The 5 Best Heritage Tours in Queenstown

1.Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 204 reviews · from $190Our pick

Take a four-hour, small-group 4WD trip from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon, with a guide at the wheel on its rugged road. Expect views over the Shotover River Valley, a stop at the historic suspension bridge and abandoned township, light refreshments, and gold panning at Deep Creek. Morning and afternoon departures are offered.

“Stunning scenery. Different scenery than other tours. Learn history of a specific group of settlers.”

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2.Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $102

Spend about three hours on Lake Te Anau aboard Faith, a restored historic motor yacht, with live commentary, afternoon tea and a guided walk in Fiordland National Park. The small-group trip is capped at 16. Crew members such as Adam, Paul and Jackie have shared the yacht’s story and led walks to a mirror lake.

“Fabulous relaxing afternoon boat trip on the beautiful historical Faith sail boat with motor. Captain Adam and first mate Ginnie were both charming and very informative. Adam share stories about the interesting hipster of the boat while sailing and Winnie provided us with elegant canapés and drinks (all included) Ginnie led us on a short hike midway through and shared her great knowledge about the flora and fauna. They put up the sails not he way back to harbor and it was a quiet, beautiful way to enjoy the gorgeous views. As a bonus, Captain Adam played the bag pipe on the way back!”

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3.Scenic Cruise & Guided walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $102

Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard Faith, a historic yacht with room for no more than 16 people. The crew shares local commentary, serves tea and coffee, and leads a gentle 15-minute walk to the Hidden Lakes. On the return, the engine is turned off for a quiet pause, and sails may be raised if the wind allows. Crew members named on some trips include Captain Adam and first mate Jackie.

“We were greeted very friendly by the whole crew at the quai and led to the ship. The explanations were interesting and supported with pictures from a book. We had a very nice boat trip to an island and then a guided tour to the nature reserRead moreAuto-translated”

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4.Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 1h 30m · from $86Best value

Set off from Te Anau’s historic wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard Faith, a 1935 Scottish motor yacht. Expect stories about the boat and the area, drinks and canapés, and, conditions permitting, a chance to help steer or sail. Captain Adam and host Sophie have led some sailings, though the crew may vary.

“My husband and I along with our son in his 20’s thoroughly enjoyed this cruise which we booked last minute. Captain Adam was warm and attentive as was his assistant Sophie. The history of the yacht was fascinating as was touring around it. We enjoyed chatting with the other passengers as we cruised/sailed. The canapés were ample and delicious as was the selection of drinks. We’d highly recommend this activity.”

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5.Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 4 hours · from $178

Ride with an English-speaking guide from Queenstown toward Coronet Peak and down the hand-cut Skippers Road. Look out over the Shotover River, see the Skippers Suspension Bridge from permitted viewpoints, enjoy tea in the canyon and try gold panning at Deep Creek. The bridge, schoolhouse and cemetery are currently off limits.

“Made a last-minute booking and due to the turnout, I got moved to the ‘Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Discovery Tour’ and I’m so glad I did. Our guide Dan was amazing and truly made the whole adventure even better! Such an unreal experience with absolutely beautiful views”

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