Wānaka Private Tour from Queenstown

A Private Day Exploring Wānaka, the Crown Range and Local Attractions

More time in Wānaka, shaped around you
This private tour is designed for travellers who want to spend a full day enjoying Wānaka and the surrounding region at a relaxed pace. Travel from Queenstown over the spectacular Crown Range Road, visit the historic Cardrona Hotel, stop at the famous Wānaka Tree and enjoy time to include some of Wānaka’s best-loved attractions. With your own local guide and comfortable private vehicle, the day can be adjusted to suit your interests, whether you are drawn to scenery, local stories, family-friendly stops, lake views or a little adventure.

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Pricing & Tour Options

Private group – up to 5 guests: $1,700 NZD

Private group – 6 to 11 guests: $2,300 NZD

Private group – 12 to 18 guests: $2,950 NZD

RST Signature Tour: POA

  • Credit card fee apply

Optional attractions additional cost

Puzzling World, Lavender Farm, lake cruises, helicopter flights, tastings, meals, drinks or other paid stops are not included.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Crown Range scenic drive: Travel New Zealand’s highest sealed public road, with time for lookout stops and big alpine views.

Cardrona Hotel stop: Visit one of New Zealand’s most photographed historic pubs, with time to enjoy the setting and hear a few local stories.

Bradrona: Stop at the quirky Cardrona Bra Fence, a colourful roadside landmark with a meaningful fundraising story behind it.

The Wānaka Tree: Visit one of New Zealand’s most recognisable photo spots, set against the lake and mountain backdrop.

Wānaka and the lakefront: Enjoy time in Wānaka to wander the lakefront, browse local shops, choose somewhere for lunch or simply take in the views.

Choose a local attraction: Add time at places such as Wānaka Lavender Farm, Puzzling World, a lake cruise or another local experience at your own cost.

Optional loop tour via Cromwell: Return to Queenstown by a different route through Cromwell, giving you a scenic loop tour rather than travelling the same road both ways.

More time in Wānaka: This 8-hour private tour gives you more time to enjoy Wānaka than our shorter Arrowtown Wānaka Private Tour.

A private pace: Because this is your own tour, your guide can adjust the day within the time available.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Private vehicle and local guide: Travel with your own experienced guide for the day.

  • Queenstown accommodation pick-up and drop-off: Start and finish from your Queenstown accommodation.

  • Flexible sightseeing route: The standard route includes the Crown Range, Cardrona Hotel, Bradrona, Wānaka, the Wānaka Tree and time for selected Wānaka attractions.

  • Free time in Wānaka: Time to explore, shop, stroll the lakefront or enjoy lunch.

  • Photo stops along the way: Scenic stops are included throughout the day.

  • Time for optional attractions: Choose from Wānaka Lavender Farm, Puzzling World, a lake cruise or other paid experiences, depending on timing and availability.

Know Before You Go

  • Start time: 9:00 AM.

  • Finish time: Around 5:00 PM.

  • Duration: Approximately 8 hours.

  • Pick-up: Queenstown accommodation only.

  • Optional attractions: Puzzling World, Lavender Farm, lake cruises, helicopter flights and other paid experiences are not included in the tour price.

  • Best option for more Wānaka time: This tour is ideal if you want to include extra Wānaka attractions and still enjoy the day at a relaxed pace.

  • Arrowtown is not normally included: If you would like to include Arrowtown as part of the day, please see our Arrowtown Wānaka Private Tour, or talk to us about the best option for your group.

  • Extra time: Any additional touring time will be charged on the day.

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

FAQs

  • Yes. This is a fully private tour with your own vehicle and local guide.

  • The tour is approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 AM and finishing around 5:00 PM.

  • Pick-up is from Queenstown accommodation only.

  • Yes. The tour can be adjusted to your preferred locations within the available time. Extra time may be charged on the day.

  • No. Lunch is not included, but you will have free time in Wānaka where you can choose from local cafés and restaurants.

  • No. Attractions such as Puzzling World, the Lavender Farm, lake cruises, helicopter flights or other paid activities are not included. They can be added at your cost if time allows.

  • Yes. This tour is a good option if you want time for one or more Wānaka attractions. Your guide can help shape the day around your interests

  • A Wānaka lake cruise may be possible, depending on timing, weather and availability. This would be an additional cost and should be requested in advance where possible.

  • Yes, children can join. This is a good private option for families because the pace can be adjusted within the time available. A child seat can be provided on request for $60 NZD.

  • Bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing, a camera, sunscreen, water and spending money for lunch, shopping or optional attractions.

  • The Wānaka Private Tour is longer and gives you more time in Wānaka, with the option to include local attractions such as Puzzling World, the Lavender Farm or a lake cruise. There is also the option to enjoy this as a loop tour, returning to Queenstown via Cromwell for a different scenic route. The Arrowtown Wānaka Private Tour is a shorter 6-hour tour that includes both Arrowtown and Wānaka.

A small boat on a rocky lakeshore with a solitary tree in the water and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Group of people in front of Cardrona Hotel, a historic wooden building with a vintage car, lush greenery, and gravel path.
Snow-covered town with a view of mountains and a lake on a clear day.
A tour boat named "Dual Image" is on a tranquil lake, near a rocky forested shoreline. It has flags and life rings, with "Daily Lake Cruises" written on its side.
Street view in a small town with shops, cafes, and mountains in the background.
A group of people standing on an overlook, viewing a scenic landscape featuring a lake, mountains, and a small town with colorful rooftops. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Upgrade This Tour To The Highest Standard of Private Touring in Te Waipounamu

This is our most refined way to experience the South Island, designed for travellers who appreciate genuine comfort, privacy, and the freedom to take things at their own pace. Travel with an expert local guide in a beautifully appointed vehicle, where every detail is thoughtfully considered.

Our Signature Tours are about more than just where you go, they’re about how it feels to be there, with time to enjoy the scenery, the stories, and the moments that make the journey truly special.

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