Private and Luxury
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$289
per adult
Nature & Wildlife Tours in Queenstown
THE 10 BEST Queenstown Nature & Wildlife Tours
Nature & Wildlife Tours in Queenstown
Category types
Time of Day
Price
$0 - $900 +
Duration
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Languages
Filter to see tours in the language(s) you’re looking for.
Popular Attractions
Accessibility
Special offers
70 places sorted by featured
- Our Featured sort order ranks tours, activities, and experiences by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, your individual user browsing history and preferences while using Tripadvisor, the frequency of user clicks generally, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$299
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$265
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$725
per adult
Day Trips
7–12 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$220
per adult
Private and Luxury
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$199
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$755
per adult
Overnight Tours
2 days
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$580
per adult
Private and Luxury
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$1,374
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$669
per adult
Day Trips
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$715
per adult
Full-day Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$1,180
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$779
per adult
Adventure Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$307
per adult
Helicopter Tours
50 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$780
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$309
per adult
Full-day Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$274
$247
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$449
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$693
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$650
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$729
per adult
Full-day Tours
20 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$339
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$302
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$250
per adult
Horseback Riding
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$249
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$805
per adult
Film Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$1,041
per adult
Day Trips
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$179
per adult
Day Trips
6 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$1,599
per adult
Private and Luxury
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$375
per adult
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Abigail SReno4 contributionsIncredible guide and tour! I had such a lovely time on this tour and our guide was so good- she was entertaining, friendly, wove in stories while she skillfully wove us through the landscape on some treacherous roads. Very impressed and grateful for this opportunity.Written 3 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul SMacon, GA5 contributionsThe scenery was unbelievable. Shawn was the perfect driver-guide, driving safely and sharing useful, fascinating facts along the way. He was sensitive to the group’s wishes in managing scenic stops. We felt well informed, protected and cared for. Milford Sound is a highlight of our NZ vacation! We loved the mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, seals and penguin. Our boat captain was also incredible, Spotify wildlife and taking us safely as close as possible. Five stars! Thanks, Team!Written 1 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tourist646010946081 contributionThis is a must do!!!! Fantastic views and loved the tour guide too. She was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. The bus is very comfortable. This is the best way to travel to The Sounds.Written 29 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paradise873071 contributionGreat overall experience. Milford sound is a beautiful place. Soap was an excellent driver, host, and entertainer. He made being in the van for so long much easier to endure. I fully recommend this trip.Written 2 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Patricia MQueenstown, New Zealand234 contributionsAmazing experience which would not have been possible without the knowledgable tour guide, Simon, who knew so much about the region, down to little tips on where to go and what to see beyond this tour.
The scenery was amazing and I was fortunate to be in a small group of 5 so we had more time at the stops and a lot of photo ops. Thank you Simon for showing us the best photo spots.
The driving was really smooth despite some rough parts on the road and Sam was a really considerate driver.
The boat cruise to Milford was amazing - saw penguins and fur seals
Got up super close
to both Stirling and Bowen Falls.
This tour did not have lunch provided and had to purchase things on board ($33 for fish and chips 8) but got a coffee instead and glad that l had taken some snacks.
Definitely recommend taking some light snacks as the range onboard the boat cruise is more sugary cakes and slices with a handful of actual food options.
The cruise itself is short and full of interesting things to see so you wouldn't want to miss out on that while eating so grab and go snacks are better.
Luckily it wasn't raining on the day but it was a little overcast, and it was beautiful nonetheless.
Would do this again.
Recommend booking through RealNZ because you get discounts.Written 1 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jonathan AugelliMadison, WI13 contributionsWe had the most amazing time on this tour. The sites were awesome, especially the exclusive location at the end, and the props provided were excellent. Tristan, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the sites, cast, films and books, and behind the scenes trivia. Additionally, he gave us a ton of recommendations about places to be sure to stop by in Queenstown. We even had a lengthy discussion about the lore. Lastly, the tour length was just perfect. A great afternoon outing. I would whole heartedly recommend this for any Lord of the Rings fan.Written 30 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jo SRotorua, New Zealand23 contributionsThis trip was amazing. There had been a spring snowfall, so the mountains were spectacular to fly over. Our pilot passed on lots of information about the mountain range. Milford was beautiful. The boxed picnic lunch was tasty and Cruise ship spacious. I took so many photos, including waterfalls, Lion Rock. The captain pointed out a rare Fjordland Crested Penguin, dolphins were spotted closer to the Westcost mouth,and there were fur seals sunning themselves on a large rock. It was such a great experience. The flight back was a different path, so more glacial lakes, waterfalls and rugged mountains to photograph.
