5 unforgettable queenstown wilderness experiences for first-time visitors

Our top 5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences

Queenstown is a place that never stops. It's a real hive of activity. Wonderful pubs and restaurants that flow out onto the streets, a huge lake (Lake Wakatipu) that constantly catches your eye with sights like the historic TSS Earnslaw sounding its whistle as it departs from Steamer Wharf, or the distant roar of jetboats as they dart across the lake. But there's a wonderful contrast between this "buzz", and the serenity and remoteness of our nearby wilderness areas.

These places make you feel like nature is just showing off. You’ve got jagged mountains, glacial valleys, rivers that look impossible shades of blue-green, and “how is this real?” views around almost every corner. We find ourselves regularly stopping to take it all in. It's a place that really is hard to take for granted.

We want you to experience what we've experienced, and we hope our 5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences will blow you away, and let you enjoy the wilderness that we love so much.

Below we'll tell you what each experience is, where it happens, how long it takes, what’s included, the best season to do it, and why travelers rave about it.

Enjoy!

5 Unforgettable Queenstown Wilderness experiences

1) Milford Sound Flight + Cruise (with Lunch)

A side-trip to Milford Sound sits at the top of our "5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences" list.

Milford Sound is just stunning. Yes, it rains there on more than 300 days every year. But that's a good thing. Milford Sound comes alive with the rain, and the sight of literally dozens of huge waterfalls cascading hundreds of metres down the mountains into Milford Sound is something I will never forget. On our last tour our skipper even nosed our tour boat under Stirling Falls. Yep, we got wet, but what an experience. The mist on Milford Sound creates a really serene feel, and the mountain peaks disappear and reappear as the cloud shifts. And as your tour boat makes its way out towards the sea, dolphins sometimes come alongside for a look at us humans. Amazing. 

Why it makes our top 5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences

Milford Sound is the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park—towering cliffs, waterfalls that ribbon down impossibly vertical rock faces, and moody mist that makes everything appear more dramatic. And choosing to fly gives you epic aerial views, and shortens what would be a 12-13 hour day on a coach trip.

Location (where you’ll go)

• Departs from Queenstown (typically Queenstown Airport).
• Scenic flight over the Southern Alps into Fiordland National Park.
• Milford Sound cruise.

Typical tour length

• Usually a half-day experience (often around 4–6 hours total, depending on flight timings and cruise schedule). This includes flights (around 40 minutes each way) and your cruise (around 100 minutes).

What’s included (commonly)

• Scenic flights Queenstown ↔ Milford Sound.
• Milford Sound nature cruise.
• Lunch (often provided as a boxed meal or cruise meal—varies by operator).
• Commentary (pilot + cruise crew) and photo-worthy viewing areas.

Seasonal considerations

• Year-round stunner. In fact, Milford is famous for being magical in the rain—waterfalls multiply.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): snow-capped peaks = insane aerial scenery; weather can be more changeable.
• Summer (Dec–Feb): longer days and generally more stable conditions, but it’s also busier—book earlier.

Why it’s so highly rated

• Massive scenery-to-time ratio (you see “the best of New Zealand” without spending the whole day getting there).
• Smooth, professional operation with clear logistics.
• Combines two bucket-list formats: scenic flight + fiord cruise.

Beware of weather cancellations

• Because the weather here is so changeable, flights in and out of Milford Sound can be subject to cancellation, so we recommend booking your tour early on in your Queenstown stay. This will give you some flexibility to re-schedule if needed.

Tip for first-timers

• If you only have one “big nature day” in Queenstown, Milford Sound by flight is one of the safest bets for maximum impact and minimum hassle.
• Be sure to take a good quality insect repellent. Our sandflys can be annoying!

Recommended Tour

There's a big range of Milford Sound tours available and you can search these through the widget below. 

One of the most highly rated is the tour operated by Air Milford, a locally owned business with over 50 years experience. Your tour includes pick up/drop off from central Queenstown, your return flights (over some of New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness country), your unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound, your picnic lunch, and expert commentary.

Check it out here.

2) Aoraki Mount Cook Helicopter Tour + Glacier Hike (from Queenstown)

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a World Heritage listed area, sitting in the South Island's Southern Alps. Home to huge glaciers and 19 peaks that tower more than 3,000 metres in height, it's a stunning region, and this tour takes second spot on our list of 5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences.

