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Art Adventure Tours
Join us on a tour up high and get a birds eye view. As we take a ride up the Queenstown Gondola and hike up through the forest to sketch, paint and explore the lower edge of the Ben Lomond trail. A basic level of fitness is required for the 20 min hike on an easy forest track to our viewpoint of Lake Whakatipu, up above the top parapente take off zone. With plenty of opportunity for photographs along the way. Tour includes: Return -Gondola ticket, Guided hike, Art Kit and Sketching diary to keep, refreshments and transport. With the option of staying up at the base for free time after the tour.
This full day tour is a treat for the senses and inspiration for your creative soul. Join us for an art experience outdoors like no other. All your painting materials are provided for a full day of painting beside beautiful Moke Lake just 25 mins outside of Queenstown. , we bring our easels with us, discussing how to approach the landscape in colour and form, observing the details, and discovering a deeper connection to nature through sketching and painting. With a gourmet picnic included and plenty of opportunity for photography— mirror reflections, mountain vistas and native forests. This tour is suitable for all levels of creativity and mobility as we are based lake side, with the option for some exploring the nearby walking track. Tour includes: Return transport, art materials and guidance if needed, gourmet picnic and beverages.
Join us for an unforgettable journey to some of the best viewpoints Queenstown has to offer. Our half day photography tour will take you to experience hidden locations—from the towering snow covered peaks, dramatic and wild landscapes, from mirrored reflections to jagged valley vistas. This tour is for anyone who loves to slow down and observe the beauty of photography. No matter what type of camera you have.
Tour includes : Transport from Queenstown, tour to numerous locations, guidance on composition but all photographers must know how to use their camera. Minimum 2 pax for tour .
Our multi-day art retreats are designed for solo travellers, couples, friends, families, creative beginners, practising artists, nature lovers and international visitors seeking an authentic New Zealand experience. No previous drawing or painting experience is required—just a sense of curiosity and a love of nature. Each retreat is guided by Raquel Carter, a professional artist and tutor with years of experience - exploring the hidden valleys, mountain landscapes, rivers and forests of New Zealand's Southern Lakes. More than a holiday, Art Adventures and Lake Hawea station offers the opportunity to slow down, feel and see the landscape with fresh eyes. Learn all about the detail of an award winning Merino station and create lasting memories through meaningful experiences, with expert guidance for every interest and experience level with genuine local hospitality including garden to table meals and luxury accomodation
Come and explore magical Bob’s cove just 10 mins drive out of Queenstown on a half day art adventure. Wander through the forest trails, listening for native birds on our way, stopping for photo spots at the iconic Bobs cove jetty and pristine beach of deep green waters. With a short 15 m hike up to stunning views of lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountains from picnic point . We stop here for a sketching and painting session, taking in the unique shapes of the landscape and spending time with the details. Tour includes: return transport, walking guide, beverages & light snack, complimentary Art kit and sketch book to keep and record your adventures.
At the starting point of the famous Routeburn Track, just beyond Glenorchy, this unforgettable day begins with a gentle hike along the stunning Nature Loop. This is a short trail that immerses you in the lush South Island forest. Crossing the picturesque Routeburn River swing bridge, you’ll soak in the beauty of the landscape—from moss-covered trees to pristine aqua river views. Before we set up for a full day of painting, with all art materials provided, so all you need to bring is your creativity. This full-day tour is a sensory delight, offering mountain vistas, vibrant flowing rivers, and the enchanting, Lord of the Rings-style beauty of New Zealand's forests. It’s a treat for the soul and a wellspring of inspiration for your artistic journey for all levels of creative experience. Tour includes: return transport from QT or Glenorchy, guided tour, all art materials and tutoring if needed, gourmet picnic lunch and refreshments, numerous photo opportunities.
Let Art Adventures NZ, create a day to remember in beautiful sketches and watercolour paintings en plein air outdoors. Meet other like minded creatives and explore the beautiful landscapes of Queenstown. No experience necessary, we provide all the Watercolour materials you will need along with a complimentary Watercolour skecthbook and artkit to keep . Enjoy a gourmet picnic and a day of creative immersion and connection to the NZ landscape. We choose a location just out of Queenstown which is lake side and weather dependent.
Tour includes return transport from Queenstown.
Lake Hawea Station and high country Art experience.
Come along on our half day art adventure, we explore the mountain reflections of Lake Hayes close to Queenstown. With incredible views of the surrounding mountains. This half day Art adventure is a comfortable easy access art tour and nature experience right beside beautiful lake Hayes, no hiking necessary, but a stroll along to stunning photo spots. Enjoy the slower pace here as the ducks glide across the mirrored lake and take in all the beauty in it’s details. Easy for anyone with limited mobility who just loves to draw and paint while you enjoy the mountains.
Tour includes: Return transport, shaded seating, complimentary Art kit, sketchbook and tutoring, snacks and refreshments, .
For the adventurous at heart, Lake Alta is a stunning deep emerald green lake perched at 1800 mtrs above the Remarkables ski hill base. It is a moderately challenging 1.5 hr / hike up + art adventure that rewards with dramatic views of the Wye Creek basin and Queenstown mountains. We take our art materials and a light lunch up for an amazing session of sketching and painting deep in the mountains.
Alta lake tours - only run outside of Winter; From late October - May .
Tour includes: return transport to Queenstown, Art materials / art kit and sketch book to keep, tutoring and snack lunch/drinks.
Discover Queenstown’s vibrant art scene with a fully guided boutique art studio tour. Visit a handful of our local artists in their studios and gardens, enjoy personal conversations, explore a range of styles and mediums. Tour through the valley past local scenic photo stops along the way. Perfect for art lovers seeking an inspiring, personal creative experience.
Half Day or Full day private bespoke Art Adventures
Let us create a customised bespoke Art Adventure tour, tailored to your interests and abilities. Whether you’re seeking guidance for plein air painting or being taken to a lesser known location to immerse yourself in a deep creative experience, we have beautiful adventures to share with you—grounded in creativity, connection, and care for our environment.From tranquil lake edges to forest rivers and hidden spaces, we curate experiences that respect the creative journey and highlight the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Our Private Tours are designed to accommodate fully customised experiences tailored to suit your schedule and preferences. Whether you imagine a full-day of outdoor painting or a relaxed itinerary of creativity and visits to local artists’, paired with scenic photography stops. We bring everything we need with us—and take everything away leaving no trace behind. All art materials are provided, and gourmet lunch options are included. We aim to ensure your art adventure offers you a rich and unforgettable creative experience. Additional guests welcome on request, price on enquiry. Private groups are a maximum of 14.
