Tours & tickets

The Remarkables

Embark on an adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action, and LOTR filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen, and more.  After pick-up, journey around the Wakatipu Basin to see The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the three movies. Travel part way up Queenstown Hill for a bird's-eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. From the viewpoint, head to Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath - 'Pillars of the Kings'. After Kawarau Gorge, travel to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring scene at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown, you will experience a true off-road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River, cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. Here you can indulge in a refreshing afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning. From Arrowtown, travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon for spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into the Canyon. Each vehicle takes maximum 6 persons. Please read Disclosure of Risks and Weather Cancellation Policy here https://www.nomadsafaris.co.nz/faqs/

See how glaciers and the movement of the earth’s crust formed New Zealand's unique mountains and valleys over thousands of years–from the sky! Swoop low over mountain valleys and high above meandering rivers. Plenty of evidence also remains of the rich gold mining history left by Europeans and Chinese gold miners in the late 1800s. Today, many of the local landscapes can be recognized because of their use as film locations. You can even fly over where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed! The pilots regularly work with film production crews and are happy to share plenty of stories of life on the film set. Finally, for the photo opportunity of a lifetime, alight on a mountaintop with panoramic views of the entire range and its lakes and valleys. These highly experienced, well-known local pilots can’t wait to share with you their extensive knowledge and history of the area while showing you the best of New Zealand's amazing scenery.

Aboard the Queenstown Lake Cruise, you will discover mountains, forests, and hidden coves as our skipper shares tales of the lake's history. Admire Bob's Cove, Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps during our 1 hour and 30-minute cruise. Whether with family, friends, or a special someone, join us to uncover Queenstown's natural beauty. Relax onboard with our café and licenced bar, serving hot and cold beverages. Elevate your experience by purchasing a cheese or charcuterie platter on board. We're proud to showcase Lake Whakatipu's secrets and leave you with cherished memories of Queenstown's landscapes.

Discover the beauty of the Garvie Mountain Range as your set off on an action-packed adventure on the powder with this snowmobiling tour from Queenstown. Soar over the Hector mountains and Nevis River Valley on a helicopter from Garvie Mountain. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown. Sit back and relax on the drive through the countryside on the way to the snowmobiling base camp. Stay warm with the provided winter overalls, gloves, and gloves. Put on your helmet and snowmobile through stunning scenery. Enjoy a full-guided tour with stops along the way for amazing photo opportunities of the spectacular landscape. Delight in a return scenic helicopter flight across the Western face of the Remarkables mountains, and over the Hector mountains and the Nevis River Valley.Feel the thrill of landing and on a snowy plateau on the Garvie Mountain Range. Return to your accommodation in Queenstown at the end of your tour. 

Enjoy a very cool experience with our epic snow landing over Queenstown. Pack your coat and your camera for a truly elevated experience. Winter Wonderland awaits with this snow-filled sojourn. It will be 30 minutes that you never forget as we take you up into the mountains and touch down in the snow for some chilly but spectacular photography opportunities (and some if-you-dare snowball fights!). The return flight will give you expansive views over the Whakatipu basin. Most of our flights during winter will get you to the snow. We also have an Alpine Snow Landing available at Heli Glenorchy. Snow Landings are not available all year round and are weather dependent. Please check with our Reservations team if you wish to book a Snow Landing in the warmer months of the year (September – March)

Enjoy a 20-minute scenic helicopter tour and alpine landing for incredible views of Queenstown from above. Your pilot will choose your flight path and landing location for the best possible experience on the day. After pickup from your central Queenstown hotel, enjoy the short drive to the helicopter base at the airport. Meet the friendly crew and check in for your flight. Then, take to the skies to marvel at Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown from above. Your experienced pilot will share local insights with you and point out areas of interest. Your pilot will choose the best location on the day for your alpine landing. Only a helicopter will be able to land in the remote spot. In winter, you’ll have snow at your feet, and during summer expect stunningly rugged terrain. Fly back to the helicopter base where your tour will conclude with a transfer back to your hotel.

This 35-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown is a winning combination. Enjoy spectacular alpine scenery, including Skippers Canyon and the Queenstown Basin, and and make a dramatic landing on one of the region’s stunning alpine peaks, whatever the season. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters is Queenstown’s leading scenic helicopter flight company, built on a reputation of providing a high standard of professionalism and service. Following a transfer from your hotel and safety briefing, climb aboard your helicopter and head for the skies! The landscapes you will fly over contain many stories of the natural and human history of New Zealand and the Southern Lakes. During your flight you will discover how glaciers and the movement of the earth’s crust formed New Zealand’s unique mountains and valleys over thousands of years. Plenty of evidence also remains of the rich gold mining history left by Europeans and Chinese gold miners in the late 1800s. Land on the roof of Queenstown and jump off to take photos of the wilderness. Your alpine landing will provide excellent photo opportunities. Please note, all trips are subject to favorable weather conditions and availability.

Set off on a thrilling 3-hour fishing expedition at Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, a top destination for anglers of every skill level. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro, this trip combines expert instruction with breathtaking alpine panoramas. Our excursions use advanced downriggers to target lake-based trout and salmon, and our boat is powered by an electric trolling motor. This setup ensures a quiet, smooth, and eco-friendly journey, allowing you to enjoy the lake’s pristine environment responsibly. Available in the morning, afternoon, and evening during summer, you have plenty of options to customize your adventure. While casting your line, take in stunning views of Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and The Remarkables, making for an unforgettable outing. With premium fishing gear, professional guidance, and complimentary snacks provided, all you need is your adventurous spirit. Reserve your spot today and let us guide you to your next great catch on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown! Book your Lake Wakatipu Queenstown fishing trip now for an experience that fuses world-class fishing with spectacular scenery.

Trust us, Queenstown looks much different from up here. Enjoy the drama of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountains from our landing point on top of The Remarkables. One of only two mountain ranges in the world to run directly North-South, and spectacular to boot, The Remarkables is aptly named. This excursion takes you over the winding Shotover and Kawarau rivers and up to this dramatic mountain range for our landing – and if you’re flying in winter we may even land in the snow! Take in the beauty of Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown and the surrounding mountains (and definitely take some photographs) before we head back to base. Our Remarkables Scenic flight is a wonderful location for weddings or a proposal.

Capture the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes with a half-day private photography tour. Explore one of the most majestic places on Earth and capture its splendor for yourself. Choose from a range of destinations and themes, and receive personalized guidance on how to capture the true essence of these spots. Meet your guide, a passionate landscape photographer with years of local knowledge, and set off on a tour that takes you to iconic locations that you've seen in brochures, as well as hidden gems that only a local would know. Choose to shoot some of the most iconic scenes or concentrate on creatively exploring a smaller range of locations in depth. Get creative advice and learn how to get the most from your camera. Enjoy a flexible itinerary that is designed around your interests, the weather, and light conditions. Take in some of the most interesting, historic, and beautiful destinations, ensuring that you capture the essence of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. Choose from a variety of destinations and itineraries around Queenstown. Alternatively, inform your guide of your preferences and have the tour tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're interested in capturing landscapes, people, history, or your own creative theme... your guide has you covered. Whatever your level of proficiency, your guide will help you find inspirational vantage points and subjects and then work with you, giving you compositional tips and tricks, showing you the camera settings you need to compose amazing images. Capturing a vision you'll be proud to take home.