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Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

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Explore Lake Wakatipu’s beauty on the Spirit of Queenstown Cruise. Secluded bays, historic landmarks, & stunning mountain views await.

Not certain about dates, or have a question? Ask here

Take a cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown, and see the sights you can’t see from land. Enjoy time on our relaxing and spacious modern boat.

Take an epic voyage of discovery around Lake Wakatipu and go further than any other cruise to explore secluded bays, historic landmarks, and mountain views.

The Spirit of Queenstown cruise is the perfect way to explore Lake Wakatipu and its stunning surroundings. With a spacious and modern boat, you can sit back and relax as you take in the sights you can’t see from land. The cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore secluded bays, historic landmarks, and breathtaking mountain views, all from the comfort of the boat.

Sit back and relax on board Spirit of Queenstown.

$ 49.00

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Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

18 Day Complete New Zealand Tour

Jet Boat Tour Queenstown

• Total Price: $ 5,207.00 Add All To Cart Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
• This item: Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise ( $ 49.00 )
• 18 Day Complete New Zealand Tour ( $ 4,999.00 )
• Jet Boat Tour Queenstown ( $ 159.00 )

Spirit of Queenstown offers the longest, premium cruising experience on Lake Wakatipu. Board the vessel and enjoy a return cruise towards the western shores of the lake on a modern, spacious, purpose-built catamaran. Cruise past Bob’s Cove and view flora and fauna up close, and enjoy spectacular views towards Glenorchy, Mt Earnslaw, the Southern Alps and Remarkables mountain range. The vessel design ensures unobstructed views out either side of the vessel with large, tall viewing windows and spacious outdoor decks. Informative commentary is provided, and the wheelhouse is open to join and speak with the skipper. There is an onboard café with a selection of hot and cold beverages and snacks available for purchase.

• Explore the secluded bays and inlets of Lake Wakatipu
• Take in breathtaking mountain views and historic landmarks
• Marvel at the turquoise waters of Bob’s Cove and its lush native bush
• Capture panoramic photos from the open-top deck of the spacious and modern boat.
• Warm clothing,
• Waterproof jacket,
• Comfortable shoes

Travellers who bought this trip often also travelled on these trips:

9 Day Southern Dream Tour

16 Day Ultimate New Zealand Tour

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• Essential things to pack

$ 49.00

Save $500pp on a Discovery Expedition Cruise

Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience the wonders of Lake Whakatipu aboard our modern catamaran. Aboard the Queenstown Lake Cruise, you will discover mountains, forests, and hidden coves as our skipper shares tales of the lake's history. Admire Bob's Cove, Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps during our 1 hour and 30-minute cruise. Whether with family, friends, or a special someone, join us to uncover Queenstown's natural beauty. Relax onboard with our café and bar. 

What you will experience:

• Enjoy a 1 hour 30-minute cruise on Lake Whakatipu

Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends

• Sit back, relax and discover the special landscapes of Queenstown
• Onboard café and bar: upgrade your experience by adding a cheese or charcuterie board
• Learn the history and highlights of Lake Whakatipu from your skipper’s commentary
• Pause at Bob’s Cove turquoise water and native bush
• Enjoy the scenes towards Glenorchy , Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps
• Cruise from $59 per adult

Take stunning photos on our open-top deck

Secluded bays, historic landmarks and mountain views

Hot and cold beverages and snacks available

More Information

Departure location.

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.

What to bring

• Shoes/boots (non-slip)
• Warm clothing/jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please  contact us directly.

What is the weather like in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a climate with four distinct seasons however, being located in an alpine environment means the weather can be changeable. A guide for the temperatures you can expect is as follows:  summer  (December-February) 19-29 Celsius, autumn  (March-May) 15-25 Celsius,  winter  (June-August) 5-10 Celsius,  spring  (September-November) 9-15 Celsius.

Where is the car parking in Queenstown?

Please allow an additional 30 minutes to find parking for your vehicle prior to your check in time.  

There is limited free street parking available in the streets surrounding central Queenstown. There is paid parking available in the Man Street and Church Street parking buildings plus pay and display parking at the Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks.

Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks are suitable for motorhomes. Please allow 15 minutes to walk to the RealNZ office from there.

How long does it take to travel to Queenstown?

Queenstown is around a 2.5 hour drive from Te Anau or around 1hr 15 minutes from Wanaka. For more travel locations please refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

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Lake Wakatipu Catamaran Scenic Cruise From Queenstown

Cruise into untouched wilderness and discover all Lake Wakatipu's hidden gems, including Mount Nicholas!

Lake Wakatipu Catamaran Scenic Cruise From Queenstown Highlights

• Get up to $10 cash back per person when you book with us!
• 1.5 hours cruise on Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu
• Spectacular views of the Southern Alps and The Remarkables mountain range
• Stop at Bob’s Cove to view flora and fauna up close
• Easy viewing with tall windows and comfortable indoor seating
• Learn about the history, geology and wildlife of the region
• Spacious outdoor decks with panoramic 360-degree views
• Have your photo taken with the skipper in the open wheelhouse
• On board café with light snacks available
• Free tea and coffee WHERE WE VISIT
• Lake Wakatipu

Why Do We Love This

We love the relaxed nature of this cruise - it's the perfect atmosphere to soak in the stunning Queenstown surrounds! 

What to Expect

Cruise into untouched wilderness on board the  Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise . Discover Lake Wakatipu’s hidden gems , and relax as you take in the scenery around you. Sit back, relax and enjoy this Queenstown adventure! The cruise departure point is walking...

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Wakatipu Catamaran Scenic Cruise From Queenstown

How long does it take to get to milford sound from queenstown, will i see wildlife, are there sandflies, do you provide wheelchair access, what's the weather like in milford, what clothes should i wear, reviews for lake wakatipu catamaran scenic cruise from queenstown.

Total review count and overall rating based on Backpackerdeals and Travello reviews.

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All Reviews

We had a wonderful trip, great scenery and informative commentary. Staff very pleasant and friendly. Just a little hard to hear the commentary while indoors but clearer out on the deck.

Wonderful views, very relaxing 1.5 hours of observation.

Visit: https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/terms-of-use/

To reduce credit card fraud activity customers must show the credit card that was used for booking online when they check-in.

Gift vouchers are non-refundable (other than at the absolute discretion of Southern Discoveries).

Pre-paid reservations...

All customer cancellation & refund requests are also subject to our website’s own  refund conditions .

Tour Operator

5 spectacular lake cruises in Queenstown

Guide by Jo Williams

Last Updated 25 January 2024

What are the best lake cruises in Queenstown? In this guide we look at the different Lake Wakatipu cruises leaving from Queenstown's wharf, and break down the differences in price, inclusions, and experiences.

At over 80 km in length, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake, reaching down to 380 metres deep. It’s so big that local legend tells of a great giant, lying quietly asleep within the lake’s murky depths.

The lake is central to town life and locals congregate along the water's edge both night and day. It’s an absolute must of any visit to Queenstown - so make sure to head out on a scenic cruise to get to know this stunning lake a little better.

TSS Earnslaw  - Historic Steamship Cruise

The TSS Earnslaw Vintage coal-fired Steamship on Lake Wakatipu

Operated by RealNZ, this old steamer has been going for over a century. Since it first set sail in 1912, the vintage vessel has been transporting goods and later visitors around the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu.

Getting its name from the ‘Twin Screw Steamer’ propulsion system, the TSS Earnslaw is an important relic of the Edwardian era - it’s the last remaining coal-fired passenger steamer south of the equator.

The ship is an attraction in itself, after being painstakingly restored to its original condition with wrap-around sightseeing decks, a mini-museum, and an inside restaurant and bar (complete with pianist). You can even watch the steamboat workers as they shovel ‘black gold’ in the engine room - it’s certainly not the most eco-friendly cruise in Queenstown.

This top Queenstown cruise departs from Steamer Wharf, in the town centre, taking passengers on a coal-powered journey around Lake Wakatipu. Choose from multiple departures each day (depending on the season). Trips run all year round, with the exception of a maintenance week in winter.

Top tip - the ship can get a little crowded in peak season, so it might be better to book an alternative day cruise in Queenstown.