Thank you to everyone at Air Milford. It was a very special trip.Written 30 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Maps471213285281 contributionAll the staff were amazing. I proposed to my now fiancée on the glacier which the staff helped me organise and ensured it was truely a memorable day with no issues. They were super helpful through the whole process.
Would highly recommend them.
Thank you for such an amazing day.Written 17 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OnAir012752150671 contributionThis was a highlight experience! The flight from Queenstown to Milford covers awesome terrain - huge beautiful mountains and lush bush valleys. Arriving into Milford is a thrill - such a unique place, and a funky airstrip! Milford Sound is totally majestic, especially with the recent snow down into the bushline and so many waterfalls. The Sound was absolutely streaming water! I worked in Fiordland for a number of years but coming back I was still blown away - it truly is such a special part of NZ. Thanks to your great staff and the awesome trip, Glenorchy Air :)Written 25 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SamuelSydney, Australia1 contributionFrom the moment our trip was confirmed early in the morning on the 14th of August, we knew we were going to have a very beautiful experience; however, I am lost for words on how great it was and struggle to find the right ideas to express on this review. The group was small to make the experience personal, my son got the chance to see the hangar and the Cesna planes from very close and he loved every single bit of it. The views and the places we visited are beyond what can be captured on pictures, simply breathtaking. Our pilot Thomas was extremely experienced and knowledgable, he was describing everything we were seeing on both sides of the plane. Milford sound cruise was very sublime, we have not been to a place this beautiful anywhere else, and we do not believe there is such beauty outside Milford Sound. The trip was the highlight of our visit to Queenstonwn and will definitely repeat the experience again in near future. Thank you Thomas, Mikayla, Sara and rest of AirMilford Team!Written 18 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katie R16 contributionsThe Helicopter Line was the second company I approached for one seat on a heli trip to Milford Sound. There had been poor weather the day before. Whilst my first choice was not available, the communication around what was possible was excellent, prompt, and helpful, and this resulted in a wonderful trip to Milford Sound.
At one stage I got an email to call the team, but with one week away I wasn't on phone roaming so this wasn't possible, please consider this as not always the best form of communication. Any mode that uses data (I had a data eSim and regular WiFi as well) would be better if voice interactions are necessary eg. WhatsApp. Otherwise, emailing is suitable and the staff doing the organising were so prompt that it didn't need a phone call.
I loved the trip, excellent value. And the way we were escorted from the helipad, immediately into a minibus that was ready, and onto a boat was great. The smaller sized boat was excellent, and the captain/commentator was fabulous. As a bonus, we did a snow landing which was so fabulous, and had a pilot that was more than willing to take our phones and snap some shots of us deliriously happy. Would be my first recommendation to family and friends for Queenstown heli operators due to the ease of communication and quality of the day.Written 10 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sunil C4 contributionsHanna was the best tour guide. She recommended me the helicopter ride and it was the best experience of my life. I can't thank her enough for being so informative and energetic throughout the tripWritten 6 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoxyTamborine Mountain, Australia19 contributionsThis was hands down the best jet boat ride we did out of 4 different boat rides that we did on holidays in September. We chose to drive to Glenorchy ourselves but our booking through Viator included transfers from Queenstown. Our driver was informative and a good boat driver. So recommend, the scenery was stunning for 2 hours. You will get a bit wet from the 360 spins which were lots of fun.Written 2 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- familyBrisbane, Australia22 contributionsThe most beautiful hidden lakes, a landing on Clark Glacier, Mt Aspiring, and popping over a ridge to surprise a herd of deer. Incredible blue ice formations peeking out beneath metres of snow. Photos didn't do any of it justice. The pilot, Bill, was skilled and knowledgeable and made sure everyone had an amazing experience.
Tips: Follow the company's recommendation to book in right at the beginning of your trip in case of rescheduling due to bad weather. This happened to us, but we were able to eventually get on a flight on what the pilot said was one of the best days he'd seen in weeks. It helps to be mentally prepared for changes, talk kids through what happens if it's cancelled, and research some Plan B options, just in case.
If you can do it, do it. Well worth it.Written 25 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
