Cromwell is situated in the arid basin of Central Otago, New Zealand, surrounded by the Pisa and Dunstan mountain ranges. Multiple highways converge here. Heading west through the Kawarau Gorge leads toward Queenstown, north goes to Wanaka, and south reaches Alexandra. Travelers on a self-drive tour of the central South Island often use this town as a hub for a stopover. The town enjoys plenty of sunshine and is dry with little rain, earning it the reputation as New Zealand's fruit bowl. Cafes, galleries, and craft shops are nestled among weathered stone walls and old wooden houses, and the giant fruit sculpture at the town entrance, erected to celebrate the orchard industry, is a popular photo spot for many visitors.

Cromwell · 4.8 km from Kawarau Gorge

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gibbston

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

7.1

4.8/5

111 reviews

Set on the iconic Kawarau River, the Kawarau Bungy Centre is the birthplace of commercial bungy and a must-visit adventure hub in Queenstown. Home to the world's first 43m bungy jump, this legendary site also features the Kawarau Swing and Zipride—offering something for every level of thrill. Watch live action from the viewing deck or take the leap yourself, solo or tandem. With its stunning riverside setting, vibrant atmosphere, and range of experiences, Kawarau is more than a jump—it's where adventure began and where unforgettable memories are made.

Gibbston · 19.3 km from Kawarau Gorge

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

9.8

4.7/5

634 reviews

Born in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw, known as "The Lady of the Lake," dates back to the golden age of steamships—an era that included the world-famous Titanic. Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has been sailing for over 100 years and isLake WakatipuA charming sight that takes you back in time to experience the splendor of early 20th-century Europe. During the cruise, you can lean on the railing on the deck and gaze at the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of Queenstown, or step onto the bridge to secretly admire the captain's superb steering skills, or venture into the steam boiler room to learn how the steam engine works. △ Boat tourLake Wakatipu, you can enjoy magnificent mountain views and tranquil lake waters △ Visit the engine room and mini museum on board, listen to songs accompanied by piano, and savor the elegance of the turn of the century △After arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can view and feed the farm animals up close, and attend sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations

Queenstown · 37.7 km from Kawarau Gorge

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Oxbow Adventure Co

4.3

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, the world's adrenaline capital, Oxbow Adventure Co is an essential destination for thrill-seekers. Renowned both locally and nationally, the dedicated team at Oxbow Adventure Co aims to ensure visitors leave with wide smiles, an endorphin rush, and unforgettable memories. Dive into an array of exhilarating activities in Queenstown, such as Jet Sprint Boating, Clay Target Shooting, and Ultimate Off-Roading—each guaranteed to ignite your inner adrenaline enthusiast.

Gibbston · 9.7 km from Kawarau Gorge

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No. 15 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Real Guns New Zealand

7.9

4.8/5

18 reviews

Real Guns New Zealand is a shooting experience venue located in Cardrona, Otago, New Zealand. The environment here combines New Zealand's unique natural scenery with professional shooting facilities, providing visitors with a unique experience opportunity. The venue is surrounded by magnificent mountains and open grasslands, which add to the fun and challenge of shooting activities. Real Guns New Zealand offers a variety of shooting programs suitable for visitors of different interests and experience levels. Accompanied by professional instructors, visitors can safely experience the fun of shooting. The venue is fully equipped to ensure the safety and comfort of the activities. Whether it is a beginner or an experienced shooting enthusiast, it can provide an unforgettable experience. Real Guns New Zealand is not only a shooting venue, but also a good place to experience New Zealand's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Cardrona · 30.5 km from Kawarau Gorge

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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

8.9

4.8/5

189 reviews

Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.

Queenstown · 37.6 km from Kawarau Gorge

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No. 3 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Skyline Queenstown

8.8

4.7/5

752 reviews

Skyline Queenstown is located atop Bob's Peak in Queenstown, a viewpoint overlooking downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the distant mountains. The cable car boarding point is just a few minutes' walk from downtown, and the southern cable car takes you up to the summit. The summit observation deck offers an expansive view of about 220 degrees, framing the Queenstown town, lake, and distant mountains together; at sunset, the shifting light and shadows make the scenery especially captivating. The summit is more than just an observation deck—it also brings together a variety of activities. In addition to sightseeing, there is a very famous Stratosfare restaurant that serves dishes made with local New Zealand ingredients in buffet style, allowing you to dine while enjoying the panoramic lake and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows—an iconic dining experience at the summit. △ Ride the cable car and enjoy the town views △ 220-degree bird's-eye view of distant alpine lakes △ Experience more thrilling rides

Queenstown · 37.9 km from Kawarau Gorge

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2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Arrowtown

