Activities
GROUP ACTIVITIES
Queenstown is quaint, and we want to immerse in this intimate nature by dividing some activities into three smaller groups. You will each have a chance to participate in all of these half-day activities. If you do not wish to partake in a specific activity, please note this on your registration. You are welcome to explore and enjoy all sites at your own leisure.
Shotover Jet
One of the foremost icons of Queenstown, this is a “must do” for every visitor to Queenstown. The Shotover Jet excursion provides guests with an exhilarating and exciting jet boating trip. Spray jackets are recommended or ponchos can be arranged, as it is usual for some of the seats in the boat to get a little wet during the 360˚ turns.
The Shotover provides a wild experience skimming over thrashing rapids or planing in mere inches of water in a specially designed version of the famous Hamilton Jet. Spectacular views of early relics from the gold mining days are viewed on this tour upon the world’s second-richest gold bearing river.
Spray jackets or ponchos will be provided
Lunch will follow at the nearby Canyon Brew.
If you do not wish to partake in this group activity, please indicate so on your event registration form so we can help come up with an alternative activity for you.
Gibbstown Valley e-Bikes Through Wine Country
Your adventure begins at Dudley’s Cottage in Arrowtown, where guests will be fitted for e-bikes before setting off along the Arrow River. The guided cycle trail meanders beside the Arrow and Kawarau rivers, crossing them via six bridges – including three stunning suspension bridges – and follows the historic route once traveled by gold miners in the 1800s.
Along the way, guests will be treated to breathtaking views of river gorges and glacially-carved landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities for photos. After passing the famous Kawarau Bungy Jump Bridge, the trail opens up to the majestic Gibbston Wine Valley. A short ride further, guests will reach the first cellar door in the valley, where they can sample the exquisite wines of this renowned region before enjoying a return transfer to their hotel.
This guided ride is an easy mountain biking experience on wide, gravel trails. The terrain gently undulates along the river, with more ‘downs’ than ‘ups,’ as guests will be heading downstream. It’s suitable for riders of all abilities. Up[on completion of the ride, guests will enjoy lunch at a local winery before returning to their hotel.
If you are not comfortable riding an e-Bike, you can skip this and join the group for wine tasting and lunch.
Helicopter Sightseeing
Guests lift off into adventure and soar straight into the awe-inspiring Southern Alps. Sweeping over jagged peaks and through deep alpine passes, you’ll descend into the iconic Milford Sound — a world-famous fiord carved by ancient glaciers and surrounded by towering, dramatic cliffs. The journey continues along the full length of the Sound, revealing the wild, untouched beauty of New Zealand’s windswept west coast.
The flight offers nonstop photo opportunities, revealing the lakes, forests, valleys, and ice-capped peaks of Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand’s UNESCO World Heritage areas.
You’lll fly deep into the Nevis Valley, arriving at the exclusive 20,000-acre Ben Nevis Station — a private high-country escape accessible only by air. Here, guests are treated to a rustic lunch crafted from exceptional local produce.
If you do not wish to do a helicopter ride, please indicate this on your registration form so we can help come up with an alternative activity for you.
Please note: This trip is highly weather dependent. Your route and exact timing may shift due to weather and safety.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES
Horseback Riding
This 'River Wild' horseback riding experience starts in Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
During this 2-2.5 hour adventure, guests ride alongside pristine, braided, glacial-fed rivers, crossing rivers and enjoying spectacular scenery, including views of The Misty Mountains, The Wizard's Vale, and The Mighty Methedras, scenes from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogies.
Before heading out, friendly and experienced guides will conduct an intro session on horsemanship, giving guests a chance to bond with their horses on the ground and in the saddle. This session sets the stage for a fun, harmonious ride where guests will feel like seasoned riders as they venture through the coveted landscapes of the Glenorchy river systems with its dramatic mountain backdrops. Guides will demonstrate how to communicate with the horses to ask them to speed up, slow down, and back up, allowing guests to experience the communication and harmony firsthand.
Guests will have the opportunity to walk and even trot, subject to guide discretion. The ride concludes back at the ranch with treats for the horses and warm beverages for the riders. This is an unforgettable experience for riders of all levels.
Hiking - Easy
Discover one of Queenstown’s most beautiful short walks on a private guided tour of Bob’s Cove. Stroll through beech forest and mānuka groves, listen for native birds like thetūī, bellbird, andkererū, and learn the stories of this tranquil Lake Wakatipu bayside trail with your expert local guide.
Highlights include the historic 1800s lime kiln and a short, steep climb to a spectacular lookout with panoramic views across the lake and surrounding mountains. The track is generally easy underfoot; only the lookout section is steep. Distance is approximately3 km and the walk typically takesabout 90 minutes.
Hiking - Hard
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of The Crown Range. This walk is more than just a hike; it's an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy stunning landscapes, and create lasting memories. Whether you're taking in the dramatic peaks of cor the serene views from Mt. Hocken, this experience promises to be a highlight of your time in Queenstown. Experience an unforgettable adventure, where stunning vistas and invigorating trails await.
* Moderate-high fitness required, hiking at altitude
After a brief transfer to the Crown Range, guests will arrive at the start of the trail. Here, they'll receive a delicious packed lunch to carry in a backpack and have some time to take in the scenery before heading along the trail.
The hike is a there-and-back journey, offering flexibility in length to suit everyone's fitness levels. The trail boasts awe-inspiring views from the start, and the sense of accomplishment as guests reach key vantage points make this hike a truly special experience. The drive to the pass provides immensely beautiful, elevated views, but the real magic begins on foot.
Rock Peak, just under 3.5 km (2.17 miles) from the starting point, offers dramatic views across the Pisa Range and towards Cardrona, with a spectacular overlook into the Gibbston Valley. Mt Hocken, a shorter walk at 2.2 km (1.3 miles) one way, provides similarly stunning vistas. These manageable distances, combined with the elevation gain, make for a rewarding hike that can last anywhere between 2-5 hours, depending on the group’s preferences and pace.
Sofitel Spa
Sofitel Spa, or the “So Spa” is not just about treatments; it’s about indulging in an experience. Finding connection and peace. If you want to take a break from the adrenaline and adventure, book a 60-minute treatment (either a Facial or a Massage) to relax with local products and techniques.
Oxbow Adventure (adrenaline!)
In the Gibbston Valley, surrounded by mountains, bluffs, wineries and breweries, you will find the Thrill Seekers’ paradise that is Oxbow Adventure Co. Founded on a strong belief of fun, adventure, and camaraderie, their one-of-a-kind adventures give Adrenaline Junkies from all walks of life an incredibly unique and unforgettable experience.Guests will take turns rotating through the activities which include:
Jet Sprint Boating: Taking a ride in the unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats are the only four-seaters in the world and are guaranteed to make a screamer out of everyone they have the pleasure of meeting!
Ultimate Off-Roading: Taking a ride in the Ultimate Off-Roader, the one-of-a-kind, custom-built all-terrain vehicle that goes everywhere. It’s one of the most unique adventure experiences that you can have in Queenstown, perfect for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers.
Arrowtown Shopping and Lunch
Discover the charm of historic Arrowtown, a quaint and historic gold mining town with a rich heritage. The town’s determination to preserve its past is evident with miners’ cottages, historic wooden buildings and 19th century style shops still standing as they did during the gold rush era.
Your journey begins with a comfortable shuttle, where you can enjoy a scenic drive through stunning landscapes. Along the way, our friendly and knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Arrowtown’s rich history and point out landmarks of interest. Once you arrive, you’ll receive insider tips on where to find unique treasures and some of the award-winning restaurants. Lunch is included.
At Leisure
Take some down time for yourself. Walk around town, do some shopping, enjoy popping into one of the many local cafes or bars. Relax and have fun in this special city!