day tours from queenstown new zealand

• Awards Season
• Big Stories
• Pop Culture
• Video Games
• Celebrities

Discover the Maori Culture on Guided New Zealand Tour Packages

New Zealand is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich indigenous heritage, and vibrant Maori culture. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island nation, why not take advantage of guided New Zealand tour packages? These packages offer a unique opportunity to not only explore the breathtaking scenery but also immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Maori people. In this article, we will delve into the highlights of Maori culture that you can experience on guided New Zealand tour packages.

Introduction to Maori Culture

The Maori people are the indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand and have deep-rooted traditions and customs that date back centuries. Their distinctive language, art forms, and cultural practices make them an integral part of New Zealand’s identity. By joining a guided tour package, you’ll have the chance to learn about their history, beliefs, and way of life from knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about preserving and sharing their cultural heritage.

Traditional Welcome Ceremony – Powhiri

One of the most memorable experiences on a guided tour package is participating in a traditional welcome ceremony known as Powhiri. This ceremony is performed by Maori hosts as a way to greet visitors with warmth and respect. It typically involves speeches, songs, dances, and the pressing together of noses called “hongi” as a symbolic gesture of unity.

During Powhiri, you’ll have the opportunity to witness powerful haka performances, which are traditional war dances that express strength, unity, and pride. These awe-inspiring displays showcase the Maori warrior spirit and leave visitors with an indelible impression of their culture.

Cultural Workshops and Demonstrations

Guided tour packages often include interactive workshops where you can actively engage with various aspects of Maori culture. From weaving workshops where you can learn how to create intricate flax designs to traditional cooking classes where you can try your hand at preparing a Hangi feast, these activities provide a hands-on experience that allows you to gain insight into the Maori way of life.

You may also have the opportunity to witness demonstrations of ancient art forms such as wood carving and tattooing. These demonstrations not only showcase the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the Maori people but also offer a chance to learn about the cultural significance behind these art forms.

Visiting Marae – Meeting Places

A highlight of guided New Zealand tour packages is visiting Marae, which are sacred meeting places for Maori communities. These spaces hold immense cultural importance as they serve as venues for ceremonies, celebrations, and gatherings. By visiting a Marae, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Maori customs and protocols while experiencing firsthand the warmth and hospitality extended by the local community.

During your visit, you may have the privilege of listening to captivating stories passed down through generations or witnessing traditional performances that showcase Maori legends and myths. It’s an opportunity to connect with Maori elders who are keepers of ancestral knowledge and hear their perspectives on preserving their culture in a modern world.

Embarking on guided New Zealand tour packages offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Maori culture. From participating in traditional welcome ceremonies like Powhiri to engaging in interactive workshops and visiting sacred meeting places like Marae, these experiences allow you to develop a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of New Zealand’s indigenous people. So, when planning your next trip to New Zealand, consider opting for guided tour packages that prioritize showcasing Maori culture – it will undoubtedly be an enriching journey unlike any other.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

MORE FROM ASK.COM

Boil Water Notice

There is an official boil water notice for some areas of Queenstown. For specific locations and up to date advice check the QLDC website below.

