New Zealand 2026 - Optional sightseeing in Queenstown

Optional sightseeing in Queenstown - 4 May

Queenstown Highlights Tour - $161 per person

Begin with breathtaking panoramic views at a local observation point on Queenstown Hill, where you can take the best panoramic photos in Queenstown.  Travel to the “Valley of the Vines” Gibbston wine region and discover the thrill of the bungy at New Zealand’s first commercial bungy bridge. Watch intrepid jumpers from the viewing deck and feel the adrenaline as they plummet at a height of 43 metres! Stop into Gibbston Valley Winery, one of the region’s first commercial vineyards, and indulge in a wine tasting or simply enjoy a tea or coffee in the cellar door. Check out their onsite cheesery or gift shop (where time permits).
Sneak a peek at one of the “Lord of the Rings” filming locations, envisioning the “Pillar of the Kings” scene on the cliffs overlooking the Kawarau River.  Continue on to explore the 1860s gold rush era and colonial architecture of historic Arrowtown with time to wander the picturesque main street and Chinese Settlement. Return home via Arthurs Point, viewing the dramatic Shotover River and capturing a glimpse of a jet boat speeding through the narrow Shotover Canyons.

3 hours / 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

 

Dart River Wilderness Jet - $342 per person

The ultimate, original half-day Wilderness Jet boat adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey along the braided, glacier-fed Dart River. Experience the unique combination of breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating ride as we take you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Area. 
Our exclusive jetboat access to the largest sections of the Dart River means we can cover up to 90km of scenery during a group trip. Our jet boat tour is the longest ride in the region, which is perfect for those looking to take their time to see the sights and truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty. Dart River Adventure’s knowledgeable guides lead our eco tours with passion and authenticity. Their stories bring the scenery to life—from Māori legend to the area’s Greenstone trail—there is something to learn around every corner. The ever-changing environment makes every trip unique. With daily and seasonal changes to the flora and fauna, colour of the bush, river structure & colour, water clarity, birds, wildlife, and snow level, returning for a second adventure can mean you explore a whole new world. 

The Wilderness Jet Experience is a 2-hour trip - 12 pm departure. Includes transfers.

 

Nomad Safaris - $285 per person

The perfect tour for those who want the thrills of an off-road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Queenstown tour takes you to see The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the three movies, including the Misty Mountains. Travelling partway up Queenstown hill, you get a birds-eye view of Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. Travelling from the Queenstown hill viewpoint, we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge, the trip heads to Arrowtown, where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was shot.
Near Arrowtown, you will experience a true off-road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River, you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen.

At this point, you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning. From Arrowtown, you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon, where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown and into Skippers Canyon.

Morning or afternoon departures. 

 

Boutique Wine Tour - $294 per person

Discover world-class wines on this fun and interactive small-group wine tour offering a great taste of Central Otago’s wine, history, sights, and cuisine. Enjoy an array of wine tastings from four premium boutique vineyards over three contrasting wine sub-regions: Gibbston and the lesser-known Cromwell and Bannockburn basins. Stop in for lunch at Carrick Winery and Restaurant (or a similar lunch venue if not available). Sit down and savour a delightful platter-style lunch made with locally sourced produce. This will be accompanied by a flight of delectable estate wines. Other vineyards we typically visit on this tour are Mt Rosa, Rockburn, Misha's Vineyard, Te Kano, Akarua, and Brennans. Some vineyards can be requested so please mention these upon booking. There will be time to stroll around the vineyard, take some stunning photos of the Bannockburn Inlet and Lake Dunstan, or sneak a glance at the barrel hall and wine-making facilities if this is of interest. Sit back and relax in our luxury Mercedes-Benz minivans and take in the sights while our specialist Wine Guide provides a full commentary on the wine, sights and early history, ensuring an entertaining drive with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. 

5.5 hours / 11 am – 4.30 pm