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

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)

What to bring

• Bring your covered shoes/boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
• Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.
• Bring a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

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Accessibility

• The Spirit of Queenstown is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier to board with prams or mobility aids. The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.
• The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.

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Additional information

• The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
• The TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown undergo yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.

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

• Complimentary photos (sent to your email)

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.

Best-priced Milford cruise, with peak slot availability.

• Everything you get: 1-hour 45-minute to 2-hour scenic cruise with expert commentary, indoor lounges and open decks, free tea/coffee, frequent wildlife sightings, multilingual audio, and flexible timings for self-drivers.
• Why choose this: Best for self-drivers wanting flexible, with frequent departures, ideal for Queenstown day trips.
• Upgrades: Elevate your trip with scenic flights from Queenstown for aerial views of the Southern Alps and fjord, cutting travel to just ~5 hours instead of a 13-hour coach ride.

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)

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.

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)

Shorter travel, calmer crowds, the Te Anau advantage.

• Everything you get: Return coach from Te Anau with expert driver-guide, early cruise slots to beat peak crowds, scenic stops at key viewpoints, live commentary, and a relaxed 8 to 9-hour schedule that pairs well with glowworm cave visits.
• Why choose this: Best for families and planners who want less time on the road and more time in Milford Sound. Starting closer means a smoother, calmer day with fewer travel hassles.
• Upgrades: Opt for an intimate small-group tour and a small-boat boutique cruise for a more personal experience.

Inclusions

• Full-day guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau

• 2-hour Milford Sound scenic cruise

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Return transfers from Te Anau with stops for short walks

• Live commentary on board

Exclusions

• Lunch & refreshments (available to purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly.
• Bring a rain jacket or waterproof outerwear, as the area is known for frequent rainfall.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and snacks, as options may be limited during the tour.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views.

What’s not allowed

• Smoking is not permitted on the coach or cruise vessel.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Large luggage and suitcases are not allowed; bring only a small day bag.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility due to steps and uneven surfaces.

Additional information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions; cruises may proceed in rain or shine.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Restroom facilities are available on the coach and cruise vessel.
• The itinerary and stops may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
• Infants aged 0–4 may travel free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Meals are not included; please bring your own food or purchase at available stops.
• The experience includes return transfers between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

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)

See Fiordland twice: by air and by water for the best of both views.

• Everything you get: Full day tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown, return or one-way scenic flights with window seats, pilot commentary over the Alps and glaciers, small-boat cruise for close waterfalls, airport transfers, and weather-first scheduling.
• Why choose this: Best for time-smart travelers. Swap a 13h coach ride for a 5h fly-cruise, delivering Milford’s greatest hits with panoramic views and photos from two angles.
• Upgrades: Go all-flight for maximum savings of time, or mix coach + flight to explore Milford Road’s scenic stops.

Inclusions

• Full or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)

• One-way coach to Milford Sound with return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)

• Round-trip scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound (if option selected)

• 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Small-group experience

• Live commentary on board

• Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise

• Guaranteed window seats

• Round-trip hotel transfers

Exclusions

• Food and drinks (available for purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and variable weather conditions.
• Bring a warm jacket, as weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable and cool, even in summer.
• Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a water bottle and any personal medication you may need.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the aircraft, coach, or cruise.
• Alcohol, illegal substances, and smoking (including e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on all transport and during the cruise.
• Drones and professional photography equipment are not allowed without prior permission.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility. Guests must be able to board and disembark from small aircraft, coaches, and boats independently or with minimal assistance.
• There are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms available during the tour.
• Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
• A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.

Additional information

• All flights are subject to weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• Infants must sit on laps; child pricing applies for children aged 2–11 years. Children under 2 years may travel free but must be included in the booking.
• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• The itinerary and duration may vary depending on weather, traffic, and operational requirements.
• Food and drinks are not included unless specified in your ticket. You may bring your own snacks.
• Restroom facilities are available on the cruise vessel but may be limited during other parts of the tour.
• Please inform the operator in advance of any dietary requirements or medical conditions.
• The experience operates in all weather conditions except when deemed unsafe by the operator. Dress appropriately for changing weather.