• Queenstown Airport
• Maps & Visitor Guides
• Autumn in Queenstown Winter in Queenstown Spring in Queenstown Summer in Queenstown Weather & Forecast
• Arrowtown, New Zealand Gibbston, New Zealand Glenorchy, New Zealand Kingston, New Zealand Fiordland, New Zealand Wanaka, New Zealand Central Otago, New Zealand
• Itineraries
• Planning & Packing
• Travel Packages & Combos
• Event Planning in Queenstown
• Visitor Services Transport Services Wellness & Beauty Event Services Business & Professional Services
• Educational Tours Language Schools Tertiary Education
• Accessible Activities Accessible Accommodation Accessible Eateries
• Air Adventures Bungy, Swing & Zip Land Adventures Water Adventures Indoor Thrills
• Culture & Heritage
• Submit an Event
• Fishing & Hunting Mountaineering & Climbing Nature & Wildlife Skiing & Snowboarding Walking & Hiking Water Sports
• Scenic Cruises Scenic Flights Scenic Tours Scenic Attractions Movie Location Tours
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Walking & Hiking
• Spa & Massage Yoga Hot Pools Gyms & Pilates Hair, Makeup & Beauty Physiotherapy
• Wineries & Breweries
• Accommodation Deals
• Backpackers & Hostels
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Holiday Parks & Camping Grounds
• Holiday Rentals
• Hotels & Resorts
• Lodges & Retreats
• Serviced Apartments
• Cafés & Bakeries
• Dessert & Ice Cream Shops
• Pubs, Bars & Clubs
• Restaurants
• Takeaways & Delivery
• Wineries & Cellar Doors
• Brewery & Craft Beer Tours
• Autumn in Queenstown
• Winter in Queenstown
• Spring in Queenstown
• Summer in Queenstown
• Weather & Forecast
• See & Do in Arrowtown
• Stay in Arrowtown
• Eat & Drink in Arrowtown
• Shopping in Arrowtown
• Gibbston, New Zealand
• Things to Do in Glenorchy
• Stay in Glenorchy
• Eat & Drink in Glenorchy
• Stay in Kingston
• See & Do in Kingston
• See & Do in Fiordland
• Wanaka, New Zealand
• Central Otago, New Zealand
• Information Centres
• Coach & Bus Services
• Rental Cars
• Taxis & Shuttles
• Limousines & Luxury Transport
• Campervans & Motorhomes
• Wellness & Beauty
• AV & Equipment Hire
• Event Management
• Team Building
• Bands & Entertainment
• Accountants & Law Firms
• Employment Agencies
• Creative Services
• Real Estate
• Print Services
• Local Services
• Educational Tours
• Language Schools
• Tertiary Education
• Accessible Activities
• Accessible Accommodation
• Accessible Eateries
• Air Adventures
• Bungy, Swing & Zip
• Land Adventures
• Jet Boating
• Indoor Thrills
• Fishing & Hunting
• Mountaineering & Climbing
• Nature & Wildlife
• Guided Walks & Hikes
• Hiking Equipment Hire
• Track Transport
• Short Walks in Queenstown
• Day Walks & Hikes in Queenstown
• Water Sports

Scenic Cruises

• Airplane Flights
• Helicopter Flights
• Hot Air Ballooning

Off Road Tours

• City & Region Tours
• Quad Biking & Buggy Tours
• Horse Riding
• Motorcycle Tours

Scenic Attractions

Movie location tours.

• Spa & Massage
• Gyms & Pilates
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty
• Physiotherapy

Sightseeing

• Insights & Stats
• Privacy Policy
• DQ Member Area
• New Members
• Member Registration Form
• Listing Optimisation Guide
• Image Gallery
• Business Events
• Travel Trade
• DQ Members Area
• Regenerative Tourism by 2030
• Regenerative Travel In Queenstown

Queenstown sightseeing tours and activities are an ideal way to take in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Take to the air on a  scenic flight ,  cruise  across Lake Wakatipu and see the mountains from a new perspective, or be carried high over Queenstown in a gondola and take in the views, there are activities for all travellers.

Let your knowledgeable guide inform and inspire as you drive, walk, taste or fly your way around the Queenstown area.

Explore Queenstown Sightseeing Options

Scenic flights, scenic tours, wine tours & tastings, experience the slower side of queenstown this spring.

A 6-day slow travel Queenstown spring itinerary. Spring things to do and places to stay for those who like to stay longer, move a little slower, and explore hidden gems.

/ 12 Min Read

Glenorchy Air: Soaring To A Sustainable Future

Glenorchy Air is leading the charge for greener aviation, aiming to be the first Queenstown-based operator to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel in their turbine aircraft.

/ 3 Min Read

Discover the Queenstown Trail Over 3 Fun-Filled and Scenic Days

Want to get some exercise, immerse yourself in Queenstown's landscapes and taste award-winning local food and wine? Discover how to explore the Queenstown Trail by bike.

/ 6 Min Read

Landscapes of Queenstown

Queenstown often takes peoples breath away, and it’s not hard to see why! From Kingston to Glenorchy, the landscape is full of stark beautiful contrasts.

Queenstown Art Trail

Beautiful places have attracted and inspired artists for centuries, from Monet’s own gardens to van Gogh’s Provence, and Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island is no different.

/ 4 Min Read

Top Ten Most Photogenic Spots in Queenstown

A camera is a must-have travel accessory, and it’s an essential for any trip to Queenstown. The Wakatipu Basin’s stunning natural beauty, the diverse seasons—not to mention the sheer number of perspectives to experience it all from—make Queenstown a photography playground.

