Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll ride the Skyline Gondola for the view, thunder up the Shotover River by jet boat, cruise the lake on the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship to a working high-country farm, and taste the wines of the Gibbston Valley, with the option to bungy, skydive or paraglide. Mountain vistas, buzzing restaurants and lakeside sunsets fill the days.
With a central hotel and the key experiences arranged, all you have to do is choose your adventure.
Trip Highlights
- The Skyline Gondola and the Queenstown view
- A Shotover Jet boat ride through the canyons
- The vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak
- A Gibbston Valley wine tasting
- Optional bungy, skydive or paraglide
- The historic gold town of Arrowtown
- Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
- The world's adventure capital
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Arrive in the adventure capital on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and settle in. A welcome dinner introduces the lakeside town as your adventure begins.
Ride the Skyline Gondola for the panorama over the lake and the Remarkables, then thunder up the Shotover River canyons on the famous Shotover Jet.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak high-country farm for a sheepdog and shearing show and a gourmet dinner.
Explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, then taste the celebrated pinot noir of the Gibbston Valley wineries, with your choice of a final adventure — bungy, skydive or paraglide.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Queenstown airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers
- 4 nights in a central Queenstown hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a TSS Earnslaw steamship dinner
- The Skyline Gondola
- A Shotover Jet boat ride
- A TSS Earnslaw cruise to the Walter Peak high-country farm
- A Gibbston Valley wine tour and a visit to Arrowtown
- All listed activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional adventure activities where not stated
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. Queenstown is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Seasons reversed: Queenstown is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is warm and long for hiking and lakes, while winter (June to August) brings skiing and snow to the surrounding peaks
- Adventure & safety: Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, with bungy, jet boats, skydiving and more. All operators are strictly regulated and safe, but activities are weather-dependent and some carry age or health restrictions
- Four seasons in a day: Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense alpine UV
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left, and the roads around Queenstown are scenic but winding, especially the Crown Range and the route to Milford Sound; allow plenty of time
- Milford Sound: The day trip to Milford Sound is long (a full day by road) but spectacular; a scenic flight or coach-cruise-fly option can shorten it, weather permitting
- Sandflies: Fiordland and Milford Sound have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for that excursion
- Best time: Queenstown is a year-round destination — summer for hiking, lakes and wine, autumn for golden colours, and winter (June-September) for skiing and snow
- Tipping & power: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a TSS Earnslaw steamship dinner or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Queenstown's superb dining scene.
Are transfers and activities arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, sightseeing and the named activities are arranged for you, and Queenstown's compact centre is easy to explore on foot in between.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
Summer (December-February) is best for hiking, lakes and wine, autumn for golden colours, and winter (June-September) for skiing. Queenstown is a wonderful year-round destination.
Is the adventure activity optional?
Yes — Queenstown offers everything from gentle scenic cruises to bungy and skydiving. We include core experiences and you choose your own adventures to match your appetite, from mild to wild.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, activities and add-ons like Milford Sound, Wanaka or a ski package can all be tailored. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How far is Milford Sound from Queenstown?
Milford Sound is a full-day round trip by road (around four hours each way) through spectacular Fiordland, or a shorter scenic flight or coach-cruise-fly combination — all of which we can arrange.
What adventure activities can we add?
Queenstown offers bungy jumping (at the original Kawarau Bridge), skydiving, paragliding, canyon swings, white-water rafting and more. We can pre-book any of these, or you can decide on the day.
Is the TSS Earnslaw worth it?
Absolutely — the vintage 1912 steamship is a Queenstown icon, and the cruise across the lake to the Walter Peak farm, with a farm show and dinner, is a relaxed, memorable highlight.
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