Art & Nature of Queenstown
Auckland, New Zealand
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Soak up nature and art on this walking tour through Queenstown. Meet local art communities and gain inspiration from their work. Learn about some of New Zealand’s unique plants on a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens. Meander past buildings and sites steeped in local history and wrap up a pleasurable morning spent walking with a delicious lunch on the waterfront. Life doesn’t get more relaxing than this!
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Highlights
- Enjoy a ‘meet and greet’ with a local community of artists
- Wander through the lush surrounds of the Botanical Gardens
- Take in breathtaking mountain views
- Discover historical sites of Queenstown
- Be inspired by indigenous art
- Tuck into a hearty lunch on the waterfront.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Pickup location:
The Station Building – 25 Shotover St. Camp St. Queenstown. Meet the guide outside on the Camp St side where there are seats and bus stops.
- Pickup time: 9.00 AM
- Drop off location:
Pub on Wharf – Steamer Wharf, Queenstown.
Language: English
Inclusions: English speaking guide, Lunch from a set menu.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, drinks/snacks, tips and gratuities for your local guide.
Meet your local guide bright and early outside the Station Building on Camp Street to begin this Queenstown walking tour. Start with an introduction to the Queenstown Art Society. Chat freely with some of the town’s renowned artists and enjoy time wandering around the artist’s studios located in the former Queenstown High School buildings. Visit the Society’s ‘Cloakroom Gallery’, where local artists are showcased and often hold their own exhibitions.
Next up is Queenstown’s Botanical Gardens where your guide will introduce you to some of New Zealand’s native medicinal and edible plants. Many of these plants uses may have been forgotten through time if not for the local Maori people. While soaking up the lush surrounds of the Botanical Gardens be sure to also take time to appreciate the stunning views looking out through the trees and over the water to the mountains beyond.
During the walk your guide will point out many historical sites and buildings that have played an important role in the development of this town. On our way to the waterfront there will be time to visit a few more galleries that have 'artists in residence'. Enjoy viewing original and indigenous art that will be sure to stimulate your imagination and enrich your senses.
The final leg of the walk will take us to our lunch spot at Steamer Wharf, one of Queenstown’s premier entertainment destinations. Here you can enjoy a hearty lunch of your own choice at a local watering hole (pub). On Saturdays and some Sundays the local Crafts Market will also be in full swing here.
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Additional information
Inclusions: English speaking guide, Lunch from a set menu.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, drinks/snacks, tips and gratuities for your local guide.
Dress standard: A popular holiday spot at any time of the year, Queenstown is a destination for all seasons. With an alpine climate, Queenstown offers sparkling winter days with snow-capped mountains and clear blue skies, and summers with long, warm days reaching an average of 26°C. Light layers are recommended and comfortable foot wear for walking in summer and extra layers coats and hats are recommended for the sometimes biting air in the winter. A warm or sun hat & sun block are recommended summer & winter.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
Confirmation of booking: Please contact Queenstown Urban Adventures to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively.
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Local contact
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