Queenstown Private Tour: Arrowtown, Lake Hayes & Kawarau River
See Queenstown's three regions in one morning with a guide who knows the stories behind them.
A private 4-hour tour of Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and the Kawarau River with a local guide in a luxury vehicle and hotel pickup. You'll taste Manuka honey at a working bee farm, see the Kawarau Bridge and Lord of the Rings filming locations, explore Arrowtown's Chinese settlement with free time to wander, and stop for views over Lake Wakatipu.
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Step-by-step itinerary
- Lake Wakatipu15m
- Kawarau River20m
Explore Queenstown and Surroundings
- Photo stop at Lake Wakatipu
- Visit Kawarau River Bungy Bridge
- Photo stop at Lake Hayes
- Taste honey and Mead wine at bee farm
- Guided tour of Arrowtown and Chinese settlement
- Free time in Arrowtown to explore
The experience
The tour starts with pickup from your Queenstown accommodation and moves through three distinct regions in a single morning. Your guide drives a small luxury European vehicle, keeping the group intimate: either 7 to 11 guests or 12 to 15, depending on which option you book. The pace is built around stops rather than constant motion: high views over Lake Wakatipu come first, then the Kawarau River where the bungy bridge and Lord of the Rings locations sit side by side.
Lake Hayes, known locally as the Mirror Lake, gets a photo stop before you reach the working bee farm. There you taste Manuka honey and mead wine (at your own expense if you want to buy). The farm visit anchors the middle of the day. Arrowtown follows, where your guide leads a short tour through the town and the Chinese settlement, then leaves you free for over an hour to explore on foot, shop, or eat lunch at one of the local cafes.
The route covers the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers as you move between stops. Weather doesn't stop the tour. It runs in all conditions, so bring layers. No food or drinks except water travel in the van, and anyone with a bee allergy should skip this one because of the farm visit. You'll need to arrive 10 minutes early at your pickup point.
What’s included
- Queenstown hotel pickup and drop-off.
- private tour in a luxury European vehicle.
- local guide in English.
- Manuka honey tasting at a working bee farm.
- local taxes.
Options for this experience
3 optionsBefore you book
Prices and times updated 13 days ago
Operated by Dream Big tours trading as Remarkable Scenic tours
Is this one for you?Choose the 7 to 11 guest option if you prefer a smaller group and more intimate stops. The 12 to 15 option works if you're traveling with a larger party and want to share the vehicle cost. Either way, the fixed 4-hour window fits between a morning start and an afternoon activity elsewhere in Queenstown.
Traveler reviews
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 is Lake Hayes and why do people stop there?
Lake Hayes is a shallow alpine lake known as the Mirror Lake for how still its surface sits on calm days. The tour includes a photo stop there to capture the reflections and the surrounding mountain views.
Can I add wine tasting to the tour?
Wine tasting isn't part of the standard itinerary, but you're welcome to add it at your own expense if you want to visit a winery in the Gibbston region during the tour.
How much free time do I get in Arrowtown?
Arrowtown includes over an hour of free time after your guide shows you the town and the Chinese settlement. That's enough time to walk around, browse shops, or grab lunch at a local cafe.
What are the Lord of the Rings locations on this tour?
The Kawarau River area, including the bungy bridge, was used as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies. The tour passes these spots and your guide will point out the details.
Is the Manuka honey tasting included in the price?
Yes, tasting Manuka honey at the working bee farm is included. Mead wine is also available there, but purchasing it is at your own expense.
Queenstown Private Tour: Arrowtown, Lake Hayes & Kawarau River
4h · EN · at your hotel
from NZ$ 850 per group
4.8443 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider