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)

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.

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)

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.

Full-day guided Doubtful Sound cruise through pristine Fiordland landscapes.

• Starting point: Convenient pick-up from Queenstown
• Everything you get: Round-trip transfers from Queenstown, a scenic Lake Manapouri cruise, a 3-hour Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise, and expert commentary on Fiordland’s unique flora and fauna.
• Sights covered: Doubtful Sound, Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, rainforests, rugged peaks, and wildlife.
• Why choose this: Experience a full-day wilderness adventure with guided insights and unique wildlife sightings.

Inclusions

• Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour

• Cruise across Lake Manapouri

• Coach trip over Wilmot Pass

• Round-trip transfers from Queenstown

• 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, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.
• It is advised to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and an insect repellent.

Accessibility

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

Additional information

• The cruise vessel is subject to change without notice.

Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship with horse trekking at Walter Peak.

• Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, enjoying breathtaking views of the Remarkables and lush forested shores.
• Listen to engaging onboard commentary about the steamship's rich history and the stunning landscapes, including the Southern Alps.
• Ride through Walter Peak's scenic farmland on a guided horse trek, taking in panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
• After your trek, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead, surrounded by vibrant gardens and friendly farm animals.

Inclusions

• 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

• 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu

• Live commentary on the cruise

Exclusions

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

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.

Discover Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise with dinner, breakfast, kayaking, and guided commentary.

• Best for adventurers seeking an unforgettable escape into nature and those wanting a serene retreat.
• Book this to enjoy a stunning overnight cruise, explore hidden coves, and indulge in delicious meals.
• You'll eat a delicious gourmet 3-course dinner prepared onboard, plus a hearty cooked breakfast the following day.
• You'll see breathtaking views of Doubtful Sound, spot wildlife like dolphins and seals, and gaze at the stars under pristine skies.
• You'll experience guided kayaking or tender boat excursions, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of Fiordland National Park.

Inclusions

• Full-length overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound

• Expert nature guide

• Coach transfers from Queenstown

• Coach trip over Wilmot Pass

• Cruise across Lake Manapouri

• Complimentary tea & coffee

• 3-course dinner

• Cooked breakfast

• Kayak or tender boat ride (weather dependent)

Exclusions

• Drinks from the licensed bar (additional expense)

Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship and enjoy a unique eco experience at Walter Peak.

• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, soaking in stunning views and fascinating tales of the lake's history.
• Stroll through Walter Peak's native gardens and learn about local plants and their importance in New Zealand’s conservation efforts.
• Get involved in nature by planting a native seedling on the reforested peninsula, contributing to the farm's eco-friendly initiatives.
• Enjoy a delicious high tea featuring homegrown produce, the perfect treat to savor as you soak in the serene lakeside atmosphere.

Inclusions

• Native flora & fauna tour

• Tree/shrub planting

• Nature guide

• Light lunch

• 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu

• Live commentary on the cruise

Exclusions

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

Twice the ride time of most jet trips, exploring Lake Wakatipu and two Queenstown rivers.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a full 1-hour jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and into the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Experience high-speed stretches, sharp 360° spins, and close-up views of Queenstown’s surrounding landscapes. All safety gear is provided.
• Why choose this: Ideal for families and first-time riders. No height restrictions and child life jackets ensure everyone can enjoy a full hour of speed, spins, and varied river scenery in a single trip.

Inclusions

• 1-hour jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

• 360° spins on water

• High-speed river travel

• Expert driver/guide

• Life jackets (up to 4XL size)

What to bring

• Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for verification.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for high-speed water activities; safety clothing may be recommended on site.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the boat.
• Food and beverages are not allowed during the experience.
• Alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited.
• Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for infants aged 2 years and under.

Accessibility

• This experience is accessible by wheelchair. You must be accompanied by a caregiver who can help carry you down a set of stairs and assist you with getting in and out of the jet boat.
• Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.

Additional information

• Children and infants must be able to fit into the life jacket provided to enjoy this experience.
• Each infant must be accompanied by an adult during the experience.
• Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• Life jackets are available in sizes up to 4XL.
• The decision on whether a child can sit independently or on a guardian's lap will be made by staff at check-in.
• Children and infants must be able to fit into the life jacket provided to enjoy this experience.
• Bringing cameras on board is at your own risk.
• When a child sits on a guardian's lap, the guardian must keep their arms wrapped around the child and hold onto the handrail to secure the child, especially during spins.
• If you have any concerns about a pre-existing medical condition, consult with your doctor before participating.
• The activity operates in most weather conditions; dress appropriately and follow all safety instructions provided by staff.