Where do the cruises depart from?

Departures are mainly from **Steamer Wharf / Queenstown Lakefront**. Milford Sound cruises depart from **Milford Sound Visitor Terminal** after transfers from Queenstown.

Are food and drinks included?

Standard TSS Earnslaw and Million Dollar Cruises include optional snacks and drinks. Cruises with Gourmet BBQ or lunch options include meals and farm experiences.

Is live commentary or an audio guide included?

Most sightseeing cruises provide **live commentary or optional audio guides**, offering insights about Queenstown’s history, geology, and wildlife. Premium or guided cruises may include more in-depth storytelling.

Can I bring children or elderly passengers?

Yes, cruises are **family-friendly and suitable for seniors**, though some historic vessels may require assistance with steps or boarding ramps. Check accessibility details before booking.

Are the cruises wheelchair accessible?

Most vessels are accessible, but heritage ships like TSS Earnslaw may require assistance for those with limited mobility.

Seating is usually **first-come, first-served**. Arrive early for the best window or open-deck seats. Some premium or private cruises may offer reserved seating.

Bring **warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and a camera**. Open decks can be windy, and weather can change quickly in the mountains.

When is the best time of day to cruise?

**Late morning or early afternoon** for bright daylight and clear views. **Sunset cruises** are ideal for photography and golden hour lighting.

Can I book tickets on the day of the cruise?

Some short lake cruises allow same-day booking, but advance booking is recommended for **Gourmet BBQ, Milford Sound, or peak-season departures**.

Do Milford Sound cruises include transfers?

Yes, full-day Milford Sound trips usually include **coach transfers from Queenstown**.

Do the cruises operate year-round?

Most cruises run **year-round**. Summer offers calmer waters and longer daylight, while winter provides crisp mountain vistas and fewer crowds.

Queenstown Sightseeing Cruises | TSS Earnslaw & Million Dollar Cruise

Q: How long are the cruises?

Most cruises last between **1.5 to 3.5 hours**, depending on whether it’s a standard lake cruise or includes the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ experience.

What to expect on a sightseeing cruise in Queenstown?

1/5

Effortless boarding

Step aboard from Steamer Wharf and find your spot on open decks or cozy lounges as the boat eases away, revealing Queenstown Bay and mountain peaks beyond.

Sail through serenity

Glide over Lake Wakatipu’s glassy waters, surrounded by The Remarkables and Cecil Peak — a calm, cinematic escape from the buzz of the town.

Comfort & views combined

Enjoy commentary, a hot drink, and sweeping window views from heated cabins — perfect for year-round cruising in Queenstown’s alpine setting.

Moments worth capturing

Frame Bob’s Peak, Walter Peak Station, and mirrored reflections in tranquil bays — every turn offers postcard-perfect photo stops.

Sunset return

Cruise back as sunset lights up the lake, bathing the mountains in warm hues — a peaceful finale to your Queenstown voyage.

Things to know before booking a Queenstown sightseeing cruise

Daytime vs. evening cruises: Daytime cruises offer crisp, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, making them perfect for photography. Evening cruises showcase the golden hour's lighting and reflections on the water, creating a serene and romantic ambiance.
Cruise durations & routes: Options range from 1-hour express lake cruises to full-day Milford or Doubtful Sound excursions. Shorter cruises focus on local lakes and mountain views, while full-day trips include extended scenic journeys with multiple stops and nature experiences.
Boarding points: Queenstown Lakefront is the main pier for most sightseeing cruises. Milford and Doubtful Sound departures start from Queenstown, Manapouri, or designated visitor centers, depending on the route.
Boat types & seating: Options include modern catamarans and historic steamships. Some cruises offer open decks for unobstructed views, heated indoor lounges, or window-side seating upgrades.
Commentary & guides: Most cruises provide live or audio commentary in multiple languages, giving insights into local history, flora, fauna, and scenic highlights.
Accessibility: Modern vessels like the Spirit of Queenstown are wheelchair and pram-friendly. Heritage boats such as the TSS Earnslaw may have limited accessibility due to steps and narrow pathways.
Weather considerations: Cruises operate in most weather conditions. Cancellations are rare and usually only occur in extreme circumstances, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.
Extras & upgrades: Some cruises offer add-ons like scenic flights, gourmet meals, or wildlife spotting experiences. These can enhance standard sightseeing trips into full-day adventures.
Cancellation policy: Tickets can generally be canceled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers with changing plans.