6.9

4.6/5

399 reviews

Arrowtown is a century-old town that rose to prominence during the gold rush. In 1862, gold was discovered in the Arrow River. After the news spread, thousands of prospectors flocked to this valley, and the town took shape. At its peak, the population was several times larger than today's permanent population. Today, more than 60 wooden and stone buildings from the gold rush era are still preserved, many of which have been converted into cafes, craft shops, and boutiques, keeping the vibrant atmosphere of the old street alive. The essence of the town is concentrated on the main street, Buckingham Street, where a row of Victorian-style buildings houses an array of craft shops, candy stores, and specialty boutiques. The rows of trees along the street turn golden and orange between April and May, covering the entire old street in rich fall colors, making the town a popular spot for fall foliage in New Zealand's South Island. Take a short walk along the Arrow River trail to visit the preserved Chinese settlement, where simple huts record the history of Chinese miners during the gold rush. Visitors interested in history may want to visit the Lakes District Museum & Gallery on Buckingham Street, which houses exhibits and stories from the gold rush era and offers information about tours of the historic buildings.

Arrowtown · 27.4 km from Kawarau Gorge

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No. 11 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Shotover Jet Queenstown

8.3

4.9/5

212 reviews

Shotover Jet Queenstown is the iconic speedboating experience in Queenstown, operating continuously in the Shotover Canyon since the 1960s and having hosted millions of travelers. It is also the only commercial speedboat company permitted to operate in this section of the canyon river. The river channel was formed by years of erosion from rapid currents, with nearly vertical rock walls on both sides enclosing the water surface. Located less than a ten-minute drive from Queenstown town center, it is now owned and operated by the local Māori tribe, Ngāi Tahu, whose ancestors once traveled this waterway to gather food and greenstone. The bright red speedboats are locally built in Queenstown, specifically designed for the canyon river. Each boat can carry over ten passengers and is powered by twin V8 engines, using jet propulsion for movement, steering, and control—allowing it to skim at speeds of nearly 90 km/h in water as shallow as approx. 10 cm. The entire experience lasts approx. 25 minutes, featuring continuous sharp turns and cliff-hugging maneuvers from the moment you depart the dock. Skilled drivers take you at high speed through whitewater rapids and tight bends, performing thrilling close-to-the-wall stunts, including the signature 360-degree spin at full throttle, sending water splashing into your face as if the boat has lifted off the surface. Life jackets and storage lockers are provided on board. As the spins generate significant splashes, it is advisable to prepare to get wet. During colder seasons, extra attention to warmth is recommended.

Queenstown · 37.4 km from Kawarau Gorge

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2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Onsen Hot Pools

7.6

4.9/5

30 reviews

Onsen Hot Pools is built on the edge of a high mountain cliff, facing the Shotover Canyon and snow-capped mountains. Here you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views and overlook the speedboating on the Shotover River. The water temperature at Onsen Hot Pools remains at 37.8°C or 39.8°C year-round, and can also be adjusted to your preference. With a light touch of a button, you can open or close the roof canopy. On clear days, it feels like an outdoor hot spring where you can admire the starry sky, while staying dry even on rainy days.

Queenstown · 36.4 km from Kawarau Gorge

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Traveller favourites curated for you

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Hydro Attack

7.8

4.7/5

19 reviews

Queenstown · 37.6 km from Kawarau Gorge

Book now for tomorrow

From€93.92

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Queenstown round-trip Aoraki / Mount Cook scenic tour with optional helicopter sightseeing and glacier explorer boat

4.2/5

6 reviews193 booked

Departs from Queenstown

Duration: 17.6 hrsEnglish

From€144.79

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3D2N • Private 3 Day Queenstown Glenorchy Wanaka and Tekapo

View More Private Tours in Kawarau Gorge

7D6N • 7Day/6Nights Auckland to Queenstown

5/5

7 reviews

EnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From EUR 1,670

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Experiences you can't miss in Kawarau Gorge

Featured Culture & history in Kawarau Gorge

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Queenstown food and wine all-inclusive ~ Gibbston, Cromwell, Bannockburn regions [English]

Duration: 6.7 hrs

English

From€197.05

󱌍

Sightseeing Tour: Highlights of Queenstown + Wine Tasting

Duration: 3 hrs

Free cancellation

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From€84.71

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Queenstown: Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - Full Day

Duration: 9.5 hrs

Free cancellation

From€325.84

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Queenstown Glenorchy half-day tour [Lord of the Rings filming location/Paradise Valley/Red Boat Shed]

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 2.2 hrs

English

Book now for tomorrow

From€105.21

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Wanaka shooting range Crossfire Shooting center