The Ultimate Winter Road Trip Guide to Queenstown

There is so much to explore on and off the ski field in Queenstown no matter how many times you've visited, no two trips need ever be the same. We've rounded up our favourite road trip locations in the region to bring you the ultimate winter road trip guide.

Sightseeing Stories

All stories, our stories, your stories.

• Skip to content

Phone: 03 442 5877 or from overseas call: +64 3 442 5877

• Spring  /  3:58am
• AUD CAD EUR GBP JPY NZD USD

Experiences

Help & info.

• 03 442 5877 within NZ
• +64 3 442 5877 from overseas

Day Tours in Queenstown

Quality Experiences

Booking flexibility, nz owned & operated, friendly support humans.

Where can you go to see glow worms, ride a bike up mountain peaks, cruise amid dramatic scenery on a pristine lake, walk among lush forests or view Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand  – all in one day? Queenstown, of course! Bike riding takes you to the high country, where the history of mustering sheep and cattle comes alive in traditional old huts, such as Pretty Hut and Old Nic. Fjordland – carved out over thousands of years by glaciers – features a network of underground caves adjoining Lake Te Anau, where thousands of glow worms illuminate walls and ceilings. Guided walks are also a must, so you can smell, see and touch nature at its most beautiful, in World Heritage parks, peaks and basins; all while being guided by experts and enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. Then there are the movie buffs, who will just love the Lord of the Rings Tour in mystical high country, from Glenorchy to Paradise Valley. 

• Displaying 62 results

Glenorchy & Paradise Half Day Explorer

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Glenorchy on a half day tour from Queenstown.

Wine Sampler Tour - Altitude Tours

Take a fun & informative small group wine tour from Queenstown through Gibbston Valley & central Otago with knowledgeable local guides.

Small Group Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach

Enjoy some great Kiwi hospitality on a small group premium coach ride to Milford Sound and explore aboard a 1.75hr boutique small-boat cruise.

Milford Flight & Cruise - Air Milford

Visit Milford Sound from Queenstown with a scenic overflight and 2 hour nature cruise on the Milford Flight & Cruise package with Air Miford.

Jet Heli Luge Skyline Gondola - High Five

Includes the Shotover Jet, a scenic helicopter flight with alpine landing, gondola to the top of Skyline Queenstown and ride the Luge.

Milford Sound Boat Cruise - Pure Milford

Take an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound with Pure Milford and experience the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Stewart Island Fly & Explore - Glenorchy Air

Fly with Glenorchy Air to Stewart Island and take a day to explore before your return flight to Queenstown.

Best of Queenstown Sightseeing Tour - Altitude Tours

Join the Best of Queenstown tour for a must do tour of hand picked locations to show you the best the town has to offer!

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise - RealNZ

Explore Doubtful Sound with a spectacular boat cruise from Manapouri including optional coach transfers from Queenstown

Milford Flight & Cruise - Glenorchy Air

Take a scenic flight from Queenstown with Glenorchy Air and enjoy a nature cruise in Milford Sound.

93% of new customers that used Everything Queenstown to provide advice and securely book their Queenstown activities have let us know they've had a good or excellent experience with us. Thank you .

• Read Reviews
• Most Popular
• Gift Vouchers
• Other NZ Activities
• Accommodation
• Activity Combos
• Bungy Jumping
• Canyon Swing
• Family Activities
• Hang Gliding
• Jet Boating
• Mountain Biking
• Paragliding
• Quad Biking
• Queenstown Bucks & Hens Parties
• Riverboarding
• Top 10 Things to do in Queenstown
• Ziplining & Climbing

Sightseeing

• Cycling Tours
• Guided Walks
• Helicopter Flights
• Horse Riding
• Lord of the Rings
• Milford Sound & Fiordland
• Milford Sound Flights
• Night Activities
• Offroad & 4WD
• Rental Cars & Bus Services
• Segway Tours
• Wine Tasting Tours
• Parasailing
• Target Shooting
• Wet Weather Activities

Multi Day Tours

• Multi Day Snow Tours
• Overnight Boats
• Queenstown Ski Fields
• Ski & Activity Packages
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Snow Experiences
• Winter Activities
• Massage & Day Spa

Food & Wine

• Dining Experiences
• Group Bookings
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Who Are We?

