From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown

1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Queenstown has a dramatic history of transformation. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a remote pastoral homestead on the shores of Lake Wakatipu became a chaotic gold rush camp, before evolving into a world-class resort. The tour starts at the Village Green, once the epicenter of the 1862 gold rush that transformed the landscape overnight. You’ll discover how the TSS Earnslaw steamship became the lifeline of remote lake communities and how A.J. Hackett’s first commercial bungy jump in 1988 sparked Queenstown’s reinvention as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The tour ends at the historic Queenstown Cemetery on Brecon Street, offering panoramic views across the town Rees founded.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Itinerary

Village Green

Passing by

You'll stand at the historic heart of Queenstown where thousands of prospectors camped during the 1862 gold rush that transformed this landscape overnight. Walk through this central gathering point and imagine the chaos of tents, claims offices, and fortune seekers that once filled this now-peaceful space.
Queenstown Gardens

Passing by

Stroll through 15 hectares of magnificent gardens established in 1867 on William Gilbert Rees's former sheep farm, with towering trees and lakeside paths. Explore winding trails that showcase both native and exotic plantings while enjoying stunning views across Lake Wakatipu.
St Peter's Anglican Church

Passing by

Admire this charming historic church with its impressive pipe organ dating from 1874, one of the town's most enduring landmarks. Step inside to discover the beautiful interior and learn how this community gathering place served gold rush settlers.
Stop 4

Passing by

Pass one of Queenstown's oldest surviving buildings from the gold rush era, a humble stone cottage that weathered the devastating fires of the 1870s. Marvel at the sturdy construction that helped this simple dwelling outlast the chaotic boom-town days.
Stop 5

Passing by

See where the iconic 1912 steamship docks, the vintage vessel that became the lifeline for remote lake communities for over a century. Learn how this coal-fired steamer transported sheep, supplies, and settlers to isolated stations around Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu

Passing by

Walk along the breathtaking shoreline of New Zealand's longest lake and discover why it appears to "breathe," rising and falling every 27 minutes. Enjoy panoramic views while hearing the ancient Māori legend of the sleeping giant whose heartbeat creates this mysterious rhythm.
Stop 7

Passing by

Encounter a massive pounamu (greenstone) mauri stone beside this historic bridge, placed here as a spiritual guardian. Touch the smooth greenstone for good luck as locals and visitors have done for years.
Waka 'n' Wave Sculpture

Passing by

View this striking contemporary sculpture representing a traditional Māori canoe on the lakefront. Discover its unofficial role in Queenstown's spirited nightlife traditions during this stop.
Stop 9

Passing by

Pass this elegant stone building dating from 1871, one of the few structures to survive the town's devastating fires. Admire the historic architecture of what remains Queenstown's most prestigious waterfront accommodation.
The Remarkables Ski Area

Passing by

Stop at a special vantage point offering spectacular views of 'The Remarkables' jagged mountain peaks across the lake. Marvel at this dramatic alpine backdrop that has captivated visitors since the gold rush era.
Queenstown Cemetery

Passing by

Explore the historic cemetery on Brecon Street where Queenstown's pioneers rest, including founder William Gilbert Rees. Enjoy panoramic views across the town from this peaceful hillside location.
Stop 12

Passing by

Learn how the world's first commercial bungy jump launched from the Kawarau Bridge in 1988 transformed Queenstown forever. Discover how this daring leap sparked the town's reinvention as the "Adventure Capital of the World.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour begins at The Village Green. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Kiwi Park & Gondola & Cemetery.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]