Queenstown · WALKING TOURS
Good walking tours fill up weeks ahead down here and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Ride the Matukituki River and walk through Mount Aspiring National Park on a lively, scenic four-hour tour from Wanaka.
“If you visit the South Island, this is a must do activity! The staff is amazing and our river guide was amazing. I wasn't sure how the hike to the waterfall would turn out, but it was probably one of the highlights of the trip. You could tell how much Read more”
Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard historic yacht Faith, enjoy afternoon tea, and take a guided forest walk to a mirror lake in Fiordland.
“We had the best time on the Yacht with Adam and Co. We had an infant with us and they were very friendly, accommodating and welcoming. It was the best tour that we had booked this trip, really worth going on small owner opRead more”
Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard 1935 yacht Faith, walk to a Hidden Lake, and enjoy canapés, drinks, and quiet Fiordland scenery.
“Oh my goodness, this was one of the top highlights of our three week trip to New Zealand. From the moment we boarded Faith and met Meghan and Adam, as well as Meghan’s daughters Jodi and Paige, we were comfortable and blown away by their hospitality, knowledge and welcoming personalities. There were only eight of us on the cruise, making for an intimate experience. The hike once we crossed the lake was educational and beautiful. The drinks and food they served were fabulous. They even enlisted several of us to help with the ropes and sails. Upon hearing the history of Faith, I felt like we became part of her…”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Stevensons Island for mountain views, a guided summit walk, local stories, and tea with a biscuit for $50.
“the boat trip was good & scenery beautiful. think your guide could do with some lessons.... strode off up bthe hill 5 metres ahead of everyone, never looked back to check people were ok very casual in his chat at the top & finally he needs to use deodorant”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided walk, rare buff weka, native tree planting, tea, and alpine views.
“The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boRead more”
Combine an 11 km Milford Track walk with a two-hour Milford Sound cruise, waterfalls, wildlife, rainforest, and flexible departure times.
“Fun hike with enough time to enjoy the area. Plenty free parking at the boat launch. Boat trip was fun as well but the hike was our highlight.”
Review of Fiordland Jet’s Te Anau jet boat and nature walk, with Waiau River thrills, Lake Manapouri views, LOTR sites, and practical tips.
“The fast-driving jet,the scenery, the guide/jet operator.”
Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard a restored historic yacht, walk to the Hidden Lakes, enjoy tea, and sail through Fiordland with a small crew.
“The crew greeted us on the pier and welcomed us aboard. For the next 3 hours they saw to our every need/want and handled the yacht expertly. They were wonderful to share time and stories with, so knowledgable and so engaging Scenery is unsurpassed and the experience wad an absolute highlight. A treasure to be sure!”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk, rare buff weka sightings, an alpine lake, and sweeping mountain views.
“Thank you Tim for the knowledgeable, insightful and awesome Mou Waho experience you provided us. We learned a lot about this unique and magnificent island with rich history and marvelous nature richness. We enjoyed the cruise on Lake Wanaka with astonishing views and breathtaking natural colors. We will certainly book a cruise+nature walk with you again when we shall return to NZ South Island and Wanaka. Alexandros+Artemis+Maria Elena”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island for rare birds, a guided hike, and the remarkable Arethusa Pool, with morning tea and park fees included.
“A lovely excursion. A lovely boat ride up the lake and then a walk up to the top of the island. It foes get zteep at the top but we enjoyed it.”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Stevensons Island for a guided summit walk, Southern Alps views, afternoon tea, and an easy two-hour outing.
“Very relaxing cruise and easy walk at the Island. But perhaps a bit more snacks can be offered for afternoon tea besides just few pieces of cookies and tea. :)”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island for a guided 20-minute walk, striking mountain views, local history, and easy photo stops for $29.
“What a great little trip. Toby was a great commentator and full of historic events on the island. A leisurely stroll even for the elderly.”
Ride the Matukituki River by jet boat, walk beneath glaciers, and explore Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka.
“Fantastique Organisation au top Guide très gentil Je recommande 👍”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island for an easy walk, mountain views, and photos in one hour. A practical outing for families and seniors.
“The tour organised called me 25 minutes before the boat was due to depart, and said the tour hadn't met the minimal number of guests to run, so that it was cancelled. He did kindly offer a free upgrade to a longer tour departing later that Read more”
Review the Routeburn Track to Key Summit from Te Anau, with practical details on fitness, guides, weather, transport, cost, and what to pack.
“Our guide John and Jane were so kind and lovely. We stopped at several spots on the way to the Routeburn track and their explanation was very informative and helpful. As a solo traveler, I felt safer with the group on the track and they gavRead more”
Pick a boat, a rotor, a track or a cellar door.
