Our most recommended things to do in Cromwell

From Queenstown: Mount Cook and Hooker Valley Day Trip

1. From Queenstown: Mount Cook and Hooker Valley Day Trip

Visit breathtaking locations in Queenstown as you make your way to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Travel with a reliable tour guide who will share stories and rich background knowledge on Queenstown and the Mount Cook area. Start your tour in the stunning city of Queenstown. Drive through the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and marvel at the scenery the Kawarau Gorge has to offer. Stop at the Roaring Meg Lookout to take photos of your stunning view. Then, enter the region of Cromwell, famous for fruits and wine and where you can see huge fields of vines. Next, traverse the majestic Lindis Pass which lies between two valleys against a backdrop of a bright blue sky. This stretch of highway is one of the only three Alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps. After taking photos at the top of the pass, drive through the Mackenzie District and visit the township of Omarama. Turning west, you'll enter Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and Lake Pukaki will emerge in front of you. Proceed to the start of the Hooker Valley Track and depart on a 3-hour self-guided hike with amazing views of Hooker Lake, Hooker Glacier, and Mount Cook. Finish your tour by visiting High Country Salmon as you make your way back to Queenstown.

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings

2. Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings

Visit 4 premium vineyards over 3 incredibly scenic wine sub-regions (Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn basin) including a unique wine-tasting in Australasia's largest underground wine cave. Indulge in a wine-barrel cooked lunch consisting of 5 tasting dishes matched with exquisite wines. Taste local cheeses at a local vineyard. Visit historic Old Cromwell town and the must-see Arrowtown. Relax on the stunning drive through the Kawarau Gorge and soak up all the information on the early pioneering history of this rugged region. View the historic Kawarau Bridge and original AJ Hackett Bungy.

Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour

3. Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour

The day begins with early morning pickup from your accommodation in Queenstown and heads through the heart of the South Island towards New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Along the way, soak up unforgettable scenic views and stop at the Cromwell Fruit Bowl, Lindis Pass, Omarama, and Lake Pukaki. As you travel, listen to your guide’s fascinating commentary about the local scenery, history, and culture. Arrive at Mount Cook Village and spend 3.5 hours exploring. Choose to take a walk to the impressive Lake Mueller for a close-up look at Mount Sefton’s glaciers, or experience the incredible activities on offer at Mount Cook including Tasman Glacier Heli Hikes, scenic flights or the Glacier Explorer boat tour. On the return journey to Queenstown, enjoy a stop at the Twizel Salmon Farm, before arriving back to the city in the early evening.

Mt Cook to Queenstown Tour (1-way)

4. Mt Cook to Queenstown Tour (1-way)

This fully-guided 1-way transfer allows you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: -Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park -Lake Pukaki -Kawarau Gorge -Lindis Pass -Southern Alps -High Country Salmon Itinerary: Mt Cook Information Centre – Departing Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level Lake Pukaki – Travelling along one of the most beautiful roads in the world Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. You are sure to get some amazing photos and marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you. High Country Salmon - Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and making our way to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand Lindis Pass – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps. Mrs Jones Fruit Stall – During summer months when the sun is still up as we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Mrs Jones Suncrest Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Nearing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Queenstown – Sadly the tour must come to an end as we enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

From Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle

5. From Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle

We provide quality branded e-bikes and a shuttle between Clyde and Cromwell. Ride either direction it doesn't matter. 10am meet in Cromwell to start (start from here if you choose to) or jump in the shuttle and be taken to the start of the trail by the Dunstan Rowing club in Clyde. Pick up options in the afternoon are 2.30pm from Clyde or bike drop off at the original starting point by 3.30pm. Meeting point at 10am : The Junction lookout, cnr Alpha and Inniscourt St, Cromwell Meeting point at 2.30pm : Sunderland St, Clyde This is an incredibly rewarding ride, and very popular. Forward bookings are essential. This ride requires a min 4 passengers to proceed, therefore, single bookings will be waitlisted.

Queenstown to Mt Cook (1 way) Tour

6. Queenstown to Mt Cook (1 way) Tour

Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour 1 way, this small group, fully-guided transfer allows you to travel to Mt Cook in style and see all the key highlights on the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: - Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park - Lake Pukaki -Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps and High Country Salmon Itinerary: 1. Queenstown - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the areas top highlights. 2. Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour. 3. Cromwell – Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass. 4. Lindis Pass – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo. 5. Omarama – While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)! 6. Lake Pukaki – Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you. 7. Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level. Your guided transfer ends here but you adventure to explore Mt Cook is only just beginning. Inclusions: - Small Group - Fully Guided Tour - Bottled Water & Snacks Optional Extras: Scenic flights with Glacier landings - Heli Hike - Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

From Queenstown: Mount Cook Transfer w/ Guided Landmark Tour

7. From Queenstown: Mount Cook Transfer w/ Guided Landmark Tour

This small group, fully-guided transfer allows you to travel to Mt Cook in style and see all the key highlights on the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. 1. Queenstown - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the areas top highlights. 2. Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour. 3. Cromwell – Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass. 4. Lindis Pass – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo. 5. Omarama – While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)! 6. Lake Pukaki – Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you. 7. Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level. Your guided transfer ends here but you adventure to explore Mt Cook is only just beginning.

