What are the most popular first-day activities for tours starting in Queenstown?

Queenstown tours often kick off with high-energy experiences that showcase the region's adventurous spirit. The Shotover Jet boat ride sends visitors racing through narrow canyons while the gondola ride to Bob's Peak offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu. Many visitors start their journey with a cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslow steamship to Walter Peak Station. Most tours include accommodation at centrally located properties like Quest Hotel or Ramada Suites before venturing further afield. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "Starting with the Shotover Jet on day one really set the adventurous tone for the rest of the journey."

What are the most common starting points for tours in Queenstown?

Three key locations serve as primary departure points in Queenstown. Steamer's Wharf handles water-based excursions while the Skyline Gondola base downtown coordinates adventure activities. The international airport serves as the gateway for regional explorations. Many excursions including the Lake Dunstan Trail begin with pickup service from major downtown hotels such as the Crowne Plaza and Novotel Lakeside. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "Right from the very start with a very detailed itinerary our guides made sure our journey was enjoyable picking us up in Queenstown and shuttling us to begin the adventure."

What are the best day trips available from Queenstown at the start of tours?

Day trips from Queenstown range from scenic Milford Sound excursions to wine tastings in Central Otago vineyards. Visits to charming Glenorchy and nearby Wanaka are common first or second-day activities. The Crowne Plaza and Novotel Lakeside provide convenient bases for these outings with their central waterfront locations. According to one TourRadar reviewer: "The day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown was an absolute highlight to start the tour."

10 Best New Zealand Tours & Trips from Queenstown

10 best New Zealand tour packages from Queenstown

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Explorer
Queenstown Southern Loop
2.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The van had a broken seat belt attachment with a sharp edge which ruined a down jacket I had bought for the trip."
Susan, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $2,770
US$2,355per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Skippy Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, Kaikoura,Abel Tasman National Park,Westport,Franz Josef,Wanaka+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
15% Off
From
US$427per person
Price based on Shared Room
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$Walk New Zealand\'s Fiordland National Park Tour$
$Walk New Zealand\'s Fiordland National Park - 5 destinations$
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Hiking & Trekking
Walk New Zealand's Fiordland National Park
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $2,050
US$1,743per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Bicycle
Milford and Fiordland Hike Bike and Kayak
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"amazing week of physical challenges and magnificent natural beauty"
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park,Milford Sound+1 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure South
15% Off
From
US$2,990per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Rhythm & Alps Festival (4 Days)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Wanaka
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
New Zealand South IslandOtagoTe Araroa Trail+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
15% Off
From
US$425per person
+$255 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Taste of Queenstown: Skyline Dinner & Walter Peak Cruise 4 Days
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Queenstown
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
New Zealand South IslandOtagoTe Araroa TrailMilford Sound+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $656
US$623per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Bicycle
Fiordland & South Coast Gravel
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Owaka, Balclutha,Dunedin,Oamaru,Timaru,Christchurch+4 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure South
5% Off
From
US$2,870per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Ski New Zealand (Standard)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Queenstown
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
New Zealand South IslandOtagoTe Araroa TrailMilford Sound+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $1,106
US$995per person
+$353 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Wild West from Queenstown - Top rated by National Geographic
4.5 (10 traveler reviews)
"Trip was fantastic. Well organised and operated."
Janene, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Lake Hawea, Mount Aspiring National Park,Fox Glacier,Franz Josef,Paparoa National Park,Punakaiki,Motueka,Marahau,Abel Tasman National Park,Picton+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Flying Kiwi
10% Off
From
US$837per person
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Explorer
New Zealand Panorama
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand North IslandBay Of Plenty+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $3,240
US$2,916per person
+$299 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand Panorama (Northbound)
4.7 (13 traveler reviews)
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Wanaka, Haast, Franz Josef, Hokitika,Arthur's Pass National Park,Christchurch,Kaikoura,Wellington,Taupo,Rotorua,Auckland+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
New Zealand Northland
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
26% Off
From $3,030
US$2,231per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Bicycle
Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Queenstown, Omakau, Wedderburn, Waipiata
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South IslandOtago+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $1,340
US$1,139per person
Price based on Shared Room
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