The Top Places to Visit Near Queenstown
You don’t need us to tell you how much there is to do in Queenstown. However, it’s also what surrounds this alpine paradise that makes Queenstown worth staying around for a while. From short drives to full-day missions, there are plenty of day trips from Queenstown to take your visit to the next level. Check out the self-drive day trips, as well as day tours, in this day-trip guide to Queenstown.
For more trip-planning tips, head to The Complete Guide to Queenstown. Plus, don’t forget to book a place to stay from The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown if you plan to stay awhile.
5 Best Day Tours from Queenstown
Before we jump into the self-drive day trips from Queenstown, here is a quick list of alternative day tours. That way, you don’t need to worry about the hassle of organising a day trip or driving with these day tours from Queenstown.
Guided Day Tours from Queenstown
- Milford Sound Experience Full Day with Altitude Tours (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
- Paradise Valley Full-day Tour with Private Discovery Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Queenstown – Arrowtown Sightseeing with Remarkable Scenic Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown with Remarkable Scenic Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- The Wine Trail Tour with Queenstown Winery Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© NZPocketGuide.comGlenorchy
The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Couples
Travel time by car: 45 minutes one-way
Related tour: Paradise Valley Full-day Tour with Private Discovery Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
Escape the hustle and bustle of Queenstown for a scenic road trip to Glenorchy. The trip takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu before reaching the charming little settlement with short walks and the famous photo stop of the red boatshed. Continue further along Paradise Road to access hiking trails like the Routeburn Track and Lake Sylvan Track.
Plan more activities for this day trip with the 10 Things to Do in Glenorchy.
© NZPocketGuide.comArrowtown
The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Families
Travel time by car: 20 minutes one-way
Related tour: Queenstown – Arrowtown Sightseeing with Remarkable Scenic Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
While just a short drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown offers plenty to keep you busy for the whole day. The historical gold mining town has beautifully preserved buildings and stories to tell through the Lake District Museum and Chinese Settlement. You can also stretch your legs along the Arrow River Trail, indulge in fine food and drink, and try your luck panning for gold in the Arrow River.
Check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Arrowtown to plan more of your day trip from Queenstown.
© UnsplashWanaka
The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Luxury Travellers
Travel time by car: 1h5mins one-way
Related tour: Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown with Remarkable Scenic Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
Venture over the Cardrona Valley to Queenstown’s neighbour, Wanaka. Bask in the stunning lake and mountain views along the shores of Lake Wanaka or from one of the popular walking trails like Roys Peak. Experience kayaking tours or lake cruises on the lake itself or head to the ski fields of Treble Cone or Cardrona in winter.
Get more inspiration for your day trip from Queenstown in the 10 Things to Do in Wanaka.
© Destination QueenstownGibbston Valley
The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Foodies
Travel time by car: 20 to 40 minutes one-way
Related tour: The Wine Trail Tour with Queenstown Winery Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
Follow the dramatic gorge scenery of the Kawarau River and a valley of vineyards on your journey along the Gibbston Valley. At the start of the valley is the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can do New Zealand’s original bungy jump. Travel a little further and you’re in Queenstown’s wine country with plenty of cellar doors open for tastings. Finally, you’ll find the Goldfields Mining Centre with its gold panning and jet boat tours.
See more attractions along the Gibbston Valley in the 10 Best Things to Do in Queenstown and the 10 Damn Good Things to Do in Cromwell.
© UnsplashMilford Sound
The Best Day Trip from Queenstown for Budget Travellers
Travel time by car: 3h30mins one-way
Related tour: Milford Sound Experience Full Day with Altitude Tours (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook).
On the bucket list for many, Milford Sound is a popular day trip from Queenstown. Because it’s a demanding return drive from Queenstown, we strongly recommend one of the many tour options as listed in the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau. Either way, once you arrive in Milford Sound, you have an array of fiord cruises, walks, scenic flights, as well as scuba diving and kayaking to choose from.
Plan more of your day trip using the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Milford Sound.
More About Queenstown Day Trips
That’s it for the best day trips from Queenstown. For more day trips, you might like to hit the following destinations:
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:
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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