How much is it to go on the Earnslaw in Queenstown?

The TSS Earnslaw costs $80 for the standard cruise, which you can book online here . The cruise lasts for around 1 hour 30 minutes, and returns to the start point.

Additional info:

TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

There are a maximum of 150 travellers allowed on board.

The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ and farm tour

Another great option to make the most of your day is the Walter Peak lunch or dinner BBQ excursion. After a 45 minute journey on the TSS Earnslaw, you will be treated to a gourmet barbecue buffet at the Colonel’s lakeside homestead.

With Central Otago specialties including roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts, and an all New Zealand cheeseboard, you won’t leave hungry on this tour.

The farm is a lovely place to wander around with beautiful plants, resident sheep, deer, cattle and alpaca. There’s also an included sheep shearing demonstration or sheepdog show to add to the true Kiwi farm experience.

The cruise with dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm departs at 6 pm and lasts for around 4 hours, $165.00. There are discounted rates for children aged 5 to 14 ($85) and infants go free.

The BBQ buffet lunch option departs at 12:00 PM, lasting for around 3.5 hours and costs $145.00 ($75 for children).

It's also possible to go on a half-day horse trek from Walter Peak , with morning or afternoon tea included, from $179.00.

The Million-dollar Lake Cruise

The Million-dollar Lake Cruise is, unlike the name suggests, the most affordable Queenstown boat tour. It’s a smaller boat, so it offers some great photo opportunities and no-frills sailing fun.

The cruise is suitable for all ages, with all basic facilities on board. The journey will take you past lakeside homes, willow islands, Kawarau Dam, and all of the amazing scenery in and around Queenstown.

On sunny days you can get unobstructed views from the upper sundeck, or in cooler weather, stay warm inside the heated cabin. There’s also an onboard honesty bar for drinks (bottled water is included).

The Million-dollar Cruise operates regular morning and afternoon departures, 365 days a year. You can find them down by the jetty in Queenstown’s centre - just follow the signs.

How much does the Million-dollar Lake cruise in Queenstown cost?

The Million-dollar lake cruise costs $49 and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes. You can pre-book online here to make sure you get a spot.

This boat is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers can be brought on board.

There’s a maximum of 61 travellers.

The Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Operated by Southern Discoveries. This modern catamaran is fast and spacious, meaning you can go a lot further in the same amount of time.

You can spread out at one of the tables in the indoor area with large viewing windows and fully-licensed bar, or head outside to the viewing deck with ample additional seating.

The Spirit of Queenstown flies down Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy passing Mt. Earnslaw, Bob's Cove, Cecil Peak, Mt. Nicholas, and the Remarkables mountain range along the way. Live commentary is provided but if you have any burning questions you are welcome to chat to the skipper in the open wheelhouse.

It is easy to get to as the Spirit of Queenstown dock is right in Queenstown's centre, at the Southern Discoveries office (next to St Omer Park). The catamaran departs year-round with multiple departure times everyday.

How much does the Spirit of Queenstown cost?

It costs $59 for the Spirit of Queenstown standard scenic cruise , and will last around 1 hour 30 minutes.

The Spirit of Queenstown is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers can be brought on board.

There’s a maximum limit of 100 travellers.

The Scenic Dinner Cruise, Queenstown

The Spirit of Queenstown also offers a scenic dinner cruise of Queenstown's lake. The locally sourced menu is prepared by an onboard chef with southern delicacies and New Zealand beef and lamb. There are also seasonally-inspired vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives.

The 2 hour dinner cruise is priced at $109, excluding drinks (for dinner, there is a lower maximum of 75 travellers).

Pacific Jemm - Luxury 5-star Private Yacht

Pacific Jemm, by Eichardts, offers the only premium cruising opportunity in Queenstown and Glenorchy. Book a private charter on this 5-star luxury yacht to explore Lake Wakatipu in style.

The 80-foot Falcon-S will glide around the lake, taking in any sights you may wish to request; Bob’s Cove, Walter Peak, Pig & Pigeon Islands, Glenorchy, Greenstone, Halfway Bay or Jack’s Point.