Duration: 1 hr

English

Free cancellation

From€43.02

󱌍

Wanaka real guns shooting range experience (professional guidance + live ammunition shooting)

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€111.43

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New Zealand: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi full-day small group tour (lunch included)

Duration: 9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€173.94

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New Zealand Queenstown Lord of the Rings 4WD tour | ride a 4WD + visit Glenorchy filming locations

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€169.33

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Featured Spa & wellness in Kawarau Gorge

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New Zealand Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools experience - private or shared tub options available

30 booked

Duration: 1 hr

English

Free cancellation

From€39.41

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Queenstown: Floating Sauna Experience on Lake Whakatipu

4.9/5

· 28 reviews

Duration: 75 mins

English

Free cancellation

Book now for today

27 consecutive positive reviews

From€37.59

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Queenstown watershed water sauna [optional single experience or exclusive private booking]

Duration: 1 hr

English

From€39.15

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New Zealand South Island Queenstown Bathhouse self-service hot spring-style spa experience

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€51.64

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Queenstown floating sauna experience on Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand - immersive lake views and natural healing

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

From€61.45

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Featured Day tours in Kawarau Gorge

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Tekapo: to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small Group Tour (One Way)

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€179.95

󱌍

New Zealand Mount Cook + Hooker Valley trail tour [round-trip by Mercedes minibus with hotel transfers]

Duration: 11.4 hrs

English

Book now for tomorrow

From€153.08

󱌍

New Zealand South Island Queenstown Aoraki / Mount Cook 1-day tour | Intercity bus/one-way

Duration: 6 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

From€125.25

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Christchurch: One-Way Tour to Queenstown via Tekapo and Mt Cook

4.8/5

· 17 reviews

Duration: 13 hrs

Free cancellation

From€200.00

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Queenstown: to Christchurch via Mt Cook One-Way Group Tour

4.7/5

· 54 reviews

Duration: 13 hrs

Free cancellation

92.6% of travelers recommend

From€189.98

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Dunedin: To Queenstown via Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Day Tour

4.7/5

· 6 reviews

Duration: 9 hrs

Free cancellation

From€149.88

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Featured Food & drink in Kawarau Gorge

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Boutique Wine Tour - All-Inclusive with 4 Wineries & Lunch

5.0/5

· 12 reviews

Duration: 5.5–6.5 hrs

Free cancellation

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From€139.85

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Afternoon Classic Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Cave Tour & Cheese

5.0/5

· 10 reviews

Duration: 3.5–6.5 hrs

Free cancellation

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From€124.81

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Queenstown: All-Inclusive Gourmet Food and Wine Tour

4.9/5

· 34 reviews

Duration: 6.5 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

34 consecutive positive reviews

From€169.93

󱌍

New Zealand Queenstown TSS Earnslaw+ Farm Tour/BBQ Lunch/Dinner

46 booked

Duration: 3.2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

From€88.33

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Stratosfare buffet at Queenstown hilltop view restaurant | Window-side view seats · Includes round-trip cable car [Luge scooter experience can be added]

96 booked

English

From€102.45

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Fergburger, the popular restaurant in Queenstown, New Zealand, offers a restaurant reservation service.

English

From€7.39

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Free things to do in Kawarau Gorge

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What travellers say about Kawarau Gorge

Two traveling monkeysMay 9, 2023

4.0

Cromwell is the capital of stonefruit ! You can find many cherry orchards in this area and a few real fruit-ice cream places. the Icecream is so so good!! Make sure to tase the ice cream!

Cromwell

张知珩December 4, 2020

4.0

Extreme sports that you must experience when you come to New Zealand! Adrenaline is soaring! I jumped down with the mentality of experiencing it once in my life, hahahaha. You have to weigh yourself before jumping. New Zealand's beef, lamb chops and salmon are so delicious that I am five pounds heavier than when I set out. . . After the jump, you can buy pictures or videos, which are very expensive, but they are also souvenirs. You will also get a T-shirt with a 43-meter bungee jump printed on it as a souvenir. If it is not open, there is a free shuttle bus to Queenstown.

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

华籍美娜November 1, 2026

4.0

The only downside was the lack of a sheep shearing show. The BBQ was great, and considering the price included food, it was definitely worth it. Overall, the boat trip was very relaxing, with the boat ride to the BBQ area taking about 40 minutes. It's a good option if you like a more leisurely pace of life, especially on a nice day. The only downside was the lack of a show, which made it a bit boring.

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

135***82July 6, 2024

5.0

There are many types of guns, and the shooting is in the ranch area. There are many types of targets, and if you don't understand the instructions at all, you may be refused to play. I experienced playing Frisbee with rifles and shotguns. The experience of playing Frisbee is very novel, and I have never played with a shotgun. I scored 8 out of 10, and the coach praised me as a genius.

