Outdoor Activities in Queenstown

Return to nature on the famous Routeburn Track. On this private hike, roam through the ancient undergrowth of the forest and gaze up at snow-capped peaks as your local guide invites you to explore New Zealand's fascinating wilderness. A great walk, a perfect day.

Combine hiking on the famous Routeburn Track with a canyoning adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park on a single active tour from Queenstown. Hike along the Routeburn Track while a guide points out the endemic flora and fauna, then reach the canyonlands, where you will rappel and swim through the caves, canyons, and pools. Refuel with a picnic lunch to wind up your strenuous tour.

Feel your heart pumping as you sway into a wide arc on the Nevis Swing, suspended from a high platform above the Nevis River. The world's largest swing lets you free-fall before swooping through the air at high speed. Enjoy a 40-minute drive from Queenstown before starting your daredevil experience in New Zealand's adventure capital. Ride solo or with a friend, but if you'd prefer to watch you can select the Spectator Pass at booking.

Get up close to nature and explore one of the top spots on New Zealand's South Island on this half-day Milford Track guided walk. Take a boat ride across Milford Sound to Sandfly Point with your guide and admire soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Hike along the banks of the Arthur River and Lake Ada, and enjoy panoramic views over the pristine countryside. Admire the mighty Giant's Gate waterfall from the swing-bridge over the river and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.

Ride a quad bike on Queenstown Hill during this 3.5-hour ATV adventure. After a comprehensive training, hop on a fully automatic all-terrain vehicle and follow your guide over off-road trails (safety gear and all-weather clothing provided). Enjoy informative commentary and sweeping views over Queenstown. Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with refreshments, are included in this small-group tour, limited to 11 people.

Soar above the mountain scenery of Wakatipu on a tandem paragliding flight that takes off from Coronet Peak, the highest commercial take-off point in Queenstown. With an expert pilot to guide the paraglider, you'll have a bird's-eye view of the whole region, covering 2.5 miles (4 km.) as you fly from Coronet Peak to the landing site. This small-group paragliding experience is limited to 8 travelers per booking for personal, high-quality service.

Soar high over the South Island by hang glider on this 2-hour Coronet Peak tandem hang gliding experience in Queenstown. Head from Queenstown up into the ski fields of Coronet Peak and meet your hang gliding pilot.  After a full safety briefing, climb into your hang glider and catch the thermals to soar up into the skies above. During your hang gliding experience, enjoy magnificent views over the Wakatipu region's lakes, rivers and mountains as your pilot explains the technicalities of flight, and gain insight into how your glider works.

Surrounded by rocky slopes and tussock grass, with dramatic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains, Jack's Point Golf Club offers a premiere golfing experience. Spend a leisurely morning or afternoon at one of the top-rated golf courses of the South Island, located just minutes from central Queenstown. The 18-hole green challenges as an impressive par 72 championship course. Round-trip hotel transport by private vehicle included.

Get introduced to one of New Zealand's Great Walks with a 2.5-hour hike on the Routeburn Track. This half-day tour departs Queenstown for the awe-inspiring scenery of Mt Aspiring National Park. Walk across a swing bridge and follow your guide at a relaxed pace through a beech forest lush with ferns and mosses. Experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls while you learn about native birdlife and cultural history.

Hit the slopes at Coronet Peak with private transfer in a vehicle for six, 11, or 22 passengers. The schedule is tailored to you, so you can ski and ride as long as you want, with options for large and small groups and departure times throughout the day. Simply meet a driver at your location in Queenstown, head to the snow with an experienced mountain guide behind the wheel, then return to town between two and 8 hours later.

Enjoy an authentic fishing adventure on Lake Wakatipu with this 3-hour Queenstown fishing charter. Head onto the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy panoramic views over the spectacular mountain scenery. Pick up helpful tips from your guide and gain insight into the many different fish species thriving in the lake. Master a range of fishing techniques including jigging, spinning and trolling, and watch your line for a nibble from the trout and salmon swimming below. Haul in your catches, then either release them back or keep them for dinner!

Soar above Queenstown on a hang gliding adventure from the Coronet Peak ski field. Available during summer months (September to April), this tandem hang gliding tour takes off from the area's highest commercial flight site. Pair up with a qualified guide - a New Zealand paragliding champion - and enjoy a stunning and scenic flight. Round-trip transport is included with your 2-hour experience.

Combine two of the world's most exciting sports with one of the world's highest takeoff points on this tour from Coronet Peak. Experience the thrill of both paragliding and hang gliding, riding tandem with an expert instructor. Transportation from downtown Queenstown included.

Take off from one of the highest commercially available points in Queenstown on this tandem paragliding experience. Fly with an extremely experienced guide for aerial views of Queenstown and the surrounding countryside, including Coronet Peak. Flight time is about 15 minutes; all necessary equipment provided.

Ensure a great day in the Remarkables Ski Field with this private transfer service from Queenstown. Travel in style with private transportation suited to your group's size, such as a 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser or larger vehicle. Assistance with equipment rental, timing, and activities is also available.

Soar through the Queenstown forest on the world's steepest tree-to-tree zipline, plunging 30 stories down from the Skyline Gondola summit on a 3-hour tour. Tone down the adrenaline a notch on a 2-hour course, perfect for families with kids aged six and up. Expert guides supervise your launch from each aerial platform, so all you have to do is take in the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range.

Paraglide over a wintry Queenstown landscape on this tandem paragliding tour from Coronet Peak. Safety and security on this adrenaline-fueled activity is ensured by the guide, a paragliding champion with decades of experience. After instruction and takeoff from the ski field, get views of the Wakatipu area on a 20-minute flight. Round-trip transportation from a central Queenstown meeting point is included.

Let a guide navigate the once-treacherous Skippers Canyon on this 4WD tour, round-trip from Queenstown. The route affords dramatic views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River Valley. You'll cross Skippers Bridge into the namesake township and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning. The 4-hour trip includes light refreshments and hotel pickup.

Whether you're a fishing fanatic or a complete novice, this fishing charter experience is enjoyable for all. After a central Queenstown pickup, you'll join experienced skippers for an adventure on Lake Wakatipu. You won't have to worry about bringing equipment with you as everything is provided. Your skippers will give you expert tuition on different fishing techniques, and you'll gain access to incredible panoramic views that you wouldn't see otherwise.

This half-day Queenstown canyoneering adventure is action-packed! You'll walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you'll spend 1.5 to 2 hours descending by zipline, abseiling (rappelling) down waterfalls, plunging into natural pools, floating down narrow passageways and cascading down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on skill level. No experience is necessary, but this activity does require a moderate level of fitness. Wetsuits, safety equipment and waterproof footwear are provided.