We used Go orange for our tour to the Milford sounds. Our tour guide was Grant and he was a…read moresweetheart. He was informative and very knowledgable on New Zealand history. The long 5 hour bus ride was broken up into several stops either for bathroom breaks, shopping and the best sightseeing and photo opportunities of New Zealands beautiful landscape. Even in the rain on some stops the scenery was gorgeous and worth getting a little wet. I would recommend this tour for your travel needs in Queenstown. Trust me you will have hundreds to choose from with 4 to 5 tour companies on every street, lol.

6:30 am. Too early for a meal, maybe you've had enough time to sneek in a hot tea or coffee. It's…read morefreezing cold out and you have layered as much as you can to try and stay warm enough to keep your fingers and toes from becoming frozen. It's dark, you struggle to find your way to the meeting point for pickup, scared that if you aren't there in time, your tour bus will leave you and you'd have lost your money invested in today. You wait in the cold, checking the time, looking out for others who look just as tired and lost as you do. Some people show up. Suddenly a massive tour bus rolls up to your bus stop. Out pops a average height gentleman, he seems as though he's already full of energy, maybe he's already had his coffee. He is wearing a cowboy hat. We've just met, Jason, the Cowboy who will take us from Queenstown and into Fjordland National Park to Milford Sound. After taking a seat on the bus, grabbing a warm orange blanket from the above compartment, we make a few more stops along our way to pickup others. Jason, or the Cowboy has welcomed us and explains that we are now his family, he's going to look after us and take care of us, just as you do with family. I never felt so welcomed. Riding alongside the massive lake, he noted things to look out for, explained the little towns we went by, gave suggestions and was filled with local knowledge and stories. For what would be a boring 3 plus hour journey, he can take all of the credit for making this day a entertaining one.

The. Very. Best…read more Highly recommend JUCY Cruise at Milford Sound. A new vessel. Great driver who took us in from Te Anau. Friendly staff on board. And the view. All in all a great once in a lifetime experience. The drive to and back had a lot of stops with value added spots to see, capture and remember for life. Do. Not. Miss. This.

We chose Jucy because we figured we'd take advantage of the half-priced driver promo…read more The cruise wasn't busy at all. We had originally booked the 9:45am departure but decided it was just too early. I actually emailed them and it was changed to 11:45am by their customer service rep (thanks again!). We paid the difference in price upon arrival at the ferry terminal. Since the rain was ongoing, we actually preferred a shorter trip. Some of the other companies offer a longer cruise at a slightly higher price. We were happy with what we got. The weather... It was rough. The views though, gorgeous. The waterfalls were probably at their maximum due to the rainfall. I stayed outside for most of the time on the second level where there was coverage. This was not a five star only because I think if they actually reached capacity (200 people) it really would not have been enjoyable. Under our conditions and circumstances, it was a solid 4 star experience. The captain was very friendly and I was able to chat with him for a bit. That was cool.

VISIT: end of February 2020 TOUR: Bike the Bridges -…read moreArrowtown to Gibbston Supported Tour VIEWS: 5 stars HELP FROM TOUR GUIDE: 5 stars SUITABLE FOR ALL ENDURANCE LEVELS: 4 stars DEALS: I found them through Chase Ultimate Rewards and several other sites MEETING SPOT: close to Fergburger and Fergbaker This tour was an honest pleasant surprise for us. The videos online looked cool, but mostly we got to experience so much that I don't think we would have seen. I would have never made a special trip to Arrowtown or Gibbston just based on the research I did, but what a beautiful way to view this amazing country! You meet at their meeting spot where the tour guide will drive you to your starting point. The tour guide stayed with everyone until they were comfortable on which path they were following and made sure that bikes and helmets were all sized appropriately. Our tour guide even gave special care to someone in our group that didn't speak English. You can leave items in the van, if you'd like, but my husband and I just had everything in our backpacks as the van is only there during certain check points. After that you are pretty much on your own with the bike tour, which was refreshing that you could go at your own pace. You see your tour guide at regular intervals along your track and that's always refreshing, in case you get tired you can always hop in the van. Along the way, you ride by the AJ Hackett bungee jumpers which was a nice stop to watch and use the restrooms and grab snacks, if you need. Then our tour ended at the Gibbston Winery which was just a nice treat after a good workout. ACTIVITY LEVEL: one of my biggest tenets is that the company dubs the Bike the Bridges tour a relatively easy ride and although it was, I was personally surprised at how much of a workout was. There was a good amount of inclines/declines and I workout regularly and have an active job, so I was relatively surprised. However, I realized after being in New Zealand that many of their residents are so active that I'm sure this would be an easy ride. For those on the fence, they do have electric bikes for rent, so that might be the way to go. NAVIGATION: the navigation is very easy and the trails are clearly marked. As mentioned above, your tour guide also makes sure he's waiting at regular intervals along your trail, so I wouldn't let that deter you I WOULD 100% DO THIS AGAIN: I am not a typical tourist that would return to do things again, but I cannot begin to explain how magical this was. Plus the tour was a half day, so we actually booked this the afternoon of our first full day in New Zealand to give us time to adjust to jet lag and the long tour the day before

