Queenstown Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages
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Queenstown Strenuous Tours & Trips

146 Queenstown trips. Tours from 47 tour companies. 303 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Strenuous
New Zealand: The South Island
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New Zealand: The South Island

By VBT Bicycling Vacations
premier
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Prepare to be dazzled by the staggering beauty of the South Island’s glittering lakes, lush forests, fertile farmlands, and alpine peaks.
  • Hike up a valley carved by the retreating ice of Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Spend a day at a wilderness resort, enjoying kayaking, canoeing, hiking—and perhaps strolling to a colony of glowworms.
  • Experience life on a working ranch and savor a home-cooked meal during a visit to a sheep and cattle station.
  • Sample local vintages during a wine tasting at a local estate.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$5,045
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New Zealand Explorer
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New Zealand Explorer

By Explore!
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Alps, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Mount Cook, Nelson, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tasman National Park, Wellington

Highlights

  • Discover the beaches of Abel Tasman and cruise on the Doubtful Sound
  • Explore art deco Napier and enjoy wine tasting at Hawke's Bay
  • Walk to glaciers and discover volcanic White Island

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"An excellent trip. Everything went smoothly from booking to getting to the airport the final day. Our guide Gaia was super positive, encouraging and accommodating. Hotel gave a genuine Italian feel. Loved being in a quiet village in mountains. Bus drivers were excellent drivers and buses comfortable. I would classify the walks as hiking rather than walking but still doable. Walking poles with rubber tips a must! Lots of steps but outstanding views, vistas and greenery. One of my most memorable trips!"

Trip dates & details
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-19%$10,086
19 days From$8,200

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South Island Explorer
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South Island Explorer

By Active Adventures New Zealand
none
5/5 Excellent
78 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Queenstown, Tasman National Park

Highlights

  • Enjoy Hike Routeburn Track
  • Visit the famous Pancake Rock
  • Hike Abel Tasman National Park
  • Enjoy Franz Josef Glacier

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"New Zealand is one of the more remarkable locations I have had the opportunity to visit. It is truly a magical kind of place for me and seems to have had all the landscapes I love. Mountains that rise up out of the sea, beaches that you can have all to yourself and walk on for miles, forests that change as you travel around the island; you would find it hard to get bored with this mix. If that is not enough, there is our guides. The two drove us, inspired us, cooked fantastic meals for us and had answers to all our myriad of questions. I simply cannot say enough about Claire and Mel!"

Trip dates & details
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14 days From$5,799
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Essence of the South Island
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Essence of the South Island

By Active Adventures New Zealand
none
5/5 Excellent
78 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Fiordland National Park, Mount Cook, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Hike Routeburn Track
  • Cruise Milford Sound, hike Kepler Track
  • Visit Cromwell Old Town, journey over Lindis Pass
  • Experience the hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
  • Awesome hike Cape Foulwind and Punakaiki rainforest

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"New Zealand is one of the more remarkable locations I have had the opportunity to visit. It is truly a magical kind of place for me and seems to have had all the landscapes I love. Mountains that rise up out of the sea, beaches that you can have all to yourself and walk on for miles, forests that change as you travel around the island; you would find it hard to get bored with this mix. If that is not enough, there is our guides. The two drove us, inspired us, cooked fantastic meals for us and had answers to all our myriad of questions. I simply cannot say enough about Claire and Mel!"

Trip dates & details
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14 days From$3,999
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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New Zealand Winter Adventure
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New Zealand Winter Adventure

By Active Adventures New Zealand
none
5/5 Excellent
78 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Fiordland National Park, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Hike the fabulous Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park
  • Copland Valley, Westland National Park
  • West Coast beaches and rainforest
  • Fox Glacier
  • Mt Aspiring National Park
Show more

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"New Zealand is one of the more remarkable locations I have had the opportunity to visit. It is truly a magical kind of place for me and seems to have had all the landscapes I love. Mountains that rise up out of the sea, beaches that you can have all to yourself and walk on for miles, forests that change as you travel around the island; you would find it hard to get bored with this mix. If that is not enough, there is our guides. The two drove us, inspired us, cooked fantastic meals for us and had answers to all our myriad of questions. I simply cannot say enough about Claire and Mel!"

Trip dates & details
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14 days From$4,599
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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New Zealand Women's Hiking – Southern Alps
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New Zealand Women's Hiking – Southern Alps

By REI Women's Adventures
none
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Enjoy first class hiking in New Zealand's Southern Alps
  • Jet boat ride up the turquoise waters of the Rakaia River
  • Stay in high country huts and visit the adventure nexus, Queenstown
  • REI Women’s Adventure—designed for women, guided by women

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Women Only

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$5,399
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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NZ Adventure
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NZ Adventure

By Adventure Junkies
none
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Queenstown

Highlights

  • Adrenalin Forest high ropes
  • White water rafting
  • Hiking
  • Sea kayaking
  • Mountain biking
Show more

Themes

18 - 30's, Cycling & Biking, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$3,114
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
New Zealand: The South Island
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New Zealand: The South Island

By VBT Bicycling Vacations
premier
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Prepare to be dazzled by the staggering beauty of the South Island’s glittering lakes, lush forests, fertile farmlands, and alpine peaks.
  • Hike up a valley carved by the retreating ice of Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Spend a day at a wilderness resort, enjoying kayaking, canoeing, hiking—and perhaps strolling to a colony of glowworms.
  • Experience life on a working ranch and savor a home-cooked meal during a visit to a sheep and cattle station.
  • Sample local vintages during a wine tasting at a local estate.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
9 days From$5,045
More
21 Day Grand Tour Discover Real New Zealand
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21 Day Grand Tour Discover Real New Zealand