The luxury charters can cater to any occasion with gourmet onboard chefs to prepare your meals. They also host corporate events and wedding ceremonies.

How much does a private cruise on Lake Wakatipu cost?

Pacific Jemm cruises are charged at an hourly rate, allowing you to choose the length of your journey.

Private cruising starts from $1,750 per hour (2-hour minimum cruise time). Public holidays prices, as well as costs for food, beverage and activities, are available on request through their website .

They also offer set packages like the 3-hour ‘Gourmet BBQ Cruise’ for four people, from $5,750, and the 2-hour ‘Champagne Cruise for two’, from $3,300.

The maximum capacity is 8 seated, 32 standing.

Stay overnight on Lake Wakatipu

If you want to stay overnight on Lake Wakatipu, you can choose to sleep on the Pacific Jem. Its king and queen cabins can accommodate up to four adults with 2.5 bathrooms on board.

The Pacific Jemm overnight luxury accommodation option is convenient, too, you will be docked up at O’Regan’s Wharf in Queenstown Bay, a short stroll from cafes, restaurants and more.

The Luanda Experience - Private Charter Party Boat

If you are looking to celebrate on Lake Wakatipu, the Luanda Experience offers the best private charters for groups and parties.

The small four-level vessel can be heard far and wide, pumping its impressive sound system across the waters of Queenstown Bay.

Luanda, meaning enjoyment in Hawaiian, is what The Luanda Experience is all about. The staff and crew embody this and know how to get a party started!

Trips can be customised to each individual group with BBQ and catering options, flexible durations, and a fully licenced bar complete with drink specials. It’s best known for hen & stag nights, and birthday parties, but can be booked for any occasion.

How much does a private charter cost?

Cruise options and prices are available upon request via the Luanda website .

There is a maximum capacity of 38 people.

So, which is the best lake cruise in Queenstown?

Ultimately, that depends on what you're looking for. The best budget cruise in Queenstown is the Million-dollar Cruise; it’s great value for money and offers all of the same sights as the larger boats.

But families and those with additional needs might prefer a larger, stable, and more comfortable Queenstown boat. The TSS Earnshaw and Spirit of Queenstown both have lots of toilets, food options, and a range of beverages on board.

Private charters are a great option for special occasions or those travelling in big groups. You can have the whole experience to yourself and enjoy the freedom of the lake.

But if it’s your first time in Queenstown, nothing beats the TSS Earnslaw. It’s an integral part of Queenstown's history, and when combined with Walter Peak High Country Farm, it’s a must-do Queenstown experience that you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise From Queenstown - With Reviews & Ratings

• Queenstown Tours
• Catamaran Cruises Tours

Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise From Queenstown

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Return Details : From December 3 2021, we will be requiring vaccination certificates to be shown prior to joining any Southern Discoveries experience.
• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Enjoy exploring New Zealands picturesque Lake Wakatipu on a spacious Catamaran which is purpose-built for viewing. Surrounded by stunning mountains including the Remarkables Mountain Range and the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake and a highlight of Queenstown . Your skipper provides informative commentary about the sights and wildlife around the lake as you cruise to the western shores to take in the stunning scenery and unique photo opportunities. This beautiful cruise departs at 1.15pm & 3.15pm from Thursday - Monday. Upgrade your ticket to include a delicious Gibbston Valley Cheese board and a glass of Central Otago wine from award winning winery, Akarua.

Know More about this tour

Your experience starts here - Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise departure and get ready for your journey. Your captain provides informative commentary about the landmarks and native wildlife as you cruise. You are also welcome to join the captain in the wheelhouse. Learn about atmospheric pressures that cause the lake’s water level to rise and fall about 5 inches (12 centimeters) every few minutes. A Maori legend says that the water’s changing levels stem from the heartbeat of a giant who lies asleep in the lake’s depths.While a slumbering giant might be hard to prove, it's safe to say Elves have been here. The lake provided the setting for the Lothlórien scenes filmed for The Lord of the Rings movie. After a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu, return to the starting point in Queenstown where your tour ends. Enjoy Stunning Views of Southern Alps and Remarkables Mountain Range Marvel at the spectacular sights of Mt Earnslaw & the Earnslaw glacier as you cruise past the Southern Alps. Cruise by this high country sheep station. Check out the working woolshed located near the shoreline. Mt Nicholas High Country Farm is one of New Zealand's largest sheep stations and produces wool for Icebreaker clothing. Enjoy stunning views up the lake towards Glenorchy, Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps. Take panoramic photos from our open-top viewing deck As you cruise back into Queenstown bay you can enjoy a view towards Coronet Peak.