As I was planning activities to do while in Queenstown, I stumbled upon this place that offers bike…read moretours that had really positive reviews. However, since I have never really done long distance biking before, I was hesitant to sign up for one of the tours that takes you further in and you bike back to the shop in downtown Queenstown. I decided to just rent an e-bike for half a day which would allow me to go at my own pace and return when I wanted to. Honestly, it was one of the best days of my life-the breathtaking scenery of Queenstown and the comfort of my own solitude exploring the bike paths overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown trail, Shotover bridge/river, Kawarau River... The person helping me at the shop was really friendly-helped walked me through how to use an e-bike (it was my first time using an e-bike but thought it would be the safest option in case I tired myself out later) and helped to adjust the seat as well when I had some trouble. The e-bike had different levels of support (eco, medium, and high)-I used eco mode for most of the time but used medium and high on my way back and it hardly used any of the battery life at all (there is a level usage on the screen). They provide you with a map which I used along with my phone to ensure I was on the right path but there are also many signs along the way, so I would say it would be hard to get lost. I would totally recommend this bike shop if you want a little adventure during your stay in Queenstown -something not as crazy as bungee jumping but will give you a thrill and some amazing views.

This was one of the most fun things I've done. The premise is that you're in this boat with a big…read moreengine. The driver speeds along the river and does spins at full speed. Everyone gets wet and a good time is had by all.

We did the Dart River Wilderness Jet trip this morning and had an excellent experience! This is…read morewell worth the money! We did the 9:00am tour and enjoyed the 3 hour trip, which included a 4WD bus ride, pleasant nature walk, and most importantly, a jet boat journey up the Dart River with amazing views! The mountains, waterfalls, trees, and waters all made for incredible sights along our boat ride. Our boat driver, Ethan, shared useful information about the area and took us on a fun and memorable tour. And the boat is unique in that it can operate in 4 inch water depth - very cool! This is a fantastic trip that came recommended to us by a local - we are so glad we did it! Skip anything on the lake right near Queenstown and do this instead for a more unique experience and spectacular views.

"You live you life like a canary in a coalmine You get so…read moredizzy even walking in a straight line" (The Police) Built in 1921, The TSS Earnslaw is the oldest commercial passenger-carrying steamship and the only remaining commercial coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a big ship! It measures 168 feet (51.2 meters) long and has a 24-foot (7.3-meters) beam. You nautical aficionados know that beam means "across" and can hold up to 389 passengers and 11 crew members. We jumped aboard at the Queenstown docks' Steamer Wharf and rode to the western shores of Lake Wakatipu to have dinner at the Walter Peak Farm. It's around a 90-minute ride, The ship's engine room has a viewing gallery where passengers can watch stokers shovel coal into the firebox throughout the trips. We learned the ship burns one ton of coal per hour. On the way home from dinner, a piano player led a sing-along on vintage tunes from the 1920's. It was a fun and relaxing ride. The ship had a Promenade Café and Bar and watching the workers shoveling that coal into the firebox was very awesome. I bet half of the passengers took videos of that. I know I did. TSS Earnslaw Trivia The ship was named after Mount Earnslaw, a 9, 478 foot (2,889-meter) tall peak at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

Great Experience! Cruise ride, buffet, show and farm animals!…read more We did they evening bbq dinner (not Texas bbq, don't expect bbq sauce, they mean grilled meats) Cruise: the was relaxing, they had a bar areas with snacks, drinks and food options to buy Dinner: There are a wide variety of food (salads, bread cheese, appetizers, meats and desserts) you'll find something you'll like. It was a buffet style, the meats were lamb, chicken and venison Show: they sheer a sheep in front you and give you background knowledge Animals: once the show is done you can head to the gift shop or see the animals Overall great evening dinner experience HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Had a great day out around Queenstown's wineries. Our driver was very friendly and helpful and the…read morewine was superb. Mt Rosa was our favourite. My partner and I would definitely do it again

From the owner: Join our flexible & hassle-free local winery shuttle service. Departs daily from Queenstown at…read moremidday/12.00pm. With no set timetable & no stress, you simply discuss with your friendly onboard wine guide, the options of where you'd like to be dropped off to & picked up from. You will be well entertained with lots of freedom at an array of winery restaurants & tasting rooms, all highlighting our amazing Central Otago wines. There’s lots to do, such as wine & cheese tastings, or enjoying a local craft beer. All the wineries are very close together making it easy to give you the best day out & we'll have you back in town by 6pm approx. Our Wine Hopper service offers you the easiest way to enjoy the wineries at your own pace, in your own way, on the day. Check out our reviews & give us a call if you have any questions. Our Wine Hopper Bus is proudly locally owned & operated by a wine-only specialist company in Queenstown NZ.

