Spirit of Queenstown Cruises

Things to know before booking

Seating & boarding: Seating is open and unassigned; arriving early helps secure the best spots on decks or near windows.
Ticket inclusions: Base sightseeing tickets include the cruise and live commentary; additional food and drinks from the café are at an extra cost.
Cruise types: Sightseeing cruises are ideal for shorter, flexible lake trips, perfect if you’re short on time or budget.
Accessibility: The Spirit of Queenstown is wheelchair accessible on the main deck, with ramps and accessible restrooms.
Booking & timing: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure for check-in; booking early helps secure preferred times.
Weather & seasonal notes: Cruises operate in all weather; glass-enclosed decks and indoor lounges keep guests comfortable year-round.
Cancellations & changes: Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before departure.

Your Spirit of Queenstown Cruise tickets explained

Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Type of cruise: Scenic lake cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the modern catamaran.
Inclusions: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu with live commentary, panoramic deck and indoor seating, and views of alpine peaks and lakeside landmarks.
Ideal for: Visitors wanting a relaxed, shorter scenic cruise option—families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Book Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Walter Peak Farm Tour

Type of cruise: Scenic lake cruise plus a guided farm experience at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Inclusions: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu, meet farm animals such as sheep, alpacas, and Highland cattle, watch a farm dog demonstration, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea in the woolshed.
Ideal for: Families, animal lovers, and visitors wanting both scenic views and a taste of rural New Zealand farming life.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Book Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Walter Peak Farm Tour

Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience

Type of cruise: Scenic lake cruise combined with a gourmet BBQ dining experience at Walter Peak.
Inclusions: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the Spirit of Queenstown or the historic TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a gourmet BBQ buffet lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead, and explore the farmyard or attend a short farm show.
Ideal for: Food enthusiasts, groups, or couples wanting a memorable lakeside dining experience with stunning mountain views.
Duration: Around 3 hours 30 minutes.

Book Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience

Plan your Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Spirit of Queenstown Wharf, St Omer Wharf, Queenstown. 📍 Located on Queenstown Bay in central Queenstown, just a short walk from the main lakefront.

Address Spirit of Queenstown Wharf St Omer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Getting there

On foot: The wharf is an easy 5-minute walk from central Queenstown and the main bus stops on Camp Street.
By car: Paid parking is available nearby on Lake Esplanade and along Beach Street.
By bus: Most local and regional buses stop at the Queenstown Station (Camp Street), about 300 m from the wharf.
By taxi or rideshare: A short 2- to 5-minute ride from most Queenstown hotels.

Tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your cruise departure to check in and board

To ensure a smooth start to your cruise, please arrive at the wharf a little early. The boarding process is simple and hassle-free:

Arrive 20 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Present your ticket or QR code at the Spirit of Queenstown Wharf counter for quick scanning.
Follow the crew’s directions to board the vessel directly via the pier ramp.

Once onboard, find your preferred spot on the open deck or in the lounge, sit back, and get ready to enjoy your scenic journey across Lake Wakatipu.

Departures daily at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, offering flexible options for a daytime scenic experience on Lake Wakatipu.

The Spirit of Queenstown offers a range of onboard facilities to make your cruise comfortable and enjoyable:

Café: Enjoy a selection of drinks, snacks, and local treats during your journey.
Restrooms: Clean and easily accessible facilities for all passengers.
Wi-Fi: Stay connected while taking in the scenic views.
Covered seating: Relax in sheltered areas protected from sun or light rain.
Open decks: Step outside to enjoy fresh air and unobstructed panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Casual attire is recommended for comfort during the cruise.
Light jacket or sweater for the open decks, as it can get breezy on the lake.
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the vessel.
Optional accessories: sunglasses and a hat for sunny days, or a scarf on cooler days.

Wheelchair-friendly ramps for easy boarding and disembarking.
Accessible restrooms are available onboard for all guests.
Spacious indoor and outdoor areas to accommodate mobility devices.
Assistance from the crew is available if needed to ensure a comfortable experience.

Frequently asked questions about Spirit of Queenstown Cruises

Are seats assigned?

No, seating is open — you can choose between indoor or outdoor areas.

Is there live commentary?

Yes, engaging commentary in English is available and you will learn all about the lake’s history, legends, and geology.

How is Spirit of Queenstown different from other cruises?

It’s one of the few vessels offering glass-enclosed decks, café service, and extended lake routes toward Mt Nicholas.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the main deck and restrooms are wheelchair friendly.

What can I see on the cruise?

You’ll enjoy views of The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Mt Nicholas Station, Queenstown Bay, Bob’s Cove, and hidden bays along Lake Wakatipu.

Where does the cruise depart from?

Board at Spirit of Queenstown Wharf on St Omer Wharf, Queenstown Bay, central Queenstown.

What are the cruise timings?

Sightseeing Cruises depart at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm daily.

What’s included in the ticket?

Sightseeing cruises include live commentary and scenic views. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Are seats assigned?

No, seating is open. You can choose between indoor lounges or outdoor decks.

What is the dress code?

Casual attire is recommended. Bring a light jacket for the open decks and wear comfortable shoes.

How is Spirit of Queenstown different from other cruises?

It offers glass-enclosed decks, café service, and extended lake routes toward Mt Nicholas, providing a unique mix of comfort, dining, and scenic exploration.

What else can I do nearby?

Queenstown Bay is close to shopping, dining, and attractions like the Skyline Gondola, waterfront parks, and lakeside walking trails.