8 Wanaka Day Trips from Queenstown, Compared

1.Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 252 reviews · from $129Our pick

Travel from central Queenstown over the Crown Range, stopping at Cardrona, the Wanaka Tree, Wanaka and historic Arrowtown. A local guide handles the winding drive and shares stories along the way. You get an hour to explore each town, plus a drink at Cardrona Hotel. Tours run in groups of up to 15, with guides including Chris, Murray and Brian.

“Tour guide was informative. Drive was picturesque. Cardrona historic hotel and gardens lovely. Wanaka was busy with plenty of cafes for lunch. Arrowtown still magical. Great tour in spite of very corny jokes from the tour guide.”

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2.Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · from $222

Set off from Cardrona on a guided, two-hour 450cc quad ride through alpine farmland between Mount Cardrona and the Pisa Range. After a safety briefing, you’ll learn the controls, follow winding dirt tracks and pass historic gold-rush sites. The group is limited to nine; guides have included Phoebe, Summer, Kelly and Hannah.

“We travelled to Cardrona from Queenstown (about 45 minutes by car). Our guide, Summer, was a very experienced rider and made us feel very comfortable about using the quad bikes. We were kitted up with helmets and gloves, given some iRead more”

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3.Arrowtown Wanaka Private Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews

Travel from Queenstown through Gibbston and Cromwell to Wanaka, then return via Cardrona, Crown Range Road and Arrowtown. Your private group of up to five gets a local guide, central pickup and time to explore both towns. Expect mountain views, fruit tasting, the famous Cardrona Hotel and stops at the Wanaka Tree.

“This was a superb tour... The tremendous beauty of the natural setting combined with the knowledge and expertise of the guide made for an unforgettable holiday. The van was clean and comfortable A truly memorable trip.”

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4.Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Day Tour (1-Way)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · from $179

This 12-hour, one-way small-group tour runs from Queenstown to Franz Josef, with stops at Wānaka, the Blue Pools, waterfalls, wild coast and Lake Matheson. A guide such as Kristina or Hanna leads the journey in a modern minibus, with lunch, snacks, water and room for one large and one small bag included.

“Hanna was so sweet and thoughtful.We were a family of three and thankfully the tour was not called off.West Coast is so beautiful and peaceful.Wanaka,was terrific and photogenic.There were many walking trails in Blue pools walk,Lake Mathson and absolutely loved the experience”

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5.Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews

Travel privately from Queenstown to Wanaka and back, with scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, Cromwell and along the Crown Range. Your local guide can adjust the pace and add or skip stops. Guide Vibhas has been praised for tailoring the trip and adding places beyond the planned route. The vehicle is air-conditioned, with onboard Wi-Fi where mobile coverage allows.

“Superb trip and superb Guide Vibhas..So cool , he even customised this trip to our needs and even showed the extra spots not mentioned in the itinerary.. may your venture grow well guys .”

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6.Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $322

Set out from Queenstown with local photographer Aiste in a private, air-conditioned 4WD. Shape the day around places such as Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy and Wanaka, with photographic guidance, a light lunch and 5 to 10 professional photos included.

“From the start to end, our professional photographer / tour guide, Aiste, was perfection! From Queenstown, through Glenorchy, Wanaka, to Skippers - Aiste guided us to incredible views, amazing photo opportunities, and unbelievable phRead more”

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7.Private Day Trip to Wanaka, Arrowtown & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews · 7 hours

Travel from Queenstown with a local driver-guide on a private trip through Arrowtown, over the Crown Range and on to Wanaka and Lake Dunstan. You can adjust stops for walks, photos, food or wine. Guides Jay and Erman are among the local hosts named by guests, though your guide may vary.

“Jay is knowledgeable, personable and a great New Zealand, Queenstown ambassador! He gave us just the right amount of information and interesting facts about the history, culture, wildlife, scenery of the various places he showed us. He also sensed our needs and adapted seamlessly. Just a pleasure to sons the day with Jay!”

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8.Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews

A private transfer takes you between Queenstown Airport and your Wanaka accommodation, or in the reverse direction. Your driver tracks your flight, and drivers such as Ben, Graham, and Warren are praised for careful driving and helpful service. Expect a direct journey of about an hour, with pickup at the airport’s Transfers Pickup area.

“Great service provided by Ben and great careful driving. Will do this again for door to door service especially at night”

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