• Restroom on board
• Live commentary on board
• Sightseeing cruise Lake Wakatipu
• Food and Drinks - available for purchase
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Interpretation handouts are available in the following languages: Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, German, Spanish, French and Russian.

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Traveler Reviews

highly recommend, bit overcast on the day but still a nice relaxing couple of hours on the water, captain was great at commentary too!

Value for money!! The food was excellant and the trip entertaining and educational. Easily worth more than the actual cost. Highly reccommended.

Very nice scenic cruise around the lake. I was looking for something to do that was cheap and relatively short before an afternoon flight, and I'm very happy I went with this tour. I learned a lot about the area, and despite not having the best weather, we still have beautiful views. Very nice café on board as well. I would definitely recommend.

Very comfortable. And it was not busy, lots of space for yourself. Friendly staff. Nice view. Highly recommended

Ticket purchase and check is super easy. Amazing views and commentary from Skipper, would highly recommend.

I touched the snow mountain fortress and beautiful natural. I can say in one word that it's Awesome 👌 👏 👍

The Boat was gorgeous. Just floated smoothly on our day. And easy to move around & get great views and pictures. Skipper great. Internal staff great. We were lucky and loved it. Only query is why such boats here do not have crevaces on the tables to hold the drinks should it be rough or need to be left to sightsee. Scary leaving a drink on a flat table in a moving boat. But too hard to carry around. Thanks Team

With the excellent Captain Roy at the helm, this was a really enjoyable 90 minutes cruising around the lake. HIs witty commentary and the friendly crew complemented the outstanding scenery. Highly recommended.

Definitely a must do activity if you have 2 hrs to spare! The crew and Captain Roy made the trip so fun and interesting.

Great cruise! Chilled, comfortable and also informative. Perfect balance of stops for pics and moving about. Nice vessel too!

Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown

• Sightseeing cruise Lake Wakatipu
• Live commentary on board
• Restroom on board
• Food and Drinks - available for purchase
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre, St Omer Wharf 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Departure Point: Southern Discoveries Queenstown Visitor Centre Address: St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street, Queenstown
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Interpretation handouts are available in the following languages: Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, German, Spanish, French and Russian.
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre St Omer Wharf 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Departure Point: Southern Discoveries Queenstown Visitor Centre Address: St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street, Queenstown See address & details
• 1 Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre Stop: 10 minutes Your experience starts here - Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise departure and get ready for your journey. Read more Pass by Lake Wakatipu The Remarkables Ski Area Lake Wakatipu Southern Discoveries - Mt Nicholas Farm Experience Glenorchy Coronet Peak Ski Resort
• You'll return to the starting point