With so much to do in Queenstown (very touristy), I'm glad that I the the chance to go through a…read more "full on" ATV (Quad-biking) at "Off-Road Adventures". I must admit, it made me feel MANLY and then I was sore for the rest of the day! This was my first time and now I'll be seeking out ATV trails when I return home (USA). The terrain constantly changes with different degrees of difficulties. There are great views at the end of several trails so remember to take photos. This was a great group experience. The instructors at "Off Road Adventures" provided a lot of information for operating your ATV and staying safe. SAFETY TIP: It's not a race and not bumper cars! Full body suits and helmets are provided but you're carrying your valuables on your person (no lockers available). Once you're done with the ATV, head over for ziplining! I've done this in other countries (Costa Rica) and absolutely loved the 6-zip course that they offered. Staff will help you correctly put on your harness and helmet. They suggest valuables are left in lockers. SAFETY-TIP: Consult your medical doctor before doing any of these activities. They are stress and adrenaline inducing.

Embarking on the off-road quad tour was an exhilarating experience! The thrill of navigating…read morethrough rugged terrain, surrounded by stunning landscapes, made every moment unforgettable. Sam and Matt (The guides) were knowledgeable, entertaining, social, and ensured our safety while adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. Riding the quads through the off road mountain paths offered an adrenaline rush that is good for any skill set. This is a 5 .. must-do for adventure enthusiasts seeking a thrilling and immersive outdoor experience!

Great guide. Knows everything! Perfect timing for stops and explanation. Lots of fun…read more Laughed,learned had real costumes and swords to playact. Highly recommend!

Fantastic tour!!! Did a half day tour - Scenic Lord of the Rings Tour. My granddaughter and I…read moreenjoyed the Middle Earth experience. The driver, as a Hobbit fan, was knowledgeable with his facts and insights. We did a short 20 minute hike which was beautiful. As a senior, the driver was thoughtful to offer his assistance on the hike, but I did manage the slightly rocky trail with no trouble. I understand why the beautiful scenic filming locations were chosen here in NZ.

We spent 2 days with Lee, the owner of Alpine, as our tour guide around Queenstown. First of all,…read morehis personality is great and we really enjoyed our time with him. Second, our first day with him was rainy and he had already decided and planned swapping activities for the day. He is very knowledgable about the area as he grew up there, and this was evident at some of the wineries we went to with him since the owners spent extra time with us and made the experience that much more fun! If you are looking for someone to plan your time in Queenstown you should definitely contact Alpine! There is so much to do in this area that it can be overwhelming to narrow it down and Lee can help steer you to the activities that would work best for your age, activity and interest levels.

From the owner: Alpine Luxury Tours operates luxury private tours and experiences with private guides based in…read moreQueenstown. We show people New Zealand in ways they never thought were possible. Our experienced team of local experts go above and beyond to provide truly unforgettable, luxury experiences. Based in Queenstown, our local knowledge enables exclusive access to some of New Zealand's most stunning destinations. Through the eyes of our local guides, we love being able to share them with you Family owned and operated, we take pride in luxury and environmental practices above all else. Our bespoke tours regularly see guest take to the skies and the seas in privately chartered helicopters, planes and cruise vessels - each available at a moment's notice. Because when your trip to Queenstown is an all-access-pass to stunning vistas and adventurous activities, who better to show than people who have called it home for decades?

The trail is beautiful and left me an unforgettable experience. I got the trail information from…read morethe tourist office at downtown, I was told the trail was pretty flat and no hiking shoes and trekking poles needed. So we went. It was a steep uphill approaching the trailhead. The trail is very wonderful and well maintained, I left my contribution at Fairy Meeting Place:), the overlook from the top was unbelievable, at brief moment a beam of sunlight shooting through clouds shines on Queenstown, it's like a dream. Later it started raining when we reached the top, and unfortunately my wife broke her ankle just 100 ft before back to trailhead. Queenstown's firefighters were super nice, they were right behind us, and helped us all the way to the hospital. The lesson: put on your hiking shoes or boots and bring your trekking poles if you can, be careful on rainy days. The rain makes the sand and gravel trail more slippery.

I think the most beautiful view of my life was on top of this hill…read more The vista is spectacular. There was even a FLIPPING RAINBOW in the distance. You might have to blink a couple times as you decide if you're already in heaven yet. It's a fantastic hike. It took us about two hours to get to the top. There was a basket-looking chair at the top that about four friends can load in and enjoy the view. Such a fun perk. It's a steep hike, so bring water. It's definitely doable for anyone though - the trail is very clear and obvious.