Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Tour with Remarkable Scenic Tours
Welcome to our FAQs. Here you’ll find helpful information about our small-group tours, private tours, pick-ups, children, cancellations, vehicles, and what to expect on the day.
Queenstown family-owned since 2015 | Qualmark Silver accredited | Thousands of happy guests | Premium European vehicles
General Tour Questions
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Our tours are suited to travellers who want to explore Queenstown and the surrounding region without the stress of driving, parking, timing, or planning where to stop. They are ideal for couples, solo travellers, friends, families, photographers, and guests who enjoy a relaxed pace with local stories, scenic stops, and time to explore.
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We are a Queenstown owned and operated tour company offering relaxed small-group and private tours with local guides. Our tours focus on comfort, scenery, local stories, and memorable stops along the way, not just getting from one destination to another.
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Yes. All of our tours are guided by friendly local guides who know the region well. Along the way, they share local stories, history, scenic highlights, travel tips, and favourite stops that help bring the South Island to life.
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Yes. We offer selected small-group tours from Queenstown, including our Arrowtown & Wānaka Highlights tour and our Milford Sound small-group tour. Small-group touring gives guests a more personal and relaxed experience than travelling on a large coach.
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Yes. We offer private tours from Queenstown for couples, families, friends, and small groups. Private tours are a great choice if you want more flexibility, privacy, and a tour shaped around your interests and pace.
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A small-group tour runs to a set itinerary and may include other guests. A private tour is just for your group and can offer more flexibility with timing, pace, and stops, depending on the tour route and conditions on the day.
Booking and Payment
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You can book directly through our website using the booking buttons on each tour page. For private tours or special requests, you can also contact us and our team will help you choose the best option.
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Yes, we recommend booking in advance, especially during busy travel periods. Our tours have limited seats, and private tour availability can fill quickly.
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Card fees may apply when booking online or paying by card. Any applicable fees will be shown during the booking process.
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Changes may be possible depending on availability and how much notice is given. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your tour date, guest numbers, or details.
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Cancellation conditions depend on the type of tour booked and how close the cancellation is to the tour date. Some tours may include third-party activities, cruises, flights, or accommodation, which may have their own cancellation terms. Please check the terms shown at the time of booking or contact us if you are unsure.
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If we need to cancel a tour due to unsafe weather, road closures, minimum numbers not being met, or another operational reason, we will contact you as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, we may offer a different date, an alternative option, or a refund in line with the booking terms.
Pick-Up and Departure
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Small-group tour departure points depend on the tour. Some tours depart from central Queenstown, while others may offer selected pick-up locations. Please check the details on your tour page and booking confirmation.
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Hotel pick-ups may be available on selected tours and private tours. Some small-group tours use a central Queenstown meeting point instead. Your booking confirmation will show the correct departure details.
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Please contact us immediately if you are running late. We will do our best to help, but tours need to depart on time for the comfort of other guests and to meet cruise, activity, or road timing requirements.
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If you decide not to travel, please contact us as soon as possible so we are not waiting for you and delaying other guests. Missed tours or no-shows may not be refundable.
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Cancellation conditions depend on the type of tour booked and how close the cancellation is to the tour date. Some tours may include third-party activities, cruises, flights, or accommodation, which may have their own cancellation terms. Please check the terms shown at the time of booking or contact us if you are unsure.
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If we need to cancel a tour due to unsafe weather, road closures, minimum numbers not being met, or another operational reason, we will contact you as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, we may offer a different date, an alternative option, or a refund in line with the booking terms.
Children and Families
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Yes, children can join many of our tours, although age limits may apply depending on the tour type, vehicle, route, and timing. Please check the individual tour page before booking.
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Some tours are not suitable for children under 6, especially longer small-group tours. Please contact us before booking if you are travelling with younger children so we can recommend the best option.
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Child seats may be required for younger children. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm what is needed and whether the tour is suitable.
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Often, yes. Private tours can be a better option for families because they allow more flexibility with timing, comfort stops, and pace.
Vehicles and Comfort
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We use modern, comfortable touring vehicles suited to New Zealand roads. Vehicle type depends on the tour, group size, and availability. Some tours use premium European vehicles, including Mercedes vans.
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Yes, our touring vehicles are air-conditioned and chosen for comfort on longer scenic drives.
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Yes, our vehicles are selected with touring and sightseeing in mind, with good visibility so guests can enjoy the scenery along the way.
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Luggage space depends on the tour and vehicle. Day tours usually allow small day bags only. If you are booking a private transfer tour or need to bring luggage, please contact us before booking.
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Water is fine, but we do not allow hot drinks or hot food inside the vehicles. This helps keep the vehicles clean, comfortable, and safe for all guests.
On the Day
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We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, a warm layer, water, sunglasses, your camera or phone, and any personal items you may need during the day. Weather can change quickly in the South Island, so layers are a good idea.
