The Most Luxurious Tours and Experiences in Queenstown
A special destination like Queenstown deserves a special way to experience it. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, relaxation or both, there is a multitude of ways to experience New Zealand’s most premium destination in style.
From the snowy slopes in winter to the nearby Great Walks in summer, Queenstown is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery that can be experienced in various ways.
We’ll go through those ways and more in this list of luxury experiences in Queenstown.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Luxury Guide to Queenstown and the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown.
Table of Contents
1. Fly to One of the Most Iconic Attractions in New Zealand, Milford Sound
Experience the must-see Milford Sound in the most luxurious way possible: by plane or helicopter. What usually takes around four hours to get to by bus takes just 35 minutes by small plane, while incorporating some magnificent vistas of glacier-carved valleys, mountains, alpine lakes and vast forests.
Once you arrive in Milford Sound, you can enjoy one of the two-hour cruises through the fiord, allowing you to experience this stunning part of the world in two of the best ways.
Compare flights with our 10 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.
Location: See the link above for the location of each tour operator.
© True South Flights - Destination Queenstown2. Experience Milford Sound in Business Class Luxury and Gourmet Style
Another way to indulge in Milford Sound is to experience it in style with Altitude Tours on their premium business class journey from Queenstown.
Limited to just 15 guests, this small-group tour offers a more personalised and comfortable way to explore Fiordland National Park. You’ll travel in a custom-built Mercedes vehicle with panoramic windows, a glass roof, WiFi and charging ports, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Along the way, scenic stops allow you to appreciate the region’s natural beauty without the crowds, something we’ve found makes a big difference on this popular route.
At Milford Sound, step aboard the exclusive Sinbad Cruise, where spacious seating and attentive service elevate the experience.
You’ll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a locally sourced gourmet lunch inspired by Māori flavours, while a nature guide shares insights throughout the cruise.
Location: Milford Sound Business Class offers complimentary pick-up from hotels and bus stops across most of the Queenstown Basin.
© Altitude Tours3. Take a Private 4WD Excursion Down the World’s Most Dangerous Road, Skippers Canyon
No matter what the weather is doing, it’s nothing that a 4WD tour can’t handle. Get well off the beaten track with a private tour with Nomad Safaris.
Delve down one of the world’s most dangerous roads, the Skipper Canyon, and learn about the fascinating gold-mining history of this remote area.
Visit the remnants of a gold-mining town, watch a gold-panning demonstration, and enjoy a light refreshment away from the world.
Plus, see more all-weather experiences like this in the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown on a Rainy Day.
Location: 61A Shotover Street.
© Nomad Safaris4. Sample the Cuisine and Wines of Otago on a Foodie Tour
Excite the senses on a foodie tour of Queenstown and surrounding wine region. Queenstown Wine Trail offers an indulgent Wine and Food Sampler Tour, which is four hours of tasting premium Central Otago wines, cheeses and enjoying a traditional New Zealand lunch.
What’s more, there are ample photo opportunities as you travel through the scenic Kawarau Gorge and the Gibbston Valley.
Alternatively, choose Altitude Tours for their small-group and private wine tours in a luxury Mercedes van.
Make your winery bucket list using the 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown and be inspired for more tasty experiences in the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown for Foodies.
Location: Tour operators offer Queenstown pick-ups.
© Queenstown Wine Trail5. Explore Mountains, Alpine Lakes and Glaciers on a Helicopter Tour
Take to the skies and see the alpine landscapes of Queenstown from a breathtaking perspective on a Queenstown helicopter tour. Soar over a UNESCO World Heritage Area, land on glaciers, have a private picnic atop a mountain overlooking Lake Wakatipu, and go to places that very few have gone before.
Queenstown offers a wide range of exciting helicopter excursions, even some unique offerings like an “Altitude Golf Experience” and heli-skiing.
Compare all of the Queenstown helicopter companies in our 5 Epic Queenstown Helicopter Tours.
Location: See the link above for the location of each tour operator.
© Over The Top Helicopters - Tourism New Zealand6. Play Golf at Some of the Country’s Most Prestigious Courses
Home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic golf courses, golfing in Queenstown is a must for any sports enthusiast! Hit prestigious courses, such as Jack’s Point with unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain ranges, The Hills with an incorporated sculpture park, and Millbrook with New Zealand’s only 27-hole course.
Find out more about each course in the Top 5 Golf Courses in Queenstown.
Location: See the link above for the location of each golf course.
© Destination Queenstown7. Enjoy Fine Dining at Queenstown’s Premium Restaurants and Wineries
Queenstown has no lack of premium restaurants. For town centre fine dining, enjoy the rustic ambience of The Bunker – a back alley restaurant offering divine cuisine beside crackling log fires.
Alternatively, escape the hustle and bustle of the town by dining at the Amisfield Winery & Bistro. The winery specialises in all things Otago, from its award-winning wines to food made with local ingredients.
For more inspiration, see our 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Queenstown.
Location: The Bunker – Cow Lane. Amisfield Winery & Bistro – 10 Arrowtown-Lake Hates Road, approximately 14 km (8.8 mi) from Queenstown town centre.
© QueenstownNZ.co.nz - Destination Queenstown8. Escape the Crowds with Heli-Skiing or to Queenstown’s Private Ski Field
In winter, be sure to take on some of Queenstown’s premium skiing experiences. Escape the crowds with an awesome backcountry skiing experience with Alpine Heli-Ski where you’ll experience fresh untracked powder and keep your energy levels up with a gourmet lunch accompanied by epic views.
Alternatively, Soho Basin is Queenstown’s private ski area where you’ll get free rein of 264 hectares (652 acres) and 500+ vertical metres of terrain to enjoy. Chairlifts are swapped for snowcat rides, while dining involves a three-course lunch with local wines at the Alpine Hut.
