Sightseeing Cruises in Queenstown

Cruise Lake Wakatipu with optional add-ons like a farm tour, BBQ meal, or horse trek.

• Everything you get: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a heritage steamship or modern catamaran, with live commentary and indoor and outdoor seating. You can add a visit to Walter Peak for a working farm tour, a BBQ meal at the Homestead, or a guided horse trek.
• Why choose this: This flexible experience lets you choose your vessel and tailor your day with farm visits, dining, or outdoor activities.
• Upgrades: Add a farm tour, BBQ dining, or horse trek at Walter Peak to extend your trip and explore more of the region.

Inclusions #

• Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

• Live commentary on the cruise

Walter Peak Farm Tour (if option selected)

• Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm

• English-speaking guide

• Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

• Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Meal (if option selected)

• Gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner buffet here (based on time selected) (based on time selected)

• Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

Walter Peak Horse Trekking Tour (if option selected)

• 45-minute horse trekking tour

• Nature guide

• Small group of up to 6 people

• Freshly baked morning or afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)

• Safety helmet and wet weather clothing

Walter Peak Garden to Table experience (if option selected)

• Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu

• Guided tour of the kitchen gardens with produce tasting

• Native flora & conservation walk

• Opportunity to plant a native tree or shrub

• Garden-to-table light lunch, featuring homegrown & locally sourced ingredients

• Expert host commentary throughout the experience

Spirit of Queenstown cruise (if option selected)

• 1-hour 30-min Spirit of Queenstown cruise

• Live commentary by expert skipper

• Access to open top deck

• Wheelchair accessible

Exclusions #

• Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Inclusions #

• 1-hour 45-minute Milford Sound cruise
• Stops at points of interest
• Live commentary from the skipper
• Complimentary tea & coffee on-board

Exclusions #

• Transfers

Scenic Lake Wakatipu cruise with gourmet BBQ and historic Walter Peak farm experience.

• Starting point: Queenstown lakefront
• Everything you get: Lake Wakatipu cruise, engine room exploration, gourmet BBQ lunch, Colonel’s Homestead dining, historic homestead and lakeside views, farm garden stroll, photo opportunities of mountain and lake scenery.
• Sights covered: Lake Wakatipu, Walter Peak Station, Colonel’s Homestead, surrounding mountains, and lakeside views.
• Why choose this: Combine historic steamship experience with gourmet dining and scenic farm exploration on a full-day adventure.
• Upgrade: Choosing between the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for your Lake Wakatipu cruise.

Inclusions #

• Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

• Gourmet BBQ experience here (based on time selected)

• 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise (as per option selected)

• 60-minute Spirit of Queenstown cruise (as per option selected)

• Live commentary

Exclusions #

• Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Scenic 90-minute cruise with stunning alpine views and expert local commentary.

• Starting point: Queenstown lakefront, just steps from the town center
• Everything you get: 90-minute scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range, live commentary on local history, wildlife, and geology, indoor lounge and open-deck seating options, onboard café serving light refreshments
• Sights covered: Queenstown Bay, the Remarkables Range, Kawarau Falls Dam, and Queenstown Golf Club peninsula.
• Why choose this: A peaceful way to see Queenstown’s alpine beauty — perfect for families, photographers, and first-time visitors.

Inclusions #

• 90-minute cruise from Queenstown

• Expert local guides

• Live commentary

Exclusions #

• Snacks and beverages (available at an additional cost)

What to bring

• Bring your jacket, snacks, and camera for this trip.
• Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

Accessibility

• This experience is not accessible by wheelchairs.

Additional Information

• The operator may cancel the cruise due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum number is not met. In such cases, you will be offered a full refund or an alternate date or experience.
• The tour can accommodate a maximum of 60 passengers.

Thrilling combo of jet boating and beginner-friendly white water rafting on the Kawarau River

• Everything you get: Start with a high-speed jet boat ride to the rafting point, then tackle the Kawarau River on a guided white water rafting trip. Includes all safety gear, professional guides, and a beginner-friendly route through scenic river gorges.
• Why choose this: The only package that combines rafting and jet boating, designed for travelers who want a full day of action on the river.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River

• Professional rafting guides

• 25-minute jet boat ride

• Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base

• All rafting and safety equipment, including wetsuit and helmet

• Use of hot showers

What to bring

• Bring your ticket or voucher for entry.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities and bring a change of clothes.
• Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen for your comfort and protection.
• Secure footwear that can get wet is recommended.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted.
• Drones are not allowed on the premises.
• Outside food or beverages are prohibited.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience.
• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the weight of 40kg (88.18lb), over the weight of 120kg (264.55lb) and under the age of 13 years.
• Keep in mind, cameras are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.

