Best Day Trips From Queenstown

Milford Sound, the one day trip we’d never skip

If you only do one day trip from Queenstown, make it Milford Sound. Often called the best of New Zealand’s natural attractions, this fiord delivers tall cliffs, cascading waterfalls, old rainforest and wildlife around every corner.

Our Coach & Cruise is the easiest way to see Milford Sound in a day from Queenstown. The day starts with a scenic coach ride through some of the most striking landscapes in the South Island, past mirror-still lakes, through the Homer Tunnel and into the heart of Fiordland. Once you arrive, you’ll board a cruise that takes you the full length of the fiord. You’ll get up close to waterfalls, seal colonies and sheer rock faces that rise hundreds of metres from the water.

The return trip takes a full day, but every moment is worth it. It’s one of those day trips that stays with you long after you’ve left.

For something a bit more memorable, our Scenic Flight & Cruise pairs a flight over the mountains and glacial valleys with a cruise through the fiord. The aerial views of Fiordland are something else. You’ll see landscapes that are completely off limits by road.

Glenorchy, where Middle-earth meets reality

About 45 minutes’ drive from Queenstown along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is a small settlement surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. The drive alone is worth the trip. The road hugs the lake with views of snow-capped peaks reflected in the water.

Glenorchy is the gateway to a handful of iconic tramping tracks and was famously used as a film location for The Lord of the Rings. The beech forests, braided rivers and big mountain backdrops make it feel like stepping into another world. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, short walks or just soaking up the atmosphere.

Wanaka, a lakeside gem

About an hour’s drive from Queenstown over the Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest sealed road), Wanaka is a beautiful lakeside town with a more relaxed feel. Lake Wanaka, framed by mountains, is the centrepiece. It’s perfect for a lakefront stroll, a coffee at a local café or a photo with the famous lone willow tree.

Wanaka is also a base for skiing at Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort in winter. In summer, the area is brilliant for hiking, mountain biking and water sports. It’s a great day out and one of the most popular day trips from Queenstown.

Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland

Te Anau is a peaceful lakeside town on the edge of Fiordland National Park, about two hours’ drive from Queenstown. Sitting on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, it’s a good place to slow down and enjoy the quiet of the region.

Te Anau is the starting point for several Great Walks, including the Kepler Track and the famous Milford Track. Even if you’re not tramping, the town is well worth a visit for its setting and easy access to our Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour.

If you’re heading to Milford Sound by coach, you’ll pass through Te Anau on the way, giving you a taste of this Fiordland town.

Coronet Peak and the Wakatipu Basin

Coronet Peak is best known as Queenstown’s closest ski field, but the area around it is brilliant year-round. In winter, the skiing and snowboarding are excellent. In summer and autumn, the surrounding hills and trails are great for hiking and mountain biking with big views over the Wakatipu Basin.

A Queenstown wine tour through Gibbston Valley

For something a little different, our Queenstown Wine Tour takes you on a relaxed trip through Gibbston Valley, one of the world’s southernmost wine-growing regions. You’ll visit boutique wineries, taste excellent Central Otago pinot noir and enjoy the vineyard scenery framed by rocky mountains. It’s a great day trip for food and wine fans, and we’ll do the driving.

Arrowtown, a historic gem

Just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a charming former gold-mining village with well-preserved heritage buildings, boutique shops and excellent cafés. Walk along the Arrow River, explore the Chinese Settlement historic area or simply wander the tree-lined main street. In autumn, the whole town turns gold and red. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the South Island.

Mount Cook, a longer day trip

For those happy with a longer drive (about three hours each way), a day trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook is well worth it. New Zealand’s highest peak rises above glacial lakes and alpine meadows, and even a short walk in the Hooker Valley is enough to leave you smiling. It’s a big day out, but the scenery is hard to beat.

Make the most of your Queenstown base

With this many options on your doorstep, it pays to spend several days in the region. From the fiords of Milford Sound to the vineyards of Gibbston, from the alpine scenery around Glenorchy to the relaxed shore of Wanaka, there’s something for every kind of traveller.

We can help you make the most of your time, with a range of trips from our Coach & Cruise and Scenic Flight & Cruise to our Queenstown Wine Tour. Whichever you pick, you’re in for a great day in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.

Ready to plan your Milford Sound day trip?

Of all the day trips you can take from Queenstown, Milford Sound is the one we’d send everyone on. Our Coach & Cruise takes care of the drive, the cruise and the timing so you can relax and take it all in. We promise you won’t miss a thing.

Book a Milford Sound Coach & Cruise