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Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for short scenic walks and photo stops. Even in summer, it is worth bringing a jacket, especially for Milford Sound, Glenorchy, mountain areas, and lake viewpoints.
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Yes. We include comfort stops during our tours. Longer tours include several planned stops along the route.
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Many of our tours include free time to explore, depending on the itinerary. For example, our Arrowtown & Wānaka Highlights tour includes time to enjoy both destinations.
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Yes, most tours run in a range of weather conditions. Some places, especially Milford Sound, can be spectacular in the rain. If weather or road conditions make a tour unsafe, we will contact you about your options.
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Yes. Scenic photo stops are an important part of our tours. Stops depend on the weather, road conditions, timing, and the guide’s judgement on the day.
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Yes. New Zealand weather, road conditions, traffic, and local events can affect the exact timing and stops. Our guides may adjust the route or stops to give guests the best and safest experience possible.
Arrowtown & Wānaka Highlights Tour
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This small-group tour includes local guiding, scenic stops, time in Arrowtown and Wānaka, travel over the Crown Range when conditions allow, and stops at well-known regional highlights.
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The tour may include time near the lakefront in Wānaka, where guests can choose to walk towards That Wānaka Tree if time allows. Exact timing can depend on traffic, weather, and the pace of the day.
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The tour usually includes a stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel, subject to road conditions, timing, and operational factors on the day.
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Yes. The tour includes free time in Arrowtown so guests can explore the historic village, browse shops, enjoy a café, or walk along the river area.
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Lunch is not usually included unless stated on the tour page. Guests can purchase food during free time, depending on the itinerary and timing.
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Yes. Scenic photo stops are an important part of our tours. Stops depend on the weather, road conditions, timing, and the guide’s judgement on the day.
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Yes. New Zealand weather, road conditions, traffic, and local events can affect the exact timing and stops. Our guides may adjust the route or stops to give guests the best and safest experience possible.
Milford Sound Tours
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Yes. We offer Milford Sound tours from Queenstown, including small-group and private options. Milford Sound is a long day, but the journey is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
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Yes. Milford Sound from Queenstown is a full-day tour with a long drive each way. We plan the day with scenic stops, comfort breaks, and local guiding to make the journey part of the experience.
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Cruise inclusions depend on the Milford Sound tour option you book. Please check the specific tour page for full inclusions.
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Scenic flights may be available as an optional add-on, weather permitting. Flights are operated by third-party flight providers and are subject to weather, availability, and separate terms.
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If the Milford Road closes or conditions are unsafe, we will contact you as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, we may offer an alternative date, route, tour option, or refund in line with the booking terms..
Private Tours
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Yes, private tours can often be adjusted to suit your interests, timing, and pace. Some routes have fixed timing requirements due to distance, daylight, cruise times, or road conditions, but we will always do our best to tailor the day where possible.
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We offer a range of private tours from Queenstown, including Milford Sound, Glenorchy and Paradise, Arrowtown and Wānaka, Aoraki / Mount Cook, wine and food experiences, 4WD touring, and other scenic South Island destinations.
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Private tours are usually priced based on the vehicle, guide, route, duration, and number of guests. Please check the tour page or contact us for a quote.
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Yes, where timing and route allow. Please let us know what you are interested in, such as photography, wine, food, history, Lord of the Rings locations, short walks, or scenic viewpoints.
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Yes, private tours can sometimes include activities such as cruises, tastings, scenic flights, or other experiences. These may be subject to availability and third-party terms.
Accessibility and Mobility
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Some tours may be suitable for guests with limited mobility, depending on the level of assistance required and the tour route. Please contact us before booking so we can advise the best option.
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Most tours include short walks or photo stops, but they are generally relaxed. Walking distances vary by tour and can often be optional.
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This depends on the vehicle, tour, and size of the mobility aid. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether we can safely accommodate your needs.
Food and Dietary Requirements
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Food inclusions depend on the tour. Some tours may include tastings, lunch, or cruise meal options, while others allow guests to purchase their own food during free time. Please check the individual tour page.
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Where food is included or arranged through a third party, we can pass on dietary requirements when advised in advance. Dietary requests are subject to provider availability and cannot always be guaranteed.
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Yes, you can bring snacks. Please avoid hot food in the vehicle and take any rubbish with you or dispose of it at a suitable stop.
Sustainability and Community
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Yes. Remarkable Scenic Tours proudly supports the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, helping protect native wildlife and restore local ecosystems in the Whakatipu Basin.
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For every guest who travels with us, we make a contribution towards local conservation work, including predator control, native species protection, and environmental restoration.
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Yes. Remarkable Scenic Tours is Queenstown owned and operated. We are proud to share the region we call home with guests from around New Zealand and the world.
Still Have Questions?
Who can I contact if I need help?
Our Queenstown team is happy to help with tour questions, private tour requests, booking details, and advice on choosing the best experience.