LunchFrom $4833 reviews
★ 5.0Kidz Club QueenstownFrom $493 reviews

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Milford Sound Day Trips114Lake Wakatipu Cruises31Queenstown Jet Boat Rides45Queenstown Scenic Flights81Queenstown Wine Tours52Wanaka Tours83
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