Queenstown: Full-Day Central Otago Food & Wine Tour

8. Queenstown: Full-Day Central Otago Food & Wine Tour

Join Altitude Tours for a fantastic full-day wine and food tour, as we take you on a journey to explore, taste, and savor the finest wines and food of Central Otago. This experience includes visits to four distinct wine-tasting locations in the renowned wine regions of Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. Your day will begin with a warm welcome from our wine-certified guide at your Queenstown accommodation or a nearby meeting point. We will then embark on a scenic one-hour drive to Central Otago, known for its exceptional wineries and the world-famous Pinot Noirs. Throughout the day, you'll be treated to four unique wine-tasting experiences, ranging from charming boutique cellar doors to well-established destinations, including a unique barrel room tour. At each location, you will gain fascinating insight and about the region and its wines from our charismatic guide and cellar staff. Throughout the day all your meals are taken care of. You'll enjoy a "trust the chef" tapas lunch at a locally renowned restaurant and savor a delightful cheeseboard at our final stop, marking the perfect end to the day. Our 8-hour Central Otago Food & Wine Tour operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:30 am from Queenstown and returning around 5:30 pm.

From Queenstown: Gold Panning Day-Trip with Morning Tea

9. From Queenstown: Gold Panning Day-Trip with Morning Tea

Set off to the old gold mining town of Cromwell and learn about New Zealand’s 19th-century gold rush on this half-day tour. Leave Queenstown for the township of Arrowtown, where gold was first found in 1862. Discover the history, follow the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell, and learn to pan for gold. Meet your guide in central Queenstown before heading to Cromwell. Drive through historic Arrowtown and into the Kawarau Gorge, following the old gold miner’s route along the river. Listen to your guide explain the area's history while you admire the views along the way. Coming into Central Otago, drive along rugged farm tracks until you reach a plateau with stunning views of Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. Hear about how farming and mining evolved and shaped the region and admire the quaint old buildings in Cromwell town. Disembark here and pause for a morning tea of hot drinks and scones before your gold panning session by the river. You’ll be provided with a pan and taught the proper technique. Then, it’s time to test your luck and put your skills to the test. Make the return drive to Queenstown along the roaring Kawarau river and enjoy more mining tales from your guide to end the tour.

Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return

10. Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return

Meet the nzbiketrails team at Cromwell. You will be provided with a route overview, a safety briefing and an introduction to your e-bike, including the assist levels and setting up your seat height. Once ready you will cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde - 42km of purpose built trail which was opened in May 2021. The Dunstan Trail is a Grade 1-3 Trail. The surface is good throughout (compact gravel). There are two 150m climbs which your e-bike will help you to get to the top, with very little effort involved, if you choose to use your high 'power assist' mode! The trail is a stunning ride, opened in May 2021 - a feat of engineering. You will enjoy riding on the 450m of 'clip-ons' to the mountain side and also over the 85m long Hugo suspension bridge. In total there is about 2.5 hours of actual riding so you have time to briefly stop at the Carrick Winery and Burger Afloat for refreshments along the way. Once you get to Clyde you should have time for a quick celebratory drink before you are shuttled down to the Dunstan Explorer Boat. This explores the trail as you travel back up Lake Dunstan. You will see the Clyde dam, Goldminers Hut, Suspension Bridge and possibly even some of old Cromwell - which was flooded when the Clyde Dam was built - on the boats sonar. The Dunstan Trail is a 'must do' one day adventure - nzbiketrails recommends e-bikes for this trail as there is no road access for 25km of the trail and goes to heights. We find that experienced riders will use the assist levels less than other riders. Our bikes can be ridden in the 'off' mode. All riders should be confident on a bike, taller than 145cm and 12 years and over. Younger riders should be able to handle an e-bike which is heavier than a standard bike.

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What people are saying about Cromwell

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 43 reviews

Our full day tour was amazing with Tania as our tour guide. We had never been to any of the wineries we visited on the day of the tour, and they were all incredible, especially Kinross, as our son proposed to his girlfriend whilst we were there! Incredible day for the couple and the 6 of us family touring together. Would definitely recommend Altitude tours, everything went seem less, Tania was full of local knowledge and chose the most wonderful destination for lunch at Bannockburn hotel. Would highly recommend. Many Thanks, The Fredericks Family

This is a really good tour. I did not have much time in the area but this 12 hour tour was fabulous. Our guide was really lovely and very knowledgable. Hooker Valley was beautiful. We had lots of little breaks which was nice. Bus/Van was very clean and comfortable.

This is very good trip. A must to go in your tavel bucket list to new zealand. Remember to bring cap and suncream as there is no shelter along th paths. It is really hot during summer.

Nice weather, informative guide with extensive knowledge on the geographical region of Mt Cook, interesting stories as well! Very engaging and lucky to have Shane as the guide!

Amazing day. Fortunately we had great weather. Wonderful hike. Ana, our guide and driver, did her job well.