Arrowtown & Wānaka Tour: Alpine Views & Historic Villages

Crown Range passes, a willow tree in a lake, and two villages in one day

A private full-day tour from Queenstown takes your group across the Crown Range to Wānaka and Arrowtown, with a local driver-guide, hotel pickup and the flexibility to linger at viewpoints, the famous Wānaka Tree and the gold-mining village's heritage streets. You choose the pace and stops. Lunch is at your own expense in Wānaka.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Queenstown, Wānaka, and Arrowtown

• Hotel pickup and departure
• Travel across Crown Range with lookout stop
• Visit Cardrona Hotel and explore grounds
• Photograph Wānaka Tree at Lake Wānaka
• Free time in Wānaka for lunch and shopping
• Explore historic Arrowtown village
• Return and hotel drop-off

The experience

You start from your Queenstown hotel and head south across New Zealand's highest main road, the Crown Range, stopping at the summit lookout for panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin and the surrounding mountains. The route then drops into the Cardrona Valley, where you see the Cardrona Hotel, one of the country's most photographed heritage buildings, before continuing to Wānaka. There you photograph the famous willow tree standing in Lake Wānaka's waters, framed by mountain peaks, then have free time to walk the lakefront, browse shops or find lunch on your own.

The tour moves at whatever pace suits your group. Your driver-guide is local and knowledgeable, and the private vehicle means you stop where you want and stay as long as you need. After Wānaka, you drive to Arrowtown, a preserved gold-mining village with heritage buildings, boutique shops and a riverside setting, before heading back to Queenstown. The whole day runs about seven and a half hours, including travel time and stops.

Because you have your own transport and guide, there's no waiting for other groups or sticking to a fixed schedule. You can ask to stop for photos, take a longer walk, or skip a site if something else interests you more. The driver handles all the navigation while you take in the scenery.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Queenstown.
• air-conditioned private vehicle for your group.
• a knowledgeable local driver-guide with expert commentary on the region.
• time for a lunch stop in Wānaka (food and drink at your own cost).

Options for this experience

2 options

Party of 1 to 6 guestsUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00 and 09:10Lasts 8 hours in a European minivan; pickup is included

Party of 6 to 11 guestsUp to 11 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00Lasts 8 hours in a European van; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 09:10

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Dream Big tours trading as Remarkable Scenic tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if your group wants to set its own rhythm through the region's most scenic route without waiting for other travelers or following a fixed schedule. The private vehicle and local guide mean you stop where you want, linger where it matters, and skip what doesn't interest you.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the Wānaka Tree and why is it worth photographing?

The Wānaka Tree is a willow standing alone in Lake Wānaka's shallow water, framed by mountains. It's become one of the region's most recognizable landmarks and a popular photo spot, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft.

Can I choose how long to spend in each place?

Yes. Because it's a private tour with your own driver-guide, you set the pace. You can linger at the Crown Range lookout, spend extra time in Arrowtown's shops and streets, or move through quickly if you prefer: the guide adjusts to your group's interests.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is at your own expense and on your own schedule in Wānaka. You have free time to explore the lakefront, find a café or restaurant that suits you, or grab something quick if you prefer to spend more time elsewhere.

What's the Cardrona Hotel, and do we stop there long?

The Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest and most photographed country hotels, built in the 1860s. You stop to see the historic building and explore the grounds, but the length of the stop is up to your group.

How much of the day is spent driving versus at the stops?

The full tour is about seven and a half hours total. You'll spend roughly two to three hours driving between Queenstown, the Crown Range, Wānaka and Arrowtown, with the rest split between viewpoints, the villages and free time in Wānaka.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress warmly and bring layers, as the Crown Range can be cold and windy even when Queenstown is mild. Your driver-guide will adjust stops if visibility is poor, but the tour still runs.