Arrowtown Wānaka Highlights Tour

Discover the Best of New Zealand’s South Island

Experience Arrowtown and Wānaka on a Six Hour Small Group Tour

Our most popular sightseeing tour from Queenstown, taking in the best bits of the region: historic Arrowtown, stunning Wānaka, the Crown Range New Zealand’s highest paved road, the world-famous Cardrona Hotel, and the Instagram favourite, The Wānaka Tree.

Adult: $189 NZD Child: (6 to 16 YRS) $110 NZD (no children under 6)

Start 10.00am, Finish Around 4.30pm

Tour Itinerary

Let us do the driving

Journey over the Crown Range, New Zealand highest paved public road and stop for a photo or three, we know all the good spots.

If it’s winter, there might even be the opportunity to throw a snowball or two

Visit iconic landmarks along the way

We’ll take you to the iconic Wānaka tree, and help you find the best place for a photo.

Another highlight of this tour is our stop at the much-photographed Cardrona Hotel, with its rich heritage and legendary beer garden, where you can have a beverage on us and look out for the local ghost.

Wānaka, the highlight of the Great Lakes region.

Visit one of the world’s top-10 holiday destinations, Wānaka. Spend free time browsing and lunching in the gorgeous lakefront town with everything within easy walking distance.

Arrowtown - a journey back in time

Old gold, liquid gold and gold-star movie settings. The charming village of Arrowtown is a living settlement and the town and nearby locations are the source of many wonderful stories.

We know you’ll want to stretch your legs at this point and follow your nose to what most interests you, so we drop you off for some free time to explore and shop. Everything is within easy walking distance.

The Good Stuff Included in Your Tour

Highlights in order of travel

  • Photo stop to capture epic views on New Zealand’s highest paved road, The Crown Range.

  • Travel back in time to 1863 and enjoy a drink at New Zealand’s most photographed pub, the Cardrona Hotel.

  • A fun and uplifting stop at the Bra Fence.

  • View the star of Instagram, The Wānaka tree.

  • One hour free time in Wānaka – browse and shop in the picturesque town or enjoy lunch in one of the many great cafes.

  • One hour free time to explore, and shop in the fascinating historic gold town of Arrowtown plus a visit to the The Chinese Settlement

Inclusions

  • Maximum group size of 15 in a European tour van.

  • Beer or non-alcoholic ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel

  • Arrowtown Map

  • Central Queenstown Pick up and Drop Off

Available as a private tour option

  • "Visit the idyllic town of Wanaka and prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround this picturesque location. As we embrace the serenity of Lake Wanaka and its crystal-clear waters, you will understand why it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys will leave you breathless, making for the perfect photo opportunities. You’ll have free time to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the beauty of this remarkable town."

  • Your tour guide will start with a guided drive before you walk the streets to explore. As we delve into the rich tapestry of the gold rush era, you will wander down Arrowtown's quaint streets, lined with beautifully preserved buildings that hint at a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the Chinese miners who once toiled here, and marvel at the impressive architecture that has withstood the test of time. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to taste local food and shop for unique treasures in the town's boutique stores.

  • Visit to the world-famous Cardrona Hotel, an iconic establishment steeped in history and charm. This historic hotel, dating back to 1863, exudes a warm and inviting ambiance that makes you feel instantly at home. Settle in by the roaring fireplace, sip on a refreshment from the old-style bar, or explore the picturesque gardens that surround the property – each corner tells a unique story. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a dose of timeless elegance, the Cardrona Hotel will leave a lasting impression.

  • The famous Wanaka Tree, also known as "That Wanaka Tree," is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand, and for good reason. Nestled in the tranquil waters of Lake Wanaka, this lone willow tree creates a stunning scene against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. On our guided tour, your local guide will take you to the best vantage points, sharing the tree’s fascinating history and the significance it holds for both locals and visitors. With their insider knowledge, you'll capture the perfect shot while learning about the natural beauty surrounding this iconic landmark.

Photo Gallery

Booking Information

Important information

Adult: $189 NZD Child: (6 to 16 YRS) $110 NZD (no children under 6)

Start 10.00am, Finish Around 4.30pm

*No children under six on this tour

*Please note attractions like Puzzling World and the Lavender Farm are not available on this tour.

*Private Tours are available for children under six and stops at the Lavender Farm and Puzzling World.

*All Tour pick ups are from Central Queenstown, see map below.

If you’d like to know more, please see our FAQs.

Call us on +64 (03) 441 8867 between the hours of 8.30am and 6.30 pm if you have any questions.

Click on pick up map to in-large image

What Our Guests Say

“Wayne is a delight, his dry humor and quick wit make for an entertaining tour. He offers the perfect amount of stops on a day trip that is just long enough, with a route through beautiful Wanaka and Arrowtown. The stop at the Cardrona Hotel is a surprise treat and was my personal favorite part of the tour.

The best part is the amount of interesting information he shares during the entire drive. He rarely lacks for conversational topics, and I found 100% of it interesting.

I would highly recommend this tour, and it's too bad he does not have similar offerings in other cities. He'd have to clone himself to make it work. Maybe we'll have that technology soon enough”

Robert 2023

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