Why it’s unforgettable

Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and seeing it from the air is jaw-dropping. The extra magic here is that you’re not only sightseeing—you’re landing and getting out for a hike in an alpine environment. That “boots on the ground” moment makes it feel like a true expedition, even if you’re a first-timer. We can't believe the feeling of isolation and even insignificance when confronted by this amazing location. And the air clarity is invigorating. There's no pollution here, just crisp, clean mountain air.

Location (where you’ll go)

• Departs Queenstown.
• Flies toward the Aoraki / Mount Cook region (Canterbury / Mackenzie Country area).
• Alpine landing with a guided glacier hike on the Tasman Glacier.

Typical length

• 12 hours.

What’s included (commonly)

• Your guided bus transport to/from Queenstown, including scenic stops along the way.
• Your helicopter flight(s).
• Alpine landing on Tasman Glacier. Wow!
• Guided hike/walk (operator-led for safety and best route choices).
• Safety briefing and any required gear for the hike component (varies—always check your booking details).
• Bottled water and snacks.

Seasonal considerations

• Weather is the boss in alpine environments. Flights can be rescheduled if conditions aren’t safe.
• Summer/shoulder seasons (Nov–Apr): generally easier hiking conditions and longer daylight.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): can be spectacular but more likely to have snow/ice conditions that affect the hike and landing options.

Why it’s so highly rated

• The “helicopter + landing + hike” combination feels premium and adventurous.
• Incredible photography opportunities (aerial glaciers, ridge lines, mountain shadows).
• Guided element adds confidence for first-time visitors who don’t want to plan technical routes.

First-timer note

You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy this, but you do want decent footwear and comfort walking on uneven alpine ground.

Recommended Tour

Cheeky Kiwi have some wonderful tours, and this one is no exception. Your comfortable modern coach transport is perfect, and your knowledgeable and friendly guides make this a fun, memorable experience. And then there's the heli flight and glacier landing. Wow! It's really difficult to put it into words, and it's no wonder that this is a World Heritage area. 

You can learn more about this wonderful tour here.

3) Glacier Explorer: Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

An alternative to Option 2 if you are time poor

If you have your heart set on a back-country glacier landing, but don't have the time to devote to a full day tour like the one in Option 2) above, here's a very good alternative. And best of all, it's all done in less than 1 hour.

Why it’s unforgettable

Earnslaw Burn is one of the South Island’s most cinematic hidden gems—hanging glaciers, braided streams, and (in warmer months) waterfalls spilling down valley walls. This is the “I can’t believe I’m here” flight that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set.

Location (where you’ll go)

• Departs from Queenstown airport.
• Flies over the rugged cliffs of Skipper's Canyon, into Mt. Aspiring National Park, and to Earnslaw Burn.
• Includes a glacier landing (subject to conditions - if a glacier landing is not possible your pilot will land as close as possible or choose an alpine landing).

Typical length

• Around 50 minutes.

What’s included (commonly)

• Scenic 50 minute helicopter flight from Queenstown.
• Bus transfers from selected central locations.
• Glacier/valley viewing and typically a landing for photos.
• Pilot commentary and local knowledge.

Seasonal considerations

• Late spring to early autumn: waterfalls are often more active as snow/ice melt feeds the valley.
• Winter: crisp, dramatic alpine scenery; fewer waterfalls, more snow presence.
• January to June - glacier landing may not be possible due to large crevasses.
• As always with helicopters: weather can change plans, and safety comes first.

Why it’s so highly rated

• Earnslaw Burn is less “mass tourism” than some headline spots, so it feels exclusive.
• The flight time is packed with scenery—glacial ice, valleys, mountain faces.
• Great for travelers who want an epic wilderness hit without committing to a full-day tour.

Best for

• First-timers who want the biggest possible scenery in the shortest possible time.

Recommended Tour

The Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters tour (as described above) takes a well deserved place on our list of 5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences.

This highly rated tour takes you deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park, and if conditions allow, includes a glacier landing. The photo opportunites are epic. 

You can read more and book your tour here.

4) Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience (from Queenstown)

The jetboat is actually a New Zealand invention, and it's an incredible craft. Every time we ride in one we are amazed at where they can go, with the ability to travel in just a few inches/centimetres of water (see the images below). This makes them perfect for our rivers, and opens up some simply beautiful wilderness areas to mere mortals like us.

