SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Group size
- Up to 18 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 5 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the one shared day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka. The listing gives about 6 hours from 10am outside Marmolada Cafe on Camp Street, up to 18 people: 30 minutes at the Crown Range lookouts, 30 at Cardrona with a beer or ginger beer at the hotel, 20 at That Wanaka Tree, an hour free in Wanaka, then an hour in Arrowtown on the way back. Lunch, hotel pickup, Puzzling World and the lavender farm aren't included.
Our Wanaka tours comparison makes it Our pick for a single Wanaka day, with about 295 reviews close to 5. Our day trips page calls it the one to skip, for the same catches: it's non-refundable, can't be changed, needs minimum numbers reconfirmed 18 hours ahead, and takes no children under 6. Its own listing calls it a half day and also 6 hours. Travel with Lens filmed a guided day on this loop, though not naming the operator.
Good for
- Visitors without a car who want Wanaka and Arrowtown in one day
- Anyone whose dates are fixed
Think twice if
- You might need to change or cancel
- You want more than an hour in Wanaka
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Discover Wānaka, Arrowtown and the spectacular Crown Range on a relaxed small-group day tour from Queenstown.
Travel with a knowledgeable local driver-guide through dramatic mountain scenery, stopping at a Crown Range viewpoint and the historic Cardrona Hotel, where a beer or non-alcoholic ginger beer is included. Continue to Wānaka for time beside the lake, including a visit to the famous Wānaka Tree, before exploring the gold-rush village of Arrowtown at your own pace.
With scenic stops, local commentary and free time in both Wānaka and Arrowtown, this tour is ideal for travellers who want to see more of the region without hiring a car or navigating mountain roads themselves.
Please note: Not suitable for children under 6 years old.
From the listing by Dream Big tours trading as Remarkable Scenic tours on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Travel across New Zealand’s highest sealed main road, with a scenic stop overlooking the Wakatipu Basin and surrounding mountains. Photo stops depend on weather and road conditions. About 30 min.
- Visit one of New Zealand’s most historic hotels and enjoy an included beer or non-alcoholic ginger beer. There is time to explore the garden and photograph the heritage building. Take photos of the legendary Bra fence. About 30 min.
- Stop beside Lake Wānaka to see one of the region’s best-known landmarks, framed by the lake and surrounding mountains. About 20 min.
- Enjoy free time to walk along the lakefront, browse local shops or purchase lunch from one of Wānaka’s cafés and restaurants. About 60 min.
- Explore Arrowtown’s historic main street, boutique shops and gold-rush heritage. Guests can also visit the Chinese Settlement or walk beside the Arrow River. About 60 min.
What's included
- Beer or non alcoholic ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel
- Central Queenstown departure and return (no hotel pick ups)
- Travel in a modern air-conditioned European touring vehicle with elevated seating and large windows for sightseeing.
- Scenic stops along the Crown Range
- Arrowtown visitor map
- Free time in Arrowtown
- Free time in Wānaka
- Local driver-guide
Not included
- Lunch is not included. You will have free time in Wānaka, where your guide can recommend cafés, restaurants and takeaway options.
- No children under six years old
- Hotel pick ups
- Puzzling World and the Lavender Farm are NOT available on this tour.
Meeting point
Meet outside Marmolada Café, Camp Street side of The Station Building, 43 Camp Street. Check in by 9:50 am for a 10:00 am departure. We cannot wait for late arrivals. Please do not bring hot food or uncovered hot drinks onboard.
Checking in
Please be waiting from 9.50am on the seats outside Marmolada Cafe located in The Station Building. The street address for Marmolada Cafe is 43 Camp St Queenstown.
The tour will leave 10.00am sharp and will not wait if you are late.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements, please contact us by 5pm the day before your departure to confirm we have minimum numbers for the tour to proceed.
No hot foods or hot drinks allowed in tour van.
Where it ends
Meet outside Marmolada Café, Camp Street side of The Station Building, 43 Camp Street. Check in by 9:50 am for a 10:00 am departure. We cannot wait for late arrivals. Please do not bring hot food or uncovered hot drinks onboard.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We require minimum numbers to run this tour, please reconfirm 18 hours before start time
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Sorry no children under six
- You need to waiting 10 minutes before start time at pick up point.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our wanaka tours page, our things to do in wanaka page and our home page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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