Plan more of your winter vacation using The Ultimate Guide to the Queenstown Ski Season.
Location: Alpine Heli-Ski – 37 Shotover Street. Soho Basin – Cardrona Valley Road, approximately 43.5 km (27 mi) from Queenstown town centre.
© Alpine Heli-Ski Queenstown9. Explore Stunning Areas with an Expert Guide on a Guided Hike
Get a taste of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks on a Full-Day Routeburn Track Guided Hike with Nomad Safaris. This premium hiking trail is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Area, which you’ll get to enjoy with the knowledge of a local guide teaching you about the local flora and fauna.
The small-group tour includes hotel pick-up, snacks, lunch with a view and a great day out.
Location: Queenstown pick-up is provided by the operator.
© Nomads Safari10. Join a Premium Tour of Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka
Leave the hassle of driving and directions behind and join a local guide for a premium tour of Queenstown’s surrounding highlights.
Remarkable Scenic Tours offers small-group tours offer full-day tours to Arrowtown and Wanaka to learn about their gold-mining history, enjoy a drink at the Cardrona Hotel, stop at the most scenic photo stops of the Crown Range and Kawarau Gorge, enjoy morning tea in Cromwell, and have some free time in Wanaka.
Location: Queenstown pick-up is provided by the operator.
© Remarkable Scenic Tours11. Relax in a Soothing Hot Pool with a View
Finally, for a bit of pampering between the adventures, indulge in one of the soothing hot pool experiences around Queenstown. Onsen Hot Pools Retreat offers a range of private timber hot tubs with views over the vibrant blue Shotover River.
Alternatively, unwind in the collection of outdoor hot pools at the five-star Millbrook Resort. Hot pools are nestled among natural features and landscaping. The resort also offers a full gym, fitness classes, tennis courts and more.
See more romantic experiences like this in the 10 Romantic Activities in Queenstown for Couples.
Location: Onsen Hot Pools – Arthurs Point Road, approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) from Queenstown town centre. Millbrook Resort – Malaghans Road, approximately 19 km (12 mi) from Queenstown town centre.
© Onsen Hot Pools - Destination Queenstown12. Ride Snowmobiles in the Backcountry
For a truly exclusive alpine adventure, Queenstown Snowmobiles delivers a one-of-a-kind heli-snowmobiling experience high above Queenstown.
You’ll begin with a scenic helicopter flight into remote backcountry terrain, with sweeping views of the Southern Alps and even Mt Cook on clear days.
Touch down in untouched wilderness, accessible only by air, before setting off on your snowmobile. With a maximum of six participants, this small-group experience ensures personalised guidance, while your expert guide adjusts the pace to suit all ability levels.
All equipment is provided, so you can focus on the ride and the scenery around you.
Location: Meeting point is at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton. Pickup by accommodation is also an option for an additional fee.
© Queenstown Snowmobiles13. Fly Over Middle-Earth on a Lord of the Rings Helicopter Tour
Step into cinematic landscapes with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters on this unforgettable flight over Queenstown.
Perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings, this luxury air tour takes you above iconic filming locations used for Isengard, Amon Hen and Lothlórien.
The experience includes a glacier landing near the Misty Mountains, where you can step out and take in the dramatic alpine surroundings, much like crossing the Redhorn Pass.
With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalised journey, along with panoramic views throughout the 70-minute flight.
Location: Hotel transfers are included with the tour.
© Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters14. Enjoy a Private Lake Tekapo Day Trip Through the Southern Alps
Travel in comfort with TravelnGo on a fully private day trip from Queenstown to the stunning Lake Tekapo, designed entirely around your pace and interests.
This 12-hour journey takes you through the Mackenzie Basin, with scenic stops at Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel and Lake Pukaki. You’ll also visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, with optional detours like the Clay Cliffs.
With your own driver-guide and modern vehicle, you’re free to stop anytime for photos, short walks or local food experiences.
The flexibility is what sets this apart, allowing you to avoid crowds and explore at your own pace, something we’ve found makes the journey far more enjoyable.
Location: Pickups are available from your accommodation.
© TravelnGo15. Explore Glenorchy on a Private Scenic Day Trip From Queenstown
Another day trip offered by TravelnGo is this fully private six-hour escape from Queenstown to the breathtaking landscapes of Glenorchy.
Travelling in a modern, comfortable vehicle, you’ll explore scenic highlights like Moke Lake, Bennetts Bluff and the iconic Glenorchy red shed. With a flexible itinerary, you can add short walks at Bob’s Cove or the Glenorchy Lagoon, or simply relax and take in the views.
With your own local driver-guide, the journey is tailored entirely to your interests, whether that’s photography, nature or a laid-back café stop.
WiFi onboard and door-to-door service add to the comfort, while the private setup ensures a more exclusive experience away from busy tour groups.
It’s an easy, personalised way to experience one of the most scenic areas near Queenstown, at your own pace.
Location: Pickups are available from your accommodation.
© TravelnGoMore About Queenstown
That’s it for the best luxury tours and experiences in Queenstown but by no means the end of the activities in Queenstown. Find more astounding things to do in Queenstown that don’t fall under the “luxury” category but are just as breathtaking in the following guides:
- 20 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids
- 16 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown
- 10 Epic Adventure Activities in Queenstown
- 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Queenstown
- 10 Things to Do in Queenstown at Night
- 20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown
Finally, find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand and plan the rest of your road trip using the South Island Luxury Itinerary: Two Weeks and South Island Luxury Itinerary: One Week.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Queenstown New Zealand (Regional tourism website)
- Queenstown Lakes District Council (Local council website)
- Otago Regional Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
