Top Queenstown Historical Tours

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

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.

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

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.

Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka on a half-day tour from Queenstown that explores local history and one of New Zealand’s most exciting adventure destinations. You’ll have time to stroll Arrowtown’s charming main street, built during the town’s 19th-century gold rush, then enjoy an hour of free time to see Wanaka. Walk the gorgeous lake path with views of the Southern Alps, then return to Queenstown through the Crown Range, winding through towering peaks and high passes.

With waterfalls cascading down mighty cliffs and some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural scenery, Milford Sound is one the South Island’s must-see destinations—but its remote location makes it hard to reach alone. On this tour, spin through the New Zealand countryside in comfort from central Queenstown with your guide. Admire panoramic views from your glass-roof, low-emissions coach, and cruise the calm waters with a picnic lunch included.

Enjoy an informative short tour of the vineyards, winery, and wine cave at Gibbston Valley Wines. See how beloved Central Otago pinot noir wines are produced with behind-the-scenes access at the winemaking facility. Sample four premium wines and learn about the local varieties. This is a handy tour for travelers who are just passing through, or who don’t have much time in the region.

Get into the environments which inspired the stunning visuals of the Lord of the Rings movies with this tour. Traveling in a 4WD enables access to remote locations in the Queenstown area--get rugged, then return to town for lunch. This tour is ideal for travelers on the lookout for hobbits and elves, or those who just want some serenity in an incredible landscape.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand on this half-day Wakatipu Basin 4-wheel drive tour from Queenstown. Cruise along off-road routes toward the Remarkables mountain range — widely used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Admire panoramic views over Deer Park Heights and the Kawarau Gorge, and then head onward to the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Traverse bumpy river crossings along the Arrow River, and pan for gold on the riverbank. Then gaze over the Wakatipu Basin from Coronet Peak en route back to Queenstown.

On a rainy day, an animated show is perfect way to learn about the fascinating history of Lake Wakatipu while keeping warm indoors. This state-of-the-art animated show takes you on a journey through time, from the moment the earth was formed to the present day. You'll learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, how the lake was carved out by a giant glacier. Then view the marine life that now calls it home from the comfort of Queenstown underwater observatory.

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth. Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes. You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More! This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props! We also have copies of the original scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Leave bustling Queenstown behind for the scenic beauty of Skippers Canyon on a half-day 4WD tour of the historic gorge. An experienced guide traverses Gorge Road and follows an old mining route toward Coronet Peak and into Skippers Canyon for outstanding views over the Wakatipu Basin and the Shotover River. Enjoy short walks and stop for scrumptious morning or afternoon tea including chilled wine, cookies and homemade cheese.

Get to know Queenstown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery on this half-day tour. With a small group limited to just 11 people or fewer, travel in a minivan to locales such as Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, Lord of the Rings locations, and a Honey farm. Pickup and drop-off in central Queenstown included.

The best way over half a day to capture the highlights of this region’s stunning scenery and showcase why this place is an adventurer’s paradise. The beauty in this unique itinerary is the combination of sightseeing and straight out adventure all in one action packed afternoon. Starting in our Landcruiser’s and the capable hands of experienced local guides you will get very personalised tour to visit world famous areas like Skippers Canyon and Arrowtown followed by multiple river crossings up the Arrow River to experience a Lord of the Rings movie location and try your hand gold panning in hopes of taking home some gold. We then take it up a level when you strap in and drive, or be passenger with the guide, our top of the range sports buggies around our exclusive off-road playground through the hills and forests overlooking Queenstown. These forest trails have been designed to thrill and reward with breath taking views only a lucky few get to sample.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Queenstown region with this gold mining tour. Stop in at key towns of the gold rush days including charming Arrowtown, and visit the Goldfields Mining Centre where you will be able to have a go at gold panning yourself. As you travel, learn the history and hear marvelous stories via themed GPS headsets.

Take away special memories from your time in Queenstown with this private tour with a personal photographer. Visit some of the most special spots in the region, including beautiful Lake Hayes, Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Coronet Peak and more. In each spot, a photographer takes wonderful photos of you, your family and/or friends, which are supplied digitally to you after the tour.

Travel off-road to the former gold mining town of Macetown along roads only accessible by 4WD. With an expert guide at the wheel, all you have to do is hold on for the rugged ride, which includes nearly two dozen river crossings and a backcountry route high above the Arrow Gorge. Pass Arrowtown en route to this historical ghost town protected by the Department of Conservation. Enjoy light refreshments and the opportunity to pan for gold in the Arrow River.

The best way over half a day to capture the highlights of this region’s stunning scenery and showcase why this place is an adventurer’s paradise. The beauty in this unique itinerary is the combination of sightseeing and straight out adventure all in one action packed afternoon. Starting in our Landcruiser’s and the capable hands of experienced local guides you will get very personalised tour to visit world famous areas like Skippers Canyon and Arrowtown followed by multiple river crossings up the Arrow River to experience a Lord of the Rings movie location and try your hand gold panning in hopes of taking home some gold. We then take it up a level when you strap in and drive, or be passenger with the guide, our top of the range sports buggies around our exclusive off-road playground through the hills and forests overlooking Queenstown. These forest trails have been designed to thrill and reward with breath taking views only a lucky few get to sample.

Step into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth on our ‘Middle-earth Marvels’ tour, a cinematic journey that brings the world of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to life. The journey begins at Glenorchy Wharf, where the epic tale of “The Lord of the Rings” truly began. Gaze upon Isengard Lookout, once the home of Saruman the White, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Bennets Bluff Lookout, a place where wizards and warriors once roamed. Follow in the footsteps of hobbits along the Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove Track, where lush forests and serene lakes create a mystical ambiance. Finally, stand in awe of the majestic Mount Aspiring, a real-life backdrop for Tolkien’s epic. This tour is more than a journey; it’s a story waiting to be told, a connection to a world where fantasy and reality intertwine, captivating hearts of all ages.

Catch The Chance To Visit Aswan And Luxor Highlights and Enjoy Sailing Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor By Sleeping Train Round Trip, the scenic way on a 3 night Nile River cruise Skip the ground travel

Want to see & do it all? Starting in the adventure capital Queenstown, this tour covers the South Islands glaciers, mountain passes and pristine coasts before heading to the action-packed North Island. Adventure activities aplenty throughout the trip, with accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. From to Queenstown to Auckland and everything in between, this tour has New Zealand covered.

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth. Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes. You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More! This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea and Snacks, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props! We also have copies of the original movie scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1-1.5 hour lunch break back in Queenstown and change buses for the afternoon tour. Morning and Afternoon Tour itineraries are interchangeable and can be switched due to availability or weather conditions. You will be visiting the Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley, Glenorchy and Paradise. You will admire LOTR locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, Pillars of the Kings, Ithilien, Isengard, Beorn's House, Lothlorien, Amon Hen and more!