Find your best Queenstown sightseeing cruise here

Cruise name	Route / Sights covered	Boarding point	Inclusions	Seating / Boat type	Duration	Price
TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ	Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Sights: The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, lakeside views.	Queenstown lakefront / Steamer Wharf	Live commentary, gourmet BBQ lunch, farm show, cruise.	Historic steamship or modern catamaran; indoor & open-deck.	3 h 30 m.	from NZ$159
TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise	Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard heritage or modern boat. Sights: mountain & lake vistas.	Queenstown lakefront / Steamer Wharf	Live commentary; optional add-ons.	Heritage steamship or modern catamaran; indoor & open-deck.	1 h 30 m – 3 h 30 m.	from NZ$115
Million Dollar Cruise	Scenic loop on Lake Wakatipu. Sights: The Remarkables, Kawarau Falls Dam, lakeside homes.	Queenstown lakefront	Live commentary, indoor lounge + open deck, light refreshments.	Smaller vessel; open deck & indoor lounge.	1 h 30 m.	from NZ$79
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch	Cruise through Milford Sound. Sights: Mitre Peak, waterfalls, wildlife.	Milford Sound cruise terminal (after transit)	Audio guide / live commentary; option for lunch.	Large sightseeing vessel; indoor & outdoor deck.	2 h – 4 h 30 m.	from NZ$145

Your Queenstown sightseeing cruise boarding points explained

Historic steamship at Queenstown wharf with mountains at sunset.

Address: Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand | Find on map

Getting there:

By bus: Orbus #1 or #2 to Queenstown Station, 3 min walk.
By taxi/car: At the end of Beach Street; paid parking nearby on Shotover Street.
Famous for: Queenstown’s historic lakefront pier, home to the TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown cruises. Surrounded by cafés and bars, it’s a lively spot with postcard-perfect mountain views.

Boats docked at Queenstown Marina with mountains in the background.

Address: Queenstown Bay Marina, Rees Street, Queenstown 9300 | Find on map

Getting there:

By bus: Route 1 stops at Stanley Street; 5 min walk to the marina.
By taxi/car: Short drive from central Queenstown; limited lakeside parking.
Famous for: Scenic departure point for the Million Dollar Cruise, close to Queenstown Gardens and the waterfront walkway — perfect if you’re staying near the town centre.

Milford Sound passenger terminal pier with boats and lush mountains.

Address: Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Fiordland National Park 9679 | Find on map

Getting there:

By tour coach: Most Milford Sound cruises include transfers from Queenstown.
By car: About 4 hrs via Te Anau; parking available at the terminal.
Famous for: Base for Milford Sound sightseeing cruises, surrounded by sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls — a must-see if you’re venturing beyond Queenstown.

How to choose your boarding point

Choose your cruise departure point based on the experience you’re after and where you’re staying.

Steamer Wharf is ideal if you want to sail on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown and enjoy the bustling lakefront vibe.
Queenstown Bay Marina suits travelers staying near the town center or Queenstown Gardens, with easy access to the Million Dollar Cruise.
Milford Sound Cruise Terminal is for those joining full-day excursions — transfers are usually included, so you won’t need to arrange your own transport.

Your Queenstown sightseeing cruise routes explained

TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ

Route followed: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Sites covered: The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, lakefront scenery, Walter Peak station.
Duration: ~3 h 30 m
Ideal for: Visitors seeking scenic views plus gourmet dining and farm experiences.

Milford Sound Cruise

Route followed: Scenic cruise through Milford Sound fjords after transfers from Queenstown.
Sites covered: Mitre Peak, waterfalls, rainforest cliffs, fjord wildlife.
Duration: 1 h 45 m (cruise only)
Ideal for: Nature lovers and photographers seeking dramatic fjord scenery.

TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Standard Cruise

Route followed: Loop cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Optional onboard add-ons.
Sites covered: Cecil Peak, Bob’s Cove, The Remarkables, Lakefront Panorama.
Duration: 1 h 30 m – 3 h 30 m
Ideal for: Flexible sightseeing cruise for heritage or modern vessel experiences.