Real Guns New Zealand

道治March 11, 2025

5.0

Skydiving is super fun, 15,000 feet, the free fall feels like life is free! The package comes with a handheld camera, with photos and videos. After the jump, it will be sent directly to your email for you to download. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the base.

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

CassieTNovember 12, 2026

5.0

Nice view taking the gondola up to the top,very strong wind up there and you can enjoy the view at the restaurant. I love the luge very much! I booked 5 times and it was perfect to try both paths and play better during the 2nd time of taking the path!

Skyline Queenstown

zj0736February 16, 2026

4.0

It was February, the tail end of summer, and we didn't see anything particularly special. It was just a small town with a main street lined with various shops and a post office. There was a gold panning museum where you could pay to take a gold panning class and learn how to pan for gold. We took bus number 4 from Queenstown; it was only $2.50 one way, which was quite reasonable, and we considered it a chance to enjoy the natural scenery of New Zealand along the way.

Arrowtown

Sherwin SolisOctober 16, 2026

5.0

We blasted through the dramatic, towering walls of the Shotover Canyons at mind-bending speeds. Skimming over water that felt mere centimeters deep and executing those famous full 360-degree spins was pure exhilaration! Our driver was an absolute master at the helm—delivering maximum heart-pounding thrill while keeping everyone feeling completely safe and secure throughout the ride.It’s an unforgettable experience to share together—equal parts breathtaking scenery and high-octane excitement. Easily one of the absolute highlights of our trip to New Zealand. 10/10 MUST DO!

Shotover Jet Queenstown

M19***92April 19, 2024

4.0

The environment is very dreamy. I think it is worth the money. But the bad thing is that children are not allowed to enter at night. I don't know why. But overall it is still a good experience.

Onsen Hot Pools

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Trip Moments in Kawarau Gorge

Don't Wade the Shotover in Spate: Queenstown's Kawarau Gorge Cut

“#travelsafetytips The Shotover Looked Calm—It Wasn't Near Queenstown, I watched the Shotover River from a Kawarau Gorge viewpoint.”

@iio88 · travelsafetytips · 9 days ago

Kawarau Gorge — A Perfect Blend of Breathtaking Beauty and Adrenaline

“Looking for a side of New Zealand that offers more than just peace and quiet?”

@moremore-ing · 29 days ago

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kawarau Gorge?

Don't miss these attractions in Kawarau Gorge: Cromwell, AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre, and RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise. If you like Culture & history, try Queenstown food and wine all-inclusive ~ Gibbston, Cromwell, Bannockburn regions [English]. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try New Zealand Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools experience - private or shared tub options available.

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Kawarau Gorge?

You can give Boutique Wine Tour - All-Inclusive with 4 Wineries & Lunch and Afternoon Classic Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Cave Tour & Cheese a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Kawarau Gorge?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Tekapo: to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small Group Tour (One Way), New Zealand Mount Cook + Hooker Valley trail tour [round-trip by Mercedes minibus with hotel transfers], and New Zealand South Island Queenstown Aoraki / Mount Cook 1-day tour | Intercity bus/one-way. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Kawarau Gorge?

As of November 15, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kawarau Gorge is around EUR 125.25 – EUR 200. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

Things to do in Kawarau Gorge

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Kawarau Gorge

Cromwell

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

Oxbow Adventure Co

Real Guns New Zealand

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

Arrowtown

Shotover Jet Queenstown

Onsen Hot Pools

Traveller favourites curated for you

Hydro Attack

Queenstown round-trip Aoraki / Mount Cook scenic tour with optional helicopter sightseeing and glacier explorer boat

3D2N • Private 3 Day Queenstown Glenorchy Wanaka and Tekapo

7D6N • 7Day/6Nights Auckland to Queenstown

Experiences you can't miss in Kawarau Gorge

Featured Culture & history in Kawarau Gorge

Featured Spa & wellness in Kawarau Gorge

Featured Day tours in Kawarau Gorge

Featured Food & drink in Kawarau Gorge

Free things to do in Kawarau Gorge

Cromwell

Arrowtown

Kawarau River

Queenstown Gardens

Wānaka

What travellers say about Kawarau Gorge

Cromwell

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

Real Guns New Zealand

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown

Arrowtown

Shotover Jet Queenstown

Onsen Hot Pools

Trip Moments in Kawarau Gorge

Don't Wade the Shotover in Spate: Queenstown's Kawarau Gorge Cut

Kawarau Gorge — A Perfect Blend of Breathtaking Beauty and Adrenaline

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kawarau Gorge?

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Kawarau Gorge?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Kawarau Gorge?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Kawarau Gorge?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?