Private Tour
Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover historic gold towns, alpine roads, peaceful lakesides, and hidden local gems. Whether it’s spring blooms, summer sunshine, autumn colours, or snowy winter scenes, this journey offers something special year-round — all tailored to you.
- A 7-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace
- Visit charming Arrowtown, the Crown Range, Wanaka town, and Lake Dunstan
- Stop for optional walks, famous photo spots, or local food & wine
- Travel in comfort with modern, clean vehicles
- Hosted by friendly local guides who share real stories and insider tips
- Flexible itinerary — skip or add stops anytime along the way
- Ideal for couples, families, small groups, or solo explorers
Breathtaking views, rich history, and total flexibility — this is how Wanaka and its surrounds are best experienced.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This trip is best suited for travellers with good mobility to fully enjoy the walking and outdoor stops.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Hayes
Your Wanaka day trip begins with a peaceful stop at Lake Hayes — a serene lake just outside Queenstown, often known for its perfect reflections on still mornings. Framed by tussock-covered hills and distant peaks, it’s a favourite among photographers and a calming way to ease into the day. Whether you’d like to pause for a few scenic shots or enjoy a short lakeside stroll, this quiet gem sets a relaxed tone before the journey continues toward Arrowtown and beyond.
Arrowtown Village
OPTIONAL: Next, step into the heart of Arrowtown — a beautifully preserved gold rush village with cobblestone paths, heritage cottages, and a rich sense of history. The town centre invites you to wander at your own pace, explore boutique shops, try local treats, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this charming riverside settlement. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or photography, Arrowtown offers a timeless character that adds depth and colour to your journey. (OPTIONAL VISIT TO ARROWTOWNO MUSEUM)
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Wi-Fi is available onboard for all travellers; however, please note that connectivity is dependent on mobile network coverage and may be limited in remote areas.
Fuel is fully included for all journeys — unlimited, worry-free, and hassle-free, so you can relax and enjoy the trip without any additional costs.
Parking fees are fully covered throughout the journey — no extra charges, no hassle, just a smooth and stress-free experience.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Full freedom to explore with a custom itinerary — stop anywhere, anytime for photos, coffee, or more
Meals not included, but we’re happy to arrange your preferred restaurant or suggest a local favourite to fit your schedule.
Coffees are not included, but we’re happy to fit your preferred café into the schedule or suggest a local favourite along the way.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo
Pickup included
Mt Aspiring Exploration!
Wanaka's Best Hidden Gem: Visit Mt Aspiring, Wishbone Falls & the Matukituki suspension bridge with pure nature and glacier mountain views.
Duration: 2 hours
Off-Road Exploration: Drive in an AWD/4WD SUV through rugged off-road with water fords and cows and sheep roaming freely along the way.
AWD/4WD SUV
Pickup included
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent
Excursion50610098677,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Jay for the private day trip, we had a fabulous time. Every part of the trip was well planned and timed. Jay was so lovely and we appreciated Jay's knowledge of Queenstown's landmarks and history. We visited Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, Hotel Cardona, the famous Bra fence in Cardona as well as Lake Wanaka and the famous Wanaka tree Farmers market eat delicious fruits Thank you Jay for a wonderful day out
Very special visit to Wanaka & Arrowtown
X9910KLdanak,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay is knowledgeable, personable and a great New Zealand, Queenstown ambassador! He gave us just the right amount of information and interesting facts about the history, culture, wildlife, scenery of the various places he showed us. He also sensed our needs and adapted seamlessly. Just a pleasure to spend the day with Jay!
A wonderful Private Day trip
Z8522PBmargareta,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Jay for the private Wanka day trip, we had a fabulous time. Jay was so lovely, every part of the trip was well planned and timed. We appreciated Jay's knowledge of Queenstown's landmarks and history. We visited Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, Hotel Cardona, the famous Bra fence in Cardona as well as Lake Wanaka and the famous Wanaka tree. Thank you Jay for a wonderful day out
Epic day in Wanaka.
leahlI3007BM,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was super accommodating, knowledgeable, personable and patient. He was a great communicator pre-trip and a great guide during the trip and searched for missing items post trip. He customized everything to our needs. Brilliant day in Wanaka and surrounding area.
For a memorable day-trip, look no further!
mahbubk2024,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are looking for an unforgettable day trip to Queenstown - Lake District and the Otago Region, look no further. Just trust Jay and TravelnGo, and you are all set! What an experience we had! The 7-hour trip from Lake Hayes to Cardrona to Wanaka to Luggate to Mount Pisa to Cromwell to Kawarau Gorge was made a day to remember by Jay's thorough knowledge of and narrative about every nook and cranny of the region, his efficiency, courtesy, friendship, and professionalism. Talk about being lucky to have Jay as our guide; it was a trip to remember! There is not enough space here to write all the good words about our experience on this memorable trip. I will not be exaggerating if I say that it was Jay who made all this possible for us today. Look for Jay and TravelnGo next time you are in this region for a truly memorable experience!
The best day exploring queenstown and surrounding areas
Sangitakc,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the most amazing day exploring Lake Hayes, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Cardona, Cromwell. Our guide Jay is the best guide ever. He made countless photo stops along the way, became our photographer of the day, highlighted all the key locations and also took us to the hidden gem aka the most beautiful waterfall to see and feel it up close. The trip was very smooth and did not feel rushed. He was very patient , helpful , knowledgeable and ever so cheerful. He provided lots of options to choose from what we wanted to do. The trip is fully customisable so you can choose where you want to spend most time. The trip was the best way to spend the final day in queenstown for us. Ever so grateful to Jay for making it such a beautiful and memorable day for us. Cherry on top was weather being on our side. I highly recommend this tour to explore queenstown and surrounding areas. You will have the most amazing day.
Family friendly, the best NZ roadtrip experience
250gak,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay helped us customize the day or our preference. Travelling with 2 children isn't easy, but they even didn't wanted to say bye, by the end of the trip. Amazing brunch at Cardrona, beautiful winery in Wanaka and go-karting nearby, all arranged by Jay with his hospitality and kindness to make thie special day our very own. Can't recommend enough, do not miss this when you're visiting Queenstown or nearby. Jay and Travelngo team will ensure you have a fabulous holiday. Thank you again!
A Stunning Stressless Day
barbarasH8833CY,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A private tour with Vibhas is a lovely and stressless way to see stunning vistas and charming towns at your own pace. He also knows the area well and will make sure you don’t miss the highlights. In addition, he is an expert driver on the winding mountain roads. Highly recommended.
So beautiful everywhere!
Flyer53024291829,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip couldn't be better, many thanks to TravelnGo. With their AWD SUV, we were able to go into the depth of pure nature near Mt.Aspiring with countless of waterfalls after lovely Wanaka tree and town centre. Amazing snack at Cardrona Hotel, it was a dream like trip! Thanks again!
Accessible Adventure it was!
maisiet541,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the absolute best experience with Jay as our private tour guide in Queenstown and the surrounding areas. His service was truly above and beyond, far more than we ever expected. His recommendations exceeded our expectations, and his knowledge of the region was phenomenal. We were travelling with a wheelchair user, and Jay went out of his way to ensure everything was accessible. He was incredibly patient and hands-on whenever we needed assistance, which made the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable. We highly recommend the Wanaka day tour, it was a highlight of our trip! The vehicle was comfortable, warm, and spotless, and Jay made sure every moment was special. Even taking us to see snow in late October, which was just incredible. Jay’s friendly nature, great sense of humour, and even his choice of music made the day that much better. We can’t recommend him highly enough, an unforgettable experience from start to finish!
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Operated by Travelngo