Cromwell’s 5 Top Tours (With Prices)

Cromwell is a surprisingly versatile hub for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, wine tastings, and scenic drives. Its location in Central Otago makes it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding landscapes, including Lake Dunstan and the historic gold rush towns. What makes Cromwell stand out is its combination of natural beauty and accessible, well-organized tours. We particularly like the Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour for its comprehensive scenic experience and the chance to explore Mount Cook’s epic vistas. Plus, it includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, adding a touch of local history.

If you’re after a more relaxed, leisurely day with a splash of adventure, the Lake Dunstan Boat & eBike Tour with Winery Lunch offers a fantastic balance of scenic boat rides, biking, and wine tasting. For those interested in exploring more of Central Otago’s charming towns, the Middlemarch to Queenstown Small Group Tour takes you through eerie ghost towns and picturesque gorges, giving a taste of regional history and landscape.

Below, we detail each of these top experiences, helping you decide which fits your travel style best.

1. Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour

At number one, this full-day Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour stands out for its stunning scenery and the chance to explore one of New Zealand’s most iconic peaks, Mount Cook. The tour kicks off with a comfortable pickup from Queenstown, heading through the heart of the South Island with scenic stops like Cromwell Fruit Bowl, Lindis Pass, and Lake Pukaki, all offering breathtaking photo opportunities.

The highlight is spending 3.5 hours exploring Mount Cook Village and soaking in views of Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain. The tour also includes time at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, where you can learn about the mountaineer’s achievements and the region’s history. What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of guided scenic driving and ample free time for self-guided exploration. The small-group format ensures personalized attention.

Guests appreciate the hassle-free pickups and the knowledgeable guide providing insights along the way. The itinerary’s balance of traveling and free time makes it suitable for travelers wanting a comprehensive day without feeling rushed. The only potential downside? It’s a long 12-hour day, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with full-day tours.

Bottom Line: Perfect for scenic lovers and those wanting a well-rounded Mount Cook experience with a personal touch.

2. Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Boat & eBike Tour with Winery Lunch

Coming in at number two is the Lake Dunstan Boat & eBike Tour with Winery Lunch. This six-hour, self-guided adventure combines sightseeing by boat and biking, finishing with a relaxed winery tasting and lunch at Carrick Cellar Door. It’s a great choice if you want a flexible yet active day.

The tour begins with a scenic 45-minute boat cruise on Lake Dunstan, giving you stunning views from the water. Afterward, you hop on premium eBikes to explore the trail at your own pace—covering around four hours of biking along the Lake Dunstan Trail, which features engineered clip-on bridges bolted to the rock face for dramatic crossings. The ride is suitable for most fitness levels, and the operator is endorsed by Qualmark Gold for quality.

The highlight for many is the wine tasting at Carrick Winery, paired with regional foods, in a tranquil setting. The combination of scenic water views, active biking, and wine tasting makes this a well-rounded experience. Reviewers love the flexibility, with one calling it “a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.” The only consideration is that it’s self-guided, so it’s best for confident cyclists.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active travelers who enjoy scenic water views, wine, and the freedom to explore at their own pace.

3. Middlemarch to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)

At number three, the Middlemarch to Queenstown Small Group Tour offers a scenic, intimate journey through Central Otago’s gold rush roots. This six-hour guided tour is ideal for travelers who want to see historic towns and stunning landscapes without the hassle of driving themselves.

The tour begins with a pickup at one of the several downtown Queenstown locations. It then visits Saint Bathans, a ghost town frozen in time, famous for its eerie beauty and abandoned buildings. After a short stop, you move through the Kawarau Gorge, passing lakes and rugged scenery. The tour includes an afternoon tea at Dunstan House, a heritage hotel in Clyde, and time to explore Cromwell’s charming heritage precinct.

The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, and the guide shares stories about the region’s gold rush history and local legends. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone interested in experiencing the quiet beauty of Central Otago’s less-visited spots. The only drawback is the limited time at each stop, but for many, that keeps the trip relaxed and manageable.

Bottom Line: An engaging option for history and scenery lovers wanting a guided, small-group experience.

4. Queenstown to Middlemarch Small-Group Guided Tour (One-Way)

Number four on our list is the Queenstown to Middlemarch Small-Group Guided Tour. This five-hour journey explores Central Otago’s iconic towns and landscapes in comfort. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided transfer with some sightseeing along the way.

Starting from Queenstown, the tour heads toward Middlemarch, with stops at Kawarau Gorge and Clyde. You’ll enjoy a morning tea at Dunstan House and visit Cromwell, known for its vibrant heritage precinct. The guide shares insights about the region’s gold rush history and the transforming landscape.

Traveling in a cozy Mercedes-Benz, this tour is perfect for those who prefer a small group and a more personalized experience. It’s less about hiking or extensive activities and more about enjoying the scenery and regional stories. Suitable for most travelers with moderate fitness levels, it offers a convenient way to transition from Queenstown to Middlemarch or other Central Otago destinations.

Bottom Line: A comfortable, scenic transfer for travelers who want some local insights without the fuss of a full-day tour.

5. Bannockburn Winery eBike Tour & Private Carrick Winery Lunch

Finally, at number five, the Bannockburn Winery eBike Tour & Private Carrick Winery Lunch offers a leisurely, wine-focused day. This six-hour self-guided experience is perfect for wine lovers looking to combine active exploration with tasting some of Central Otago’s best.

Starting from Cromwell, you’ll ride for about three hours along the Lake Dunstan Trail, exploring Bannockburn’s vineyards and scenic countryside on premium eBikes. Afterward, you’ll have a private tasting and lunch at Carrick Cellar Door & Garden, renowned for its excellent wines and beautiful setting.

This tour is ideal for adults (18+) who want to enjoy a relaxed pace and deeper immersion into the region’s wine culture. The eBike experience makes it accessible even for those with moderate fitness, and the private wine tasting adds a special touch. Reviewers praise the combination of scenery, wine, and leisurely pace, though it’s not suitable for children under 16.

Bottom Line: A lovely option for wine enthusiasts who enjoy moderate activity and a personalized tasting experience.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If scenic vistas are your priority, the Queenstown Mount Cook tour is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, active day with wine and water views, the Lake Dunstan eBike & boat tour offers excellent value. History buffs may prefer the Middlemarch to Queenstown journey, while those traveling in style and comfort might opt for the Queenstown to Middlemarch.

For wine lovers, the Bannockburn eBike & Carrick lunch combines scenic biking with premium tastings in a relaxed setting. Each experience offers something unique—your choice depends on your personal interests, fitness level, and how much time you can devote.

Remember, booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Whether you prefer a guided day trip, a self-guided adventure, or a scenic transfer, Cromwell has something to offer.

Cromwell’s location makes it an ideal jumping-off point for discovering the natural beauty and heritage of Central Otago. These tours showcase the region’s landscape, history, and flavors in ways that will leave you with lasting memories. Whatever your travel style, there’s a perfect experience waiting—so pick one, and start planning your Otago adventure today.