The Dart River Adventure tours are truly memorable, and take you along the remote Dart River and deep into the Mount Aspiring National Park.

Why it’s unforgettable

This is Queenstown adventure with a wilderness soul. You’ll head toward Glenorchy on a jaw-dropping 30 plus kilometre lakeside drive, then blast through braided river channels surrounded by towering mountains. It’s fast, fun, and VERY scenic. If you love nature documentaries, this will make you feel like you are in your own docco.

Location (where you’ll go)

• Transport typically from Queenstown to Glenorchy area.
• Jet boating on the Dart River in Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Often includes short walks and/or interpretive moments about the area (varies by tour).

Length

• 2-4 hours depending on whether you choose to take their shuttle from Queenstown or drive yourself to Glenorchy.

What’s included (commonly)

• Round-trip transport from Queenstown if required.
• Jet boat ride on the Dart River.
• Safety gear (life jacket, waterproof jackets etc.).
• Guide commentary about local ecology, history, and filming locations (this region is famous for big movie landscapes like LOTR).

Seasonal considerations

• Runs much of the year, but river conditions can affect operations.
• Summer: warmer temps = comfortable spray factor.
• Winter: you’ll want layers; the scenery is crisp and the mountains can look extra dramatic.

Why it’s so highly rated

• Expert drivers + strong safety standards.
• The landscape is genuinely world-class (Mount Aspiring National Park is UNESCO-worthy vibes).
• It’s adventurous without requiring technical skill—perfect for first-time visitors.

Helpful tip

• Sit where you’re comfortable: front seats can mean more spray and more intensity; middle/rear can be slightly calmer while still thrilling.

Check out the tour here

For full details and to book your Dart River Wilderness Jetboat Experience click here.

5) Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Your Shotover River adventure includes 6, grade 4-5 rapids. With names like the Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball, you know this will be an adventure to remember.  Plunging into darkness in the 170-meter-long Oxenbridge Tunnel is a real highlight, before you finish with the challenge of the Cascade Rapid.

You don’t need prior rafting experience. The guides teach you what to do, and the trip is designed for beginners who want real excitement with a solid safety structure.

Why it’s unforgettable

The Shotover River is legendary in Queenstown—narrow canyons, powerful rapids, and that feeling of being far away from civilization even though you’re close to town. This is an adventure that you will talk about for years to come.

Location (where you’ll go)

• Departs from Queenstown.
• Rafting on the Shotover River (not far from town—easy access but feels very secluded and wild).
• Includes the drive through Skipper's Canyon, a road so challenging that car rental companies ban you from using.

Length

• 4 hours.

What’s included

• Professional rafting guides and safety briefing.
• Rafting gear (wetsuit or thermals, helmet, life jacket, sometimes splash jacket).
• Transport from Queenstown to the river and back.
• A hot shower.
• Guaranteed thrills.

Seasonal considerations

• Spring/early summer: snow melt can mean higher flows and punchier rapids (conditions vary by year).
• Summer: warmer air temps and popular time to go—book in advance.
• Autumn/Winter: cooler but still very doable with proper gear; fewer crowds.

Why it’s so highly rated

• It’s a true Queenstown classic—professional guiding makes first-timers feel confident.
• The canyon scenery is dramatic and unique.
• You get that mix of adrenaline + teamwork + big laughs that you will remember forever.

More information

You can read about the tour and make your bookings here.

Your quick guide for choosing the Right Wilderness Activity

If you love iconic scenery and want the easiest “wow”:

• Milford Sound Flight + Cruise.

If you want a premium, once-in-a-lifetime alpine adventure:

• Mount Cook Helicopter Tour + Hike.

If you want a shorter helicopter experience with huge payoff:

• Earnslaw Burn Glacier Explorer.

If you want speed, scenery, and fun without technical effort:

• Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat.

If you want classic Queenstown adrenaline with a wild backdrop:

• Shotover River Whitewater Rafting.

Planning tips for first-time visitors (so everything runs smoothly)

• Book early in peak season (Dec–Feb): these are top-selling Queenstown tours.
• Build weather flexibility into your itinerary: flights and alpine trips can shift for safety.
• Wear layers: Queenstown can do “four seasons in a day,” especially near water and mountains.
• Bring sun protection year-round: UV in New Zealand is no joke, even when it’s cool.

We hope our selection of 5 unforgettable Queenstown wilderness experiences inspires you to come and enjoy those wow-moments for yourself.

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