By Real New Zealand Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
40 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are dedicated to providing personalized, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences that showcase the best of their country.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Pacific Ocean, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tasmania, Wellington

Highlights

  • All inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand based specialists so you sit back and relax
  • An exciting itinerary will be customised to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
  • We offer self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accomodations, activities, attractions (you select) we book your car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day or, select a private driver trip (fully guided) or, escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
  • Either way, you will have an awesome time on our wonderful 21 day Grand New Zealand Tour with Real New Zealand Tours.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Sailing, Golf

What travelers are saying

"Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go and, after a small number of iterations, together we were able able to craft an itinerary that met our budget, touched on much of the places we wanted, and did not have us staying at a different resort each night. Before leaving for our trip we were given our itinerary and confirmation #'s/vouchers/contact #'s for all of our activities and hotels captured in an easy-to-use app that made it extremely easy to transition to the next point of our journey. He and his assistant were quick to respond to any questions we had along the way as well. Overall, we had a great stay and highly endorse Geoff and RealNZ for anyone planning a bespoke trip to NZ."

Trip dates & details
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-12%$3,990
21 days From$3,500

Generous cancellation

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Ultimate New Zealand
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Ultimate New Zealand

By Intrepid Travel
premier
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps, Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington

Highlights

  • Cruise through the scenic Poor Knights Islands on a full-day adventure on the water to see some of the north island’s natural beauty. This area is also a Marine Reserve with volcanic origins over 11 million years old, creating some pretty epic biodiversity.
  • Discover the diversity of Rotorua, from unbelievable geothermal activity to rich Maori culture. Visit a Maori village for a hangi dinner and traditional haka performance.
  • Admire the out-of-this-world landscapes of Tongariro National Park, from emerald green lakes to soaring volcanic peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, tackle the famous Tongariro Crossing.
  • Live it up in the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, horseback riding or wine tasting, there’s something here to entice everyone.
  • Visit a local gallery in Franz Josef and carve a pendant out of pounamu while learning about the precious stone’s significance to Maori culture.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-10%$7,980
24 days From$7,182

Health Safety +

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Enchanting New Zealand
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Enchanting New Zealand

By XperieNZ
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua

Highlights

  • Private Personalised Walk with return ferry tickets – Waiheke Island, Greater Auckland
  • Private City Tour – Christchurch
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey – Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Glacier Valley Eco Walk
  • Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides - Queenstown Te Ra Guided Tour + Haka, Te Puia – Rotorua
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Thank you for our recent memorable South Island trip. Our experience with Xperienz was amazing! Xperienz has an excellent blend of professional and personal service. All the places that Kumar suggested and the cruises he booked us in were outstanding. On his recommendation, we were able to discover some amazing parts of the country off the beaten track. Thank you Kumar!! We look forward to exploring more beautiful spots in New Zealand with Xperienz"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-12%$7,979
11 days From$6,999

Generous cancellation

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Walking in New Zealand
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Walking in New Zealand

By Explore!
premier
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Alps, Auckland, Bar, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tasman National Park, Tongariro National Park, Wellington

Highlights

  • Dramatic landscapes including mountains, glaciers and fiords
  • Walks in stunning scenery
  • Visit Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown

What travelers are saying

"An excellent trip. Everything went smoothly from booking to getting to the airport the final day. Our guide Gaia was super positive, encouraging and accommodating. Hotel gave a genuine Italian feel. Loved being in a quiet village in mountains. Bus drivers were excellent drivers and buses comfortable. I would classify the walks as hiking rather than walking but still doable. Walking poles with rubber tips a must! Lots of steps but outstanding views, vistas and greenery. One of my most memorable trips!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-19%$9,434
19 days From$7,670

Health Safety +

More
7 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Strenuous

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Queenstown Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
303  Reviews
Write a review
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Excellent
69
Great
24
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
P

Patti

Oct 2023

Written on

Wonderful and Varied Adventure

This is an excellent trip with a great variety of activities and adventure. A train into the mountains, biking, hiking, kayaking, glaciers, ocean, rainforest, and po...

Tour:  New Zealand: The South Island

H

Heide

Oct 2023

Written on

New Zealand's adventure - a Rousing Success

Unexpected wildlife and plant growth, and land features constantly, with breathtaking beauty, and with an air of untouched freshness. Oh, and the cycling was excitin...

Tour:  New Zealand: The South Island

P

Patti

Oct 2023

Written on

Wonderful and Varied Adventure

This is an excellent trip with a great variety of activities and adventure. A train into the mountains, biking, hiking, kayaking, glaciers, ocean, rainforest, and po...

Tour:  New Zealand: The South Island

j

jbird

Oct 2023

Written on

Really fun trip

New Zealand is a beautiful country with really fun and interesting people. But the trip leaders made this an exceptional experience. The trip was well organized and ...

Tour:  New Zealand: The South Island

T

THaskell

Oct 2023

Written on

Out of 12 VBT tours, this one needs more planning

VBT has always offered wonderful tours. New Zealand is absolutely SPECTACULAR. Our tour leaders were terrific! Their E-bikes are great, except they have no convenien...

Tour:  New Zealand: The South Island

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Queenstown Tour Selection Trips

  • Queenstown is a natural starting or ending point on an exploration of New Zealand's south island. Most tours will allow a few days here.
  • There are several easy day trips you can make from Queenstown, including Arrowtown and Milford Sound.
  • Queenstown is a hub of adventure activities. Even if you're not looking to partake yourself, it's fun to watch! There is a large viewing area at AJ Hackett Bungee Bridge for example.

Additional details

Top Queenstown Travel Companies
G Adventures Reviews
Collette Reviews
Intrepid Travel Reviews
Explore! Reviews
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Nature Expeditions International Reviews
Classic Journeys Reviews

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