At Altitude Tours, we believe in more than just providing extraordinary, small group experiences. We’re dedicated to leaving a positive impact supporting small towns, communities, and local businesses across Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago, Fiordland, Waitaki & Mackenzie Country. Our commitment to regenerative tourism and alignment with Tiaki extends through supporting local communities. Here’s a glimpse into how every tour with us becomes a journey of shared support.
Nestled at the top of the lake, Glenorchy is much more than Middle Earth; it’s a community thriving with unique stories and local charm. Our morning and afternoon half-day scenic tours to Glenorchy not only treat guests to stunning views but also support the local economy. The Trading Post, supplies our morning and afternoon tea’s for our guests. During our full-day Glenorchy tour, we collaborare with Dart River Wilderness Jet, supporting a local adventure activity as well, guests have an hour of free time in Glenorchy township. This allows them to explore local shops, purchase artisan products, and enjoy lunch from a restaurant of their choice.
Best of Queenstown: The art of supporting local
Our Best of Queenstown Tour is a seamless art of local experiences. Starting and finishing in the town center, guests are encouraged to support local businesses pre and post-tour. A half-hour free time in Arrowtown opens avenues for guests to indulge in local coffee and explore quaint shops. The tour supports AJ Hackett Bungy with the option to do a bungy jump while on tour. It also showcases Shotover Jet, allowing guests to come back at a later time and experience this. In Gibbston, guests enjoy a tasting of Mount Edward Wines at the Church Cellar Door paired with local artisan cheeses. A lake cruise from Frankton, facilitated by a third-party operator, completes the journey.
Milford Sound: Supporting Small
Our journey to Milford Sound is not just about the destination but the stops along the way. In Garston and Te Anau, guests are encouraged to grab a coffee and food from cafes throughout our morning stops. Our lunches are supplied in Milford, sourced locally. We support small boat operators, Mitre Peak Cruises, and Cruise Milford, ensuring our guests experience the beauty of Milford Sound with the consistency of small groups, away from the crowds. Return flights are also spread among operators such as Milford Sound Scenic Flights, Glenorchy Air, and The Helicopter Line.
Mount Cook: Embracing Adventure
On our experience to Mount Cook we celebrate local favourites and adventure. Stops in Omarama at the Wrinkly Ram and the Salmon Farm provide our guests with local food options. In Mount Cook Village, guests can explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Center included in their ticket and walk the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, they can engage in bucket list activities operated by local businesses like The Hermitage, INFLITE, and The Helicopter Line, as well as the option to fly back with Glenorchy Air, sharing the love, with ways to explore Aoraki our highest peak. During the summer months we will make a stop in at the NZ Alpine lavender farm.
Tasting Tours: A Celebration of Locally Produced
Our wine tours and gin tours span across Queenstown, Arrowtown, Cardrona Valley, Gibbston Region, and Central Otago. We not only purchase tastings and food or snacks for our guests, but all venues provide the opportunity to take home local wines, beers, or spirits, to support our local makers.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond supporting local operators and small towns. We plant a tree for every day of the year, with guests having the option to plant an additional trees, off setting carbon. We contribute $1 to the Love Queenstown initiative from every reusable ANEW water bottle sold onboard, supporting local regenerative sustainability efforts.
Respect for New Zealand’s Heritage
At Altitude Tours, we operate in line with the Tiaki Promise, with our guides proudly adorning the Tiaki logo on their uniforms. Educating our guests about it in our onboard videos serves as a visible and informative reminder of our shared responsibility to tread lightly on the places we visit. Our commitment to education is evident in our fully guided tours where we share stories and the rich history of the regions we visit. We aim to instil a profound respect for the land, those that came before us, and for future generations, ensuring that every traveler contributes to the sustainable preservation of New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
At Altitude Tours, we take pride in directing the flow of visitors into small communities, supporting local operators, and educating our guests about the rich history of the lower South Island. Our mission extends beyond showcasing its breathtaking beauty and incredible wines; it’s about contributing to a circular economy, fostering love for the local, and leaving a positive impact on every journey