• 610clairef 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Shoutout to Greg The whole trip was so worth it. Views and stops we made along the way were incredible and the cruise was great too. The food from the buffet on board was really good. Special thank you to our driver Greg, that was so friendly and knowledgeable and made the long drive feel not long. Read more Written 2 April 2024
• mjc404 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely lake cruise We went on a cheese and wine lunch cruise. The trip around the lake was fascinating with some gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The skipper and crew were all helpful and informative. An enjoyable couple of hours. Read more Written 10 February 2024
• colinc482 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Coah and cruise to Milford Sound from Te Anau. Shale was a great coach driver and guide. Knowledgeable and entertaining. Thanks for a great day, we did feel for those having an additional 3 hrs plus travel from Queenstown. Colin and Ruth, UK. Read more Written 6 February 2024
• 942catrint 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant day trip! This trip was great! It was well organised, everything on time and the staff/crew were brilliant. The tour itself was beautiful, including the scenery, wildlife and underwater observatory. Would 100% recommend! Read more Written 30 November 2023
• philtabs 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Relaxing Everything in Queenstown is absolutely beautiful, the TSS Earnslaw is fascinating and very relaxing, the views are beautiful. Read more Written 26 October 2023
• P5490JRjessr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best cruise! The staff were very welcoming and friendly. It was a hassle free experience. It was a beautiful sunny day and the views were breathtaking! This was our first time being on this cruise and I highly recommend it if you’re visiting QZN! 10/10 Read more Written 25 October 2023
• Michael D 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor sound and virtually no commentary Nice boat, wonderful scenery, no commentary that anyone could hear, so disappointing. We asked if the volume could be turned up. Crew said you can’t hear the commentary over the noise of the engines. You would think with today’s technology something so basic could be solved. Read more Written 15 October 2023
• LynDMelbourne 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles NICE CRUISE BUT SOLD SHORT The luncheon cruise was advertised as a 2 hr cruise. We left the dock at 1.36 pm due at 1.30 pm and arrived back at 2.47pm. 45 mins short of what was advertised and what we anticipated. Do not advertise and charge $ for something you are not providing?? Additionally we hardly understood any of the commentary. The host had the microphone to close and it reverberated. A couple of times he pulled it back and he was as clear as could be. Read more Written 13 October 2023
• Lilydale17 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Fabulous experience! Took the 11am cruise with the cheeseboard option. The boat itself was very modern and immaculate inside and the bathrooms were also very clean. The views were spectacular and the cheeseboard was divine. Staff were all very lovely. A great experience and money well spent! Read more Written 18 September 2023
• francesm748 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do cruise⛴️, great experience👍. Highly recommended 💯‼️ The Captain & his crew were amazeballs💯. He explained the safety rules & history very well🗣 & even had a great sense of humor to go with it🤣. Lunch was yummy😋, sustainable, nice & appealing👍. The views were majestic, magnificent & stunning😮. Read more Written 1 September 2023
• Tyson C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles We used them for Milford Sound day trip Not sure if this is the right title, but we used Southern Discoveries for a day trip to Milford Sound. Benjamin was the driver and he was perfect. Gave good commentary on the way out, and floored it on the way home. lol Overall this was the best day trip ever, and you sometimes have an option of a cheap flight home. They pick you up right in town and stop at a few places along the way. Plenty of options to take pictures Read more Written 2 June 2023
• Tucson85715 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 5 star service with Sofi at Southern Discoveries Sofi was simply amazing and so helpful. We enjoyed the lake cruise with a wine cheese board. It was the perfect day in Queenstown. Sofi also booked a KJet 1 hour ride that my husband really enjoyed. Make sure to book with Southern Discoveries when you travel to Queenstown. We had a wonderful holiday thanks Sofi for all your help you were so friendly and very informative to all that Queenstown has to offer. Read more Written 7 April 2023
• 488gaynorw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lake Wakatipu Catamaran trip Highly recommend if in Queenstown. Fabulous trip to see more of Lake Wakatipu Beautiful scenery and relaxing trip Skipper was very knowledgeable and provided lots of history and facts. Staff nice and friendly. We had cheese and wine which was a nice touch to the trip although pretty minimal in terms of quantity. There is a cafe on board which had good choice and reasonably priced! Read more Written 30 March 2023
• robaD1410XB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dinner Cruise Took part in the Dinner Cruise last night. So far it’s one of our top experiences while here in New Zealand. Excellent staff, very well organized and dinner served like clockwork. Excellent quality of food. All in all It was a beautiful evening and high quality experience…I definitely recommend it! Read more Written 28 February 2023
• AdrienneOsborn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Illuminating nature commentary Spectacular, with fascinating nature commentary by the captain. Wonderful staff. Very cold on the 9:30 cruise in February - was glad to have my down jacket! (I could have gone inside, but didn’t want to!) Read more Written 25 February 2023

More to explore in Queenstown

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown provided by Queenstown Lake Cruise - Southern Discoveries

Queenstown – See, explore and discover a town like no other

Queenstown is a New Zealand must-do. Long considered the country’s epicentre of adventure, Queenstown also offers plenty of opportunities for rest and rejuvenation amongst nature. Nestled between the deep waters of Lake Wakatipu and the mighty peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown’s rich beauty is matched only by its rich history.