Additional information

• All participants must sign a waiver form.
• Guests under 16 years old must have a guardian traveling with them and all guests under 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a guardian.
• Guests must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow instructions from the guides.
• Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level.
• The operator reserves the right to refuse participation and cancel or amend any trips due to river, road, or weather conditions or insufficient numbers in the interest of all guests’ safety.

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour 45-minute to 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Expert skipper commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

• Access to outdoor viewing decks

• Indoor heated lounge area

• Multi-language audio guide app

Scenic flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)

• 35 minutes each way flying time

• Guaranteed window seats

• Expert pilot commentary

Exclusions #

• Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

Boutique boat, big encounters, with a maximum of 75 guests

• Everything you get: 1-hour 45-minute cruise on a boutique vessel, close approaches to Stirling Falls for spray moments, live skipper-led commentary, wildlife at seal colonies, relaxed crowd-free decks, hot drinks, and flexible positioning for photos.
• Why choose this: Best for photographers, couples, and crowd-avoiders. Smaller boats mean closer angles, sharper wildlife shots, and a more personal vibe, without luxury pricing.
• Upgrades: Choose just the cruise, or pair with a Milford Track walk for a land-and-sea combo in one day.

Inclusions #

• 2-hour Milford Sound cruise on a boutique boat

• Maximum 75 passengers only

• Expert skipper & guide

• Close-to-waterfall positioning

• Wildlife encounter opportunities

• Onboard commentary

Guided Milford Track walk (if option selected)

• 10min boat to Sandfly Point

• Up to 4 hours hiking time

• Expert hiking guide

• Track safety briefing and safety gear

Exclusions #

• Lunch & personal snacks (available to purchase onsite)

Cruise Lake Wakatipu, explore a working farm, and enjoy afternoon tea in alpine surrounds.

• Everything you get: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu, then explore Walter Peak Farm with a friendly guide. Feed sheep, alpacas, and Highland cattle, watch sheepdogs at work, and relax with freshly baked scones and cakes in a charming lakeside setting.
• Why choose this: You’ll get to enjoy a scenic cruise, feed friendly farm animals, and have fresh-baked afternoon tea—Queenstown charm at its best.
• Upgrades: Cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw with open engine-room views or the Spirit of Queenstown with a spacious open-top deck with panoramic views.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm
• English-speaking guide
• Farm show demonstration in the amphitheatre
• Farmyard visit to meet the animals
• Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)
• Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown (based on selected option)
• Live commentary on the cruise

Exclusions #

• Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Full-day Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise with Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass journey.

• Starting point: Manapouri, with check-in at the RealNZ Visitor Center before boarding.
• Everything you get: Lake Manapouri cruise, coach transfer over Wilmot Pass through Fiordland rainforest, 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise, complimentary tea and coffee onboard, live nature and history commentary, wildlife viewing opportunities, multilingual interpretation sheets
• Sights covered: Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Doubtful Sound, Fiordland rainforest, and Deep Cove.
• Why choose this: A seamless full-day experience showcasing Fiordland’s remote beauty, wildlife, and wilderness.

Inclusions #

• Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
• Cruise across Lake Manapouri
• Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
• Knowledgable nature guide
• Informative commentary
• Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese
• Complimentary tea & coffee

Exclusions #

• Meals & drinks

What to bring

• It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.
• It is advised to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and an insect repellent.

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Accessibility

• Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.

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Additional information

• The cruise vessel is subject to change without notice.

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and outdoor activities.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and any personal medications you may need.
• Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Large luggage and suitcases are not permitted on the coach or cruise.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the coach or cruise vessel.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and boarding/disembarking from vehicles and boats.

Additional information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions; the itinerary may be adjusted for safety or comfort.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Infant seats are available on request; please inform the operator in advance if required.
• Meals are not included unless specified in your ticket variant; you may bring your own snacks or purchase food at designated stops.
• Restroom breaks are provided during the journey, but facilities may be limited in remote areas.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
• The duration of the tour is approximately 12–13 hours, including transfers.

Inclusions #

• Full-day tour of Milford Sound with return transfers from Queenstown

• Guided nature walks and scenic stops en route

• Expert driver guide commentary

• 1-hour 45-minute fjord cruise

• Boutique small boat cruise of maximum 15 people (if option selected)

Exclusions #

• Other food and beverages (available to purchase onsite)