7 Days • 6 Nights
Queenstown & Wanaka: Lakes & Peaks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll enjoy Queenstown's gondola, jet boats and wine, then travel over the scenic Crown Range to relaxed, laid-back Wanaka, with its famous lone tree in the lake, the Rob Roy glacier and the wild beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park. Scenic drives, lake walks and mountain vistas fill the days.
With comfortable hotels and the key experiences arranged, it is the Southern Lakes at their most spectacular.
Trip Highlights
- The Skyline Gondola and Queenstown adventures
- The historic gold town of Arrowtown
- The scenic Crown Range drive to Wanaka
- The famous lone willow tree of Lake Wanaka
- Mount Aspiring National Park and the Rob Roy glacier
- A Gibbston Valley wine tasting
- Turquoise lakes and golden hills
- The finest Southern Lakes scenery
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Arrive in the adventure capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner.
The Skyline Gondola for the view, then a Shotover Jet or lake cruise and your choice of adventure.
A Gibbston Valley wine tour with a vineyard lunch and the historic gold town of Arrowtown.
Drive over the scenic Crown Range, New Zealand's highest sealed road, to lakeside Wanaka, with a walk to the famous lone willow tree in the lake.
A day in Mount Aspiring National Park — a walk toward the Rob Roy glacier or the Blue Pools, amid beech forest and soaring peaks.
A relaxed day around Lake Wanaka — a cruise, a kayak, the Puzzling World, or the cafes and views of this laid-back town.
A scenic drive back to Queenstown for your onward flight, with a final breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers
- 3 nights Queenstown, 3 nights Wanaka
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a wine-country lunch
- The Skyline Gondola and a Shotover Jet or lake cruise
- A Gibbston Valley wine tour and Arrowtown
- A Lake Wanaka experience and a Mount Aspiring day
- The scenic Crown Range drive
- 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.
How is Wanaka different from Queenstown?
Wanaka is Queenstown's quieter, more laid-back cousin — just as beautiful, on its own lovely lake, with fewer crowds and easy access to Mount Aspiring National Park. Many travellers love combining the two.
Is Mount Aspiring hard to reach?
The Matukituki Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park is a scenic drive from Wanaka, with walks ranging from the easy Blue Pools to the longer Rob Roy glacier track. We match the day to your fitness.
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