Where we take you around the South Island
Five destinations within easy reach of our Queenstown base — each one picked because we keep going back ourselves. Hit "Book now" on any card and we'll call you to talk dates.
Five destinations, five very different days out
From twenty-minute drives to full Fiordland expeditions — every card below is a place we run regular trips to.
Base camp
Queenstown
Our hometown and the region's adventure capital. Gondola lookouts, lake cruises, jet boating, world-class food and casino hotels for the evenings — all within walking distance of each other.
1 hr drive
Wānaka
Queenstown's laid-back little sibling. The famous lone tree, Roys Peak views if you're feeling brave, and cafés that take their coffee very seriously.
Must-see
Milford Sound
The eighth wonder, give or take. We do it as an overland two-dayer so you get the fiord at dawn and dusk, when the day-trip crowds are gone.
45 min drive
Glenorchy & Paradise
The road alone is worth it — then you hit film-famous valleys, beech forest boardwalks and scenery so Middle-earth it hurts.
Wine country
Central Otago
Big-sky country, gold-rush towns and some of the best pinot noir on the planet. We pair cellar doors with short walks so it's not all sitting.
When to come, honestly
There's no bad season — just different trips. Here's how we'd plan it depending on when you land.
Summer · Dec–Feb
Long days, warm trails, all trips running. Book early — this is peak season.
Autumn · Mar–May
Golden tussock, stable weather, thinner crowds. Our guides' favourite season.
Winter · Jun–Aug
Snow-dusted peaks, stargazing at its best, and cosy evenings in town.
Spring · Sep–Nov
Waterfalls at full power, lambs everywhere, and prices before the rush.
The spots that don't make the brochures
Every destination has its famous postcard shot — and its quiet corners. Our trips are built around both.
- A mirrored lagoon on the Milford road that most drivers blast straight past
- The Wānaka lookout locals use at sunset instead of the crowded one
- A Glenorchy swimming hole that's 10°C and worth every second
- Queenstown's best late-night table — ask us about our casino events calendar
Travellers on our destinations
"Glenorchy was the surprise of the whole trip. Forty-five minutes from town and it felt like another planet. Ask for the Paradise road extension."
"Did Queenstown with ThrillJoy day one, which meant every other day of the holiday was better planned. Their local tips alone were worth it."
"Central Otago in autumn is unfairly pretty. Great cellar doors, great driving playlist, and our guide knew the winemaker at stop three personally."
Before you pick a spot
Still torn between two? Happens all the time — message us and we'll help you choose.
First time in Queenstown?
Start with a Queenstown or Glenorchy day — short, scenic and the perfect orientation for the rest of your stay.
Not sure which destination fits your dates?
Tell us how many days you've got and what you're into — we'll tell you straight what's worth your time.