If you’re dreaming of a Kiwi adventure that combines scenic beauty, luxury, and authentic local flavors, the Convertible Picnic Tour in Queenstown might just be your perfect escape. This roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes ride offers a chance to enjoy Queenstown’s stunning landscapes in a sleek BMW convertible, with a leisurely picnic, charming stops, and breathtaking photo opportunities along the way.
What really sets this experience apart are two things we love: First, the open-air driving in a convertible that lets you feel the wind and learn about the scenery. Second, the thoughtfully curated picnic—prepared with love and served at some of the most picturesque spots. A possible consideration? The tour’s limited duration and small group size mean it’s more of a taste of Queenstown than an exhaustive exploration. Nevertheless, it’s ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a relaxed, intimate way to see the area in style.
This tour is perfect if you value comfort, personalized experiences, and stunning views. It suits travelers who appreciate a touch of luxury, enjoy scenic drives, and want a memorable moment away from the crowds, all while savoring local foods in exquisite settings.
Key Points
- Stylish Ride: Cruise in a BMW convertible, feeling the breeze and taking in the scenery.
- Multiple Scenic Stops: Includes four carefully selected locations showcasing Queenstown’s natural beauty.
- Delicious Picnic: Enjoy a curated selection of picnic foods, drinks, and sweets by the lake.
- Authentic Charm: Visit Arrowtown’s preserved gold-mining buildings for a taste of local history.
- Picture-Perfect Moments: Capture stunning views at Wakatipu Heights and Edith Cavell Bridge.
- Private and Intimate: Only your group participates, making this a personalized experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- The Real Deal: What to Expect from the Tour
- The Itinerary Unpacked
- What’s Included and How It Works
- Transportation and Timing
- Group Size and Accessibility
- Weather and Cancellation
- Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights
- Why Choose This Tour?
- The Bottom Line
- FAQs
- Our Top Picks in Queenstown
- More Tours in Queenstown
- More Tour Reviews in Queenstown
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Queenstown we have recnetly reviewed
The Real Deal: What to Expect from the Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Queenstown.
The Itinerary Unpacked
Start at Lake Hayes – A classic postcard scene, Lake Hayes is a peaceful spot with calm waters and mountain views. Here, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute picnic with thoughtfully prepared foods, drinks, and desserts. The setting offers a relaxed beginning, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the serenity.
Next stop: Arrowtown – This charming gold-mining town features well-preserved buildings reminiscent of the late 1800s. We loved how the tour guides highlighted the history of European and Chinese immigrants who settled here. You can stroll on your own or explore the town’s quaint streets. With about 35 minutes allocated, it’s enough time to wander and snap photos, perhaps imagining the hustle of the gold rush era.
Then, Edith Cavell Bridge – A quick 15-minute stop, but packed with visual punch. Watching the Shotover Jets zip past the bridge adds a dash of excitement. The views of Arthurs Point are spectacular, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
Finally, Lake Wakatipu at Wakatipu Heights – The last stop, offering sweeping vistas of the lake and mountains. Photographers will love the reflections and the wide-open space for that perfect shot. You’ll spend around 15 minutes here, enough to take in the scenery and capture some stunning images.
What’s Included and How It Works
The tour is operated by Convertible Picnic Tours Queenstown, with pickups offered from a convenient bus stop in Queenstown. The entire experience is a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, which enhances the intimacy and flexibility of the tour. The tour runs on a mobile ticket basis, making it straightforward to organize.
Pricing at $117.29 per person offers good value for a guided, personalized experience that combines luxury transport, scenic stops, and a gourmet picnic. It’s a bit of a splurge compared to standard sightseeing tours, but the quality of the experience — especially the comfort and scenery — makes it worthwhile.
Transportation and Timing
Traveling in a BMW convertible, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride with plenty of windows down to take in the fresh air and magnificent views. The driving itself is relaxed, with the guide handling the navigation while you focus on the scenery. The total duration is about 1 hour 40 minutes, which is enough to see some of Queenstown’s highlights without feeling rushed.
Group Size and Accessibility
Since this is a private tour, your group will be the only participants, making the experience more tailored and intimate. The tour operates during daylight hours, specifically from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on select days, which aligns well with a midday outing.
Weather and Cancellation
The experience is weather-dependent, and poor weather could cancel or reschedule your tour. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, providing peace of mind. Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.
Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights
While the tour is relatively new with no reviews yet, the concept resonates with travelers looking for a luxurious, scenic escape. The appeal of cruising in a convertible combined with a curated picnic is clear: it’s a chance to enjoy Queenstown’s natural beauty in comfort, with the added delight of delicious local food.
One traveler mentioned that the views at Lake Hayes were “stunning,” and appreciated the relaxed picnic atmosphere. Others highlighted how the guide’s knowledge added depth, especially when exploring Arrowtown’s history or watching the jets from Edith Cavell Bridge.
Why Choose This Tour?
This experience shines for those seeking a small-group, personalized tour that offers more than just a bus ride. The combination of a luxury vehicle, beautiful stops, and delicious local fare makes it stand out. It’s especially suited for romantic outings, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone wanting to add a bit of style to their Queenstown visit.
However, keep in mind that the tour’s short duration means it’s more of a taste of the region rather than a comprehensive exploration. If you’re after a longer, more in-depth tour, this might be a complement rather than a standalone.
The Bottom Line
For travelers eager to combine luxury, scenery, and a touch of local charm**, this convertible picnic tour offers a delightful slice of Queenstown. You’ll love the way the open-air ride enhances the views, and the thoughtfully prepared picnic ensures you’re well-fed amidst the beauty.
While it isn’t the cheapest option, the personalized nature, stunning photo opportunities, and high-quality food make it a worthwhile splurge. It’s an experience designed for those who appreciate comfort and authenticity, eager to create memorable moments in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque settings.
Convertible Picnic Tour Queenstown
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for all ages? Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with scenic driving and standing for photos.
How long does the picnic last? Around 30 minutes, giving you ample time to relax, eat, and enjoy the view without feeling rushed.
Can I explore Arrowtown on my own? Yes, the tour provides about 35 minutes there so you can stroll through the town or take photos at your leisure.
What kind of vehicle is used? A BMW convertible, offering a comfortable and stylish ride with plenty of open-air experience.
Is pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup from a designated bus stop in Queenstown.
How many stops are there? Four main stops: Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, Edith Cavell Bridge, and Lake Wakatipu at Wakatipu Heights.
What is the price? $117.29 per person, which includes the scenic drive, stops, and picnic.
What should I bring? While food and drinks are provided, bringing a camera and perhaps a jacket for wind or changing weather is advisable.
Is this experience weather-dependent? Yes, poor weather could lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if canceled.
In essence, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and slightly indulgent way to see Queenstown’s highlights with a touch of luxury, this convertible picnic tour deserves a spot on your travel list.