Million Dollar Cruise

Route followed: Scenic loop on Lake Wakatipu passing Queenstown Bay and lakeside coves.
Sites covered: Queenstown Bay, Bob’s Cove, The Remarkables, local waterfront.
Duration: ~1 h 30 m
Ideal for: Short sightseeing for first-time visitors seeking classic lake and mountain views.

What you’ll see on a Queenstown sightseeing cruise

Aerial view of Million Dollar Cruise boat on Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown waterfront.

Queenstown Bay

From the deck, the bay stretches with deep blue waters reflecting towering mountains. Morning light casts shimmering reflections, making it a perfect photo spot as the cruise begins.

Cruise boat on Lake Wakatipu with passengers viewing Queenstown's Remarkables mountains.

Cecil Peak overlooking Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, New Zealand.

Walter Peak High Country Farm with steamboat on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand.

Chairlift ascending Bob's Peak, Queenstown with lake and mountain views.

Plan your sightseeing cruise in Queenstown

Cruise boat on Lake Wakatipu with mountains in the background, Queenstown, New Zealand.

TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Standard Cruise: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch: 10:30am, 1pm, 3:25pm
Million Dollar Cruise: 11am, 2pm, 4pm

Group enjoying TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise from Queenstown with scenic mountain views.

Best time of day: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal — mornings offer calm waters and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide golden-hour light and shimmering reflections for photography.
Summer (December-February): Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and ideal lake conditions.
Shoulder months (November, March): Fewer crowds, crisp reflections, and excellent visibility for photography.
Winter (June-August): Cooler temperatures but spectacular snow-capped mountain views surrounding the lake.

Restroom sign at Medieval Dinner venue in Prague.

Comfortable seating with indoor climate control and open decks
Onboard restrooms on most vessels
Snacks, beverages, and refreshments on select cruises
Safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency exits
Some premium cruises include Wi-Fi, live music, or welcome drinks.
Pier-side: ticket desks, waiting areas, cloakrooms, and toilets

Wheelchair in a museum setting highlighting accessibility features.

Larger vessels feature ramps, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-friendly seating.
Historic vessels or smaller yachts may have steep steps and limited access.
Crew are trained to assist passengers with mobility needs.
Early boarding is recommended for those with reduced mobility.

No smoking sign on a pole in an outdoor setting.

Alcohol permitted only on designated cruises; no outside drinks.
Pets allowed only on select private charters.
Smoking is prohibited onboard; designated areas at piers only.
Photography encouraged; drones not permitted on cruises.
Follow seasonal safety advice for Milford and Doubtful Sound full-day trips.

Visitor tips

Best seats & views: On TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, choose the upper deck for unobstructed panoramic views of The Remarkables and Cecil Peak. Starboard side often offers better reflections on calm waters.
Timing tips: Late afternoon or sunset cruises capture golden-hour lighting on the mountains and lake. Morning departures are quieter, ideal for peaceful reflections and wildlife spotting.
Motion & comfort: Smaller vessels on Milford or Doubtful Sound can feel choppier—bring motion-sickness aids if prone.
Tech tips: Download audio guides or offline maps before boarding; Wi-Fi can be limited on remote lake or sound routes.
Local etiquette: Keep noise low near wildlife in Milford and Doubtful Sounds; respect quiet zones on luxury cruises and private charters.

Other types of Queenstown cruises

Adventure & Jet Boat Cruises

Thrill-seekers can ride the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with high-speed jet boats, experiencing heart-pumping twists and turns far beyond standard sightseeing.

Book now

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise

Combine aerial views with a Milford Sound cruise for a time-efficient experience. See mountains, glaciers, and fjords from above and below the water.

Book now

Full-Day Nature & Cruise Tours

Day trips to Milford or Doubtful Sound include coach transfers, guided walks, and scenic cruises, perfect for immersive nature and wildlife experiences beyond the city.

Book now

Frequently asked questions about Queenstown sightseeing cruises

Most cruises last between 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on whether it’s a standard lake cruise or includes the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ experience.

From Queenstown: Million Dollar Cruise

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.

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1 hr. 30 min.

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Sightseeing Cruises in Queenstown