• Operator Sign-up
• New Zealand Activities
• Australian Activities

Other Stuff

• Currency Converter
• Weather Forecast

Mount Cook & Queenstown Day Tours

New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook (Aoraki in Māori) towers 3,724 metres into the sky, providing a stunning backdrop to the beautiful Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in the centre of the South Island. Declared a World Heritage park in 1986, it boasts over 30 peaks 3,000 metres or higher. It also has five of New Zealand’s largest glaciers, including the Tasman Glacier at 21km in length. Scenic flights over the park provide unparalleled views of the Southern Alps. The region is also renowned for its clear, starry nights and was designated a Dark Sky Reserve in 2012 – the first in the southern hemisphere and the world’s largest, encompassing a 4300 km 2 area.

South of Mount Cook, past the distinctive tussock land of the Mackenzie Country and the vivid blue glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, is the world-renowned tourist destination of Queenstown. This lake and alpine resort is New Zealand’s adventure capital, with things to see and do in Queenstown in all seasons. From bungy jumping to wine tasting, Lord of the Rings film locations to historic gold mining towns and jet boating on the Shotover River, there are activities and attractions in Queenstown to whet every appetite. Sitting close to four excellent skifields, Queenstown is also home to boutique shops and a wide variety of bars and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax and spend time.

Queenstown is the home of bungy jumping – if you dare, launch yourself into the air from the Kawarau Bridge, 43 metres above the Kawarau River. Keep your adrenaline levels high with a jet boat trip on the Shotover River, where the dramatically narrow canyons and high speed ride will take your breath away. Movie buffs will want to visit the Kawarau Gorge, where scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed. Queenstown is part of the Central Otago wine region, where some of New Zealand’s best wines are made, especially Pinot Noir. In neighbouring Arrowtown you’ll feel you have stepped back in time to the 1860s when this historic goldmining town was booming. And of course Queenstown is the starting point for most day tours to Milford Sound , New Zealand’s most famous natural attraction.

9 Day Tours to experience

Mount Cook Day Tour: Christchurch to Queenstown

• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
• Lake Tekapo

from $ 350 NZD

Mount Cook Day Tour: Queenstown to Christchurch

• 11 hours 50 minutes
• Mount Cook scenery
• Glacier lake views

Christchurch To Mount Cook Day Tour: One Way

• 5 hours 20 minutes
• See NZ's highest mountain
• Stunning high country scenery

from $ 250 NZD

Mount Cook to Christchurch Day Tour: One Way

• 5 hours 10 minutes
• Complimentary hotel drop-off
• Stunning South Island Views

Queenstown to Mount Cook Day Tour: One Way

• 4 hours 45 minutes
• Complimentary pickup/drop-off

Mount Cook to Queenstown Day Tour: One Way

• Free Wi-Fi on board coach

Queenstown to Fox Glacier Day Tour

• 7 hours 30 minutes
• See The Southern Alps
• Full-day Sightseeing Tour

from $ 147 NZD

Queenstown to Franz Josef Day Tour

• 8 hours 5 minutes
• Free Cancellation

from $ 155 NZD

Dart River Wilderness Safari

• 6 hours 5 minutes
• Mt Aspiring National Park
• Jet boat ride, forest walk & 4WD tour

from $ 259 NZD

Free cancellation

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 2 hours in advance of your tour experience.

New Zealand Tours

• City Sightseeing
• Nature & Wildlife
• Lord of the Rings
• Dolphin Watching
• Food & Wine
• Glowworm Cave
• Flightseeing
• Tours from Auckland
• Tours from Christchurch
• Tours from Rotorua

Destinations

• Bay of Islands Tours
• Auckland Tours
• Rotorua Tours
• Waitomo Tours
• Hobbiton Tours
• Wellington Tours
• Christchurch Tours
• Mt Cook Tours
• Queenstown Tours
• West Coast Tours
• Milford Sound Tours

Travel Info

• Our Drivers
• Our Coaches
• Hotel Transfers
• Tour Commentary
• Accommodation

DAY TOURS FROM QUEENSTOWN

Small group day-tours departing from queenstown.

Premium Milford Sound & Te Anau Highlights tour (2day) 

Mt Cook & Hooker Valley Hike Combo  

Mt Cook Tour & Heli Hike Combo

Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Combo

Mt Cook Tour & Sky Dive Combo  

Fiordland Ultimate Combo Experience Tour (2day)

Queenstown to Mt Cook (One-Way)

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour (2day)

Mt Cook to Queenstown (One-Way)