Start with the sedate Queenstown-Arrowtown Double Decker Bus Tour (tel. 03/441-4421; www.doubledeckerbus.co.nz), which gives a bird's-eye view of the Wakatipu Basin without leaving the ground. It includes a 1-hour stop in Arrowtown; you can also leave the bus there in the morning and go back to Queenstown on the afternoon return trip. It costs NZ$38 (US$27/£14) for adults and NZ$17 (US$12/£6.15) for children under 15 and departs daily from the top of Camp Street at 9:30am and 1:30pm, returning at 1 and 5pm. Allow three hours and purchase tickets from the visitor center, or on the bus.
Trilogy Trail (tel. 0800/676-264 in NZ, or 03/442-2207; www.trilogytrail.com) is operated by people who were involved in the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and they'll give you an insight into Middle Earth, visiting filming locations by air or road. Tours run from 2 1/2 to 5 hours. A 4WD tour costs from NZ$125 (US$89/£45) for adults, NZ$63 (US$45/£23) for children 13 and under; a flying/landing tour runs from NZ$325 to NZ$720 (US$230-US$511/£117-£260) for adults, NZ$162 to NZ$360 (US$115-US$255/£58-£130) for children 13 and under.
Of the operators taking four-wheel-drive tours into Skippers Canyon, Skippers Canyon Heritage Tours (tel. 03/442-5949; www.queenstown-heritage.co.nz), is one of the best. The half-day tour is limited to four to six people and culminates in a delicious picnic on the edge of the cliff overlooking the A. J. Hackett bungy jump. The cost is from NZ$130 (US$92/£47) per person.
Nomad Safaris (tel. 0800/688-222 in NZ, or 03/442-6699; www.nomadsafaris.co.nz), has exclusive rights to guide in the old mining towns of Macetown and Sefferstown, taking you through spectacular Otago scenery along the way. They also offer two 4WD "Safari of the Rings" tours, visiting The Lord of the Rings filming locations. Of their 20 drivers, eight have been extras in the film trilogy and all have an in-depth knowledge of Tolkien's work that is bound to satisfy the most dedicated fans. They are the only company offering dedicated The Lord of the Rings tours, and their experience is by far the best. For the most landscape diversity, take the Wakatipu Basin tour; for the most film locations and more remote scenery, take the Glenorchy tour. Both are 4 hours long and cost NZ$150 (US$106/£54) for adults, NZ$75 (US$53/£27) for children ages 4 to 14.
If, like me, you're not given to throwing yourselves off high places for the hell of it, take the excellent Secrets of the Bungy Tour, Kawarau Bungy Centre (tel. 0800/286-495 in NZ, or 03/442-4007; www.bungy.co.nz), which gives you a 45-minute behind-the-scenes insight into this iconic New Zealand activity. It costs from NZ$40 (US$28/£14).
If you want to tour in style, contact Limousine Line (tel. 03/442-2040; www.limousineline.co.nz). Its knowledgeable drivers give clients a unique, personal experience based on their interests and time constraints. Or try Classic Jaguar Tours (tel. 0800/785-247; www.qtjags.co.nz), who also believe in traveling in style.
Lake Cruises
If you need a moment of serenity, get aboard the 1912 vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu in style. Affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake," it departs on 1 1/2-hour cruises to Walter Peak up to six times a day, year-round (with a reduced winter schedule). Cost is NZ$42 (US$30/£15) for adults and NZ$15 (US$11/£5.40) for children ages 5 to 14. Passengers with more time can disembark at Walter Peak on the 3 1/2-hour farm excursion, which includes a country-style morning or afternoon tea (NZ$62/US$44/£22 adults, NZ$15/US$11/£5.40 children ages 5-14). Alternatively, from October to mid-April, you can take a 40-minute horse trek across the foothills, enjoy a delicious Walter Peak barbecue, learn about the area's history on a Heritage Excursion, or splurge on the evening dining excursion, which features a three-course carvery buffet and a shortened farmyard tour. Contact Real Journeys, Steamer Wharf (tel. 0800/656-503 in NZ, or 03/442-4846; www.realjourneys.co.nz).
For a highly personalized lake cruise, call Yvalda Boat Cruises (tel. 027/434-5555 in NZ; www.cruising.net.nz). The MV Yvalda is a classic ketch-rigged motor launch built in Scotland in 1936 and used by Sir Winston Churchill during World War II for meetings with his generals. Today the vessel provides daytime and overnight cruises for up to six people. Two-hour daytime cruises depart daily from the jetty just beyond The Bathhouse Restaurant on the lakefront at 10am and 1:30pm (price on application). Sail Queenstown, Steamer Wharf (tel. 03/442-7517; www.sailqueenstown.co.nz), gives you the chance to sail on former America's Cup vessel, NZL14, which was skippered by Russell Coutts. You can sit back and enjoy the ride, or act as part of the crew. No former experience is needed and you'll pay NZ$150 (US$106/£54) for the pleasure.
The Wine Tours
The best of the bunch is still Queenstown Wine Trail (tel. 0800/827-8464 in NZ, or 03/442-3799; www.queenstownwinetrail.com). Its 5-hour tour has the most informed commentary and includes tastings at four wineries. The cost is NZ$99 (US$70/£36) and it operates all year. If you can't get into this one, try Appellation Central Wine Tours (tel. 03/442-0246; www.appelationcentral.co.nz), who will take you to the rapidly expanding Bannockburn and Cromwell vineyard regions, where many of the best new vineyards are. It has two daily options, one including lunch in the historic town of Clyde. Prices range from NZ$139 to NZ$190 (US$99-US$135/£50-£69) per person. Note: Remember the Central Otago Wine Festival (tel. 03/442-3991) is held in Queenstown Gardens in late January or early February.
