Get a new perspective of the city by joining one of the numerous boat tours from Queenstown, whether it be speed boating, a leisurely old steamboat cruise or nature trip on Milford Sound.

Known as New Zealand’s "adventure capital," Queenstown lies on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps.

It can also be your base to explore the area’s historic mining towns, beautiful vineyards or wildlife.

Here's everything you need to know about boat tours, one of the breathtaking outdoor activities in Queenstown.

What are the most popular boat tours in Queenstown?

TSS Earnslaw Queenstown cruise & Walter Peak gourmet BBQ

This delightful half-day boat tour in Queenstown takes you on a 45-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic Edwardian steamer TSS Earnslaw. Marvel at Queenstown's lovely scenery and savor the delicious gourmet BBQ at the Walter Peak High Country Station.

Enjoy the lovely gardens in the vast grounds and the architectural beauty of the old colonial buildings at the station.

Your half-day tour starts with a 45-minute cruise across beautiful Lake Wakatipu on board the historic steamer TSS Earnslaw. Launched in the same year as the fateful Titanic in 1912, “The Lady of the Lake” soon became a regional icon.

Wander through her onboard museum depicting her own history and feel free to look into the old engine room. Here you can see the tough coal-stokers hard at work to keep their steamer gracefully cruising the waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Your cruise takes you to the Walter Peak High Country Station, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown’s lovely alpine scenery. With its extensive gardens and colonial architecture, the property evokes the grace of days gone by.

You can tour the farmyard, help feed the sheep and deer in the holding pens and have a close look at the Scottish Highland cattle. Watch an interesting and entertaining demonstration of farm life on a working estate.

Sit down to your delicious BBQ buffet and enjoy salads, vegetables and tasty local meats specially barbecued on an outdoor grill. Enjoy the wide variety of desserts and the large spread of fresh-baked bread and cheese.

At the end of your visit, you will cruise back across Lake Wakatipu to the Steamer Wharf in Queenstown

Shotover River extreme jet boat ride in Queenstown

Hold on tight and enjoy the thrills of an extreme jet boat ride through rapids and narrow canyons on the Shotover River in Queenstown. Experience the adrenaline rush as the boat scoots over the river’s surface at high speed and into 360-degree spins.

At your scheduled time, get aboard the complimentary shuttle bus in downtown Queenstown for a short ride to the Shotover River base in Arthurs Point. From here, you will take off on your exhilarating jet boat ride down the river.

You have to hold on as the pilot steers the speeding boat over the white-water rapids and through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons. You will see straight cliffs and stony outcrops fly past and feel the adrenaline rushing as the boat goes into bends, quick turns and twists.

At the end of your jet boat ride, you can again relax on the complimentary shuttle transfer back to your accommodation in Queenstown. Souvenir photos of your jet boat adventure will be available to purchase.

Lake Wakatipu scenic catamaran cruise from Queenstown

During this pleasant catamaran trip on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, you can enjoy clear views of The Remarkables mountain range and the Southern Alps.

Sail across the lake, pause at Bob’s Cove and take in the lovely views from the longest lake in New Zealand. Share the captain’s accounts of the natural landmarks and wildlife while relaxing inside the boat or outside on the decks.

Board the cruise catamaran at the pier in downtown Queenstown for either a morning or early afternoon trip. The catamaran has large windows and wide outdoor decks for better viewing and comfortable, warm seats indoors.

You can also buy hot or cold drinks and snacks at the onboard café. As you cruise along, your boat captain shares interesting information on the historic landmarks and the indigenous wildlife.

Admire the lovely views of the Southern Alps and The Remarkables mountain range on the southeastern shore of the lake. The latter rise sharply and create a marvelous backdrop for the lake, and are clearly visible even from nearby Queenstown.

Take in the grand sights of Mount Earnslaw as you cruise past the Southern Alps. Pass by the Mount Nicholas High Country Farm, one of New Zealand's largest sheep stations dating back to colonial times.

