SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Wanaka Private Tour from Queenstown Scenic Drive and Lakeside
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Group
- Private, your group only
- Guide
- Portuguese, English, Spanish
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the private version of the Wanaka loop. The listing gives about 7 hours for up to 4 people, meeting on Camp Street in front of Cookie Time or at a pickup you arrange. It stops at Lake Hayes, Arrowtown and the Chinese settlement, the Cardrona Hotel and bra fence, the Crown Range, 45 minutes at Lake Wanaka and 20 at the tree, then Cromwell and the Kawarau Suspension Bridge on the way home. Bottled water and a booster seat are included.
On our Wanaka tours comparison it's the private pick for families and small groups, since the price covers the car and it comes back by a different road. The record is small, about 16 reviews, all 5 star. Meals aren't included, and the listing contradicts itself on coffee, so assume you buy your own. The driver says the stops can change, so ask for longer in Wanaka if that's the point.
Good for
- Families with young children, with a booster seat included
- Groups of three or four who want their own start time
Think twice if
- You're travelling alone; you pay for the whole car
- You want a large review record before booking
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
Enjoy a real Dor-to-dor private Panoramic Tour, fully flexible!
Designed for travellers who want comfort, scenery, and personalised exploration. This curated day trip showcases historic gold‑rush towns, alpine roads, peaceful lakesides, and local favourites in Arrowtown, Cardrona, Cromwell, and Wanaka. Every season offers its own beauty.
Travel at your pace, choose the stops you love, and enjoy the freedom of a custom itinerary.
- Private 7‑hour tour tailored to your interests
- Visit Arrowtown, Crown Range, Wanaka, Lake Dunstan, and more
- Optional scenic walks,artisan food, wine, and even an Optional real fruit ice cream
- Panoramic and Spacious vehicles for a smooth and comfortable ride
- Friendly local guides with genuine local insight
- Fully flexible itinerary, add, skip, or extend stops anytime
Ideal for couples, families, small groups, and solo travellers
Breathtaking views, rich history, and complete flexibility, a refined way to experience Wanaka and the Central Otago region.
From the listing by Queenstown Panorama Tours on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Begin your journey with a serene pause at Lake Hayes, where calm waters and soft morning light create elegant, mirror‑like reflections. About 5 min.
- Wander through Arrowtown’s beautifully preserved gold‑rush streets, boutique shops, and heritage cottages. A charming stop with timeless character. Optional museum visit available. About 45 min.
- Explore this historic riverside enclave and its restored miners’ huts, a quiet, cultural highlight offering depth and atmosphere. About 15 min.
- Enjoy a refined break at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Its rustic façade and alpine surroundings create a perfect setting for a coffee or light refreshment. About 5 min.
- A playful, colourful landmark that adds a touch of local personality and fun to the journey, ideal for a quick photo. About 5 min.
- Ascend New Zealand’s highest main road and take in sweeping alpine panoramas. Golden hills, deep valleys, and dramatic vistas make this a signature viewpoint. Winter detours may apply. About 5 min.
- Discover Wanaka’s stylish lakeside village, home to boutique stores, artisanal cafés, and relaxed alpine elegance. Perfect for lunch, browsing, or simply soaking in the scenery. About 45 min.
- Capture the region’s most iconic lakeside moment, the graceful lone willow standing in crystal‑clear waters, framed by mountains. Be aware that Drones is restricted not allowed. About 20 min.
- A beautifully serene stop just outside Wanaka. Wander through fragrant lavender fields, enjoy boutique lavender products, and take in the calming, luxurious atmosphere of this charming farm. (Optional and ticket need to be paid separately)
- Explore a refined blend of restored historic buildings, lakeside cafés, artisan boutiques, and charming streets that celebrate Cromwell’s pioneering past. About 30 min.
What's included
- Private transportation
- Car Seat On request only
- Curated travel playlist
- Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off are included
- A tailored itinerary that offer complete freedom for views, artisan cafés, or memorable experiences.
- Comfortable and spacious vehicle for a better experience
Not included
- Meals are not included. However, with a background as a professional chef, your driver is happy to recommend the best restaurants and local dining options in Queenstown.
- Coffee is not included but we can recommend the best ones in Town. and Stops can be arranged
Meeting point
Camp Street In front of Cookie Time "Main Pick up Location"
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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