Over 15,000 years ago, a glacier carved its way through the landscape to create the deep valley that is now Lake Wakatipu. The region was first visited by Ngāi Tahu, the southern iwi who tell the story of the ‘breathing lake’. Queenstown’s more recent history is shaped by the stories of explorers, farmers, gold pioneers and ski enthusiasts.

Now a non-stop, year-round spectacle, Queenstown’s impressive list of things to do entices those seeking adrenaline and thrills as well as those in search of luxurious spas and lodges.

Whether you’re on a budget or embarking on the trip of a lifetime, we invite you to discover Queenstown with the help of a little local knowledge.

Ready to discover Queenstown?

On the farm, on your bike, on the river.

Get ready for 360° spins and 360° views. A thrilling 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and onto the Kawarau and Shotover rivers with KJet, Queenstown’s original jet boat company. Trips depart every hour to take you to places others can’t. Find out how to book a jet boat and what you need to bring. Explore jet boat trips.

Queenstown webcam

Find out how the weather is today in Queenstown and Milford Sound. Check out our webcams.

All you need to know about Queenstown

Getting to queenstown.

Getting to Queenstown is easier than you think. Queenstown International Airport is 15 minutes from the centre of town and major roads link Queenstown to Christchurch, Invercargill and the West Coast. By road or by air, the journey to Queenstown is full of scenery to knock your socks off. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Queenstown and staying safe on the South Island roads. Discover how to get to Queenstown.

Queenstown Weather

Queenstown has four vastly different seasons, each one offering unique sights and experiences. From spring’s burst of colour and the endless long days of summer to winter’s snowfall and the spectacle of the autumn leaves. The weather can change day-to-day as well as season-to-season, so here’s the local knowledge on preparing for your Queenstown holiday. Learn more about Queenstown weather. View the weather today on the Queenstown webcam situated at our Queenstown Visitor’s Center.

Where to eat

Dining out in Queenstown is just about a full-time job. With over 150 restaurants, cafes and bars on offer, Queenstown is foodie heaven. Here, you’ll find locally-grown South Island produce combined with global flavours. Whether you’re looking for your first caffeine hit of the day or a memorable meal out, discover where to find the best food in Queenstown. Discover Queenstown’s best dining.

Learn about Lake Wakatipu

The deep, dark waters of Lake Wakatipu are an enduring link to Queenstown’s geological past. Fed by the braided, glacier-fed Dart and Rees rivers, Lake Wakatipu delivers an endless list of water activities and thrills. In the evening, the sunset over Lake Wakatipu is one of Queenstown’s greatest shows. Here, we share all the info on Queenstown’s best lake cruises, jet boat trips and kayaking and fishing experiences. Discover all the fun ways to experience Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Flora and Fauna

There’s more to New Zealand’s wildlife than its famous bird, the shy Kiwi. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a rich ecosystem that is both fascinating and facing challenges. New Zealand is known for its broad diversity of native plants, many of which can be found on the walking tracks around Queenstown. We’ll share our inside tips on where to go to see local wildlife and learn about native species. Discover Queenstown’s native species.

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Take to the region's lakes and fiords with a boat cruise in Queenstown and beyond

The Southern Lakes region is home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful waterways, including Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown and Fiordland's Milford Sound. Queenstown is the perfect base to experience the tranquillity and beauty of boating in New Zealand.

Fiordland is one of the most popular areas of New Zealand, cruising through the soaring mountains, deep waters and witnessing the abundant wildlife is an incredible experience. There are a number of companies that offer transfers to Milford and Doubtful Sounds from Queenstown, and there are even overnight cruise options.

Scenic boat cruises in Queenstown include a trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw, or hop on a relaxing lake cruise with locally-owned Million Dollar Cruise or Southern Discoveries for wildlife and mountain vistas that cannot  be experienced from town. Hire a private yacht for a bespoke dining experience in a secluded inlet or book a party cruise with friends for a scenic take on Queenstown nightlife.