Enjoy great views towards the small settlement of Glenorchy, Mount Earnslaw and the Southern Alps. Though off the beaten track, Glenorchy is world famous as a backdrop to fantasy movie locations from “The Lord of the Rings”.

Following an informative, leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu, you will return to the meeting point in downtown Queenstown. Cruising back into Queenstown Bay, you can still admire the view towards Coronet Peak and take some fine panoramic photographs from the open viewing deck.

Milford Sound sightseeing cruise with flight from Queenstown

Have the best of two worlds on this exciting tour from Queenstown with a round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. See the beauty of Fiordland National Park during an airplane flight, then from a boat cruising on the Milford Sound.

On your return to Queenstown, fly over and admire the magnificent Southern Alps. You will be picked up at your hotel in Queenstown at the scheduled time, or you can self-drive to the airfield.

After check-in, you will be allocated a window seat on the aircraft for the scenic flight to Milford Sound. The 40-minute flight offers you magnificent views of the Fiordland National Park’s mountains, fjords and lakes.

Upon reaching the end of your flight, you will continue to the boat cruise. The full-length cruise of Milford Sound will enchant you for 2hours. If you have chosen the picnic lunch option, you will receive it when boarding the boat.

As you cruise to the Tasman Sea, you will pass some marvelous waterfalls and Mitre Peak. The peak is close to Milford Sound’s shore, with almost vertical drops. With its imposing setting, the peak has always been a favorite subject for artists.

When you have completed your pleasant boat cruise, you will fly back to Queenstown, but this time on your return, over the magnificent Southern Alps. When you’re back in Queenstown, you will be provided with a complimentary transfer to your hotel.

How much do boat tours in Queenstown cost?

The TSS Earnslaw Queenstown cruise and Walter Peak tour, and the Shotover River extreme jet boat ride in Queenstown cost US$90 per person.

The Lake Wakatipu catamaran cruise from Queenstown is about US$60 per person. The Milford Sound sightseeing cruise with a flight from Queenstown tour costs US$390 per person.

Which places are seen with a boat tour in Queenstown?

The Gondola

The Gondola in Queenstown takes visitors 450 meters to the top of Bob’s Peak for a marvelous view of the city, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. It leaves from the gondola station right in Queenstown’s town center.

The Queenstown Gardens

Wandering the Queenstown Gardens is a great thing to do in Queenstown. It is located right in town, with a 2-kilometer loop through the gardens that takes you along the shore of Lake Wakatipu. If you visit in spring, even better, when the Gardens are in full bloom.

Kiwi Birdlife Park

The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife refuge for indigenous bird and animal species, including the iconic New Zealand Kiwi. During daily shows you can watch the birds and animals get fed and learn about the park’s conservation activities.

The park is located near the gondola station in Queenstown and is open all year round from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Bob’s Cove

This 2-kilometer viewpoint track is an easy hike only 10 minutes from Queenstown. The viewpoint at Picnic Point offers views of the splendid Bob’s Cove, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

There is also a beautiful beach area and you can enjoy a refreshing cool-off after your walk.

Arrowtown

A historic little town with vintage buildings, Arrowtown will take you back to the fascinating old gold mining days. You will discover many boutiques, cafes and bars along its main artery, Buckingham Street, where you can spend some fun hours.

Look out for the popular Dorothy Brown Cinema, the boutique luxury cinema showing new and old movies while enjoying a nice glass of wine. If you don’t have wheels, simply take the public bus from Queenstown to get there.

The Lakes District Museum

The fascinating museum is set in the former gold mining town of Arrowtown and has been housed in the former Bank of New Zealand building since 1955.

The museum's objective is to maintain a museum for the benefit of the Lakes District population and has a strong hands-on focus. It portrays an authentic view of early Maori life and the pioneer European settlers and gold miners.

It also houses an art gallery, archives and research chamber. Another delightful