Top Queenstown Eco Tours

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural settlement of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on this half-day drive. Spend some time exploring Glenorchy’s shops and cafes, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand, Milford Sound offers a sweeping landscape of jagged snow-capped mountains, shimmering fjords and lakes, towering waterfalls and emerald greenery. Travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park to explore this lush wilderness, including a boat cruise on the Milford Sound. You also see The Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu—New Zealand's longest lake, and Lake Te Anau—the South Island’s the largest lake.

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound take you deep into the spectacular Southern Alps. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to the dramatic places that you'd miss by sticking to the road.

The glacial waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Exploring the Central Otago countryside on horseback lets you go at a leisurely pace while covering more ground than you could hiking on your own two legs. Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Dunstan and the Mt. Pisa Range from the comfort of your horse. Go at the pace appropriate for your skill and experience level. Young kids can be led, if required.

Cycling fans who enjoy spending time in nature—this is the perfect option for you! After a convenient ride from Queenstown to Arrowtown, you’ll be kitted out with a hardtail mountain bike and helmet. By having bike hire included, you won’t have to worry about whether your bike is suitable for the trails. A detailed map is included, so you won’t get lost, and you’ll have the freedom to cycle at your own pace. Highlights include Kawarau Bungy Bridge, and Arrowtown village.

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.

Soar to new heights on a 20-minute helicopter tour and alpine landing in the Remarkables, a mountain range that dominates the eastern skyline of Queenstown. Hover up close to the eponymous peaks and land 5,046 feet (1,538 meters) above Lake Wakatipu with unparalleled views stretching all the way to the Southern Alps. Your six-passenger helicopter flight includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

See the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound from the air and water on a half-day tour from Queenstown by sightseeing plane and catamaran. Fly over Fjordland National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed landscape, then touch down at Milford Sound for a cruise with drinks and lunch (for the midday departure) served on board. This tour is perfect for photography and wildlife watching, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Queenstown hotels is included.

When soaring in a fixed-wing plane from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier, you may think the one-hour scenic flight is the highlight of this tour. But the best is yet to come. Switch to a helicopter and fly up to a landing point high on the glacier, where you’ll embark on a hike on the snow and ice. Wearing crampons, you’ll explore caves and see remarkable landscapes inaccessible any other way.

Mt Cook Bus Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience, this small group, fully guided bus tour to Mt Cook combines all of the key highlights of Mt Cook with scenic flights in a helicopter and a ski plane including a Tasman Glacier landing plus free time to do other optional activities of your choice. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Go off the beaten track on a 4WD tour outside Queenstown and traverse the private farmland of Mt Earnslaw Station. Your informative guide offers a variety of options for exploring the high country, including a visit to the gold-mining town of Glenorchy in Paradise Valley. Numbers are limited to a maximum of four passengers on this small-group, customizable tour to ensure personalized attention.

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to immerse yourself in nature and learn about conservation throughout New Zealand. Begin your trip with a 45 minute cruise aboard the Vintage TSS Earnslaw, an integral part of Queenstown’s pioneering history and to this day a Queenstown icon. You will be greeted by our rural host upon disembarking the vessel, who will give you a tour of the stunning Restaurant Garden and showcase the beautiful native plants. You will then have the opportunity to have a hands on role in Walter Peaks land restoration project by planting a native tree or shrub from our nursery. Next savour a delicious morning/afternoon tea made with local ingredients in the old charming woolshed. The Eco Tour is the perfect adventure for those who want to give back to the environment while immersing themselves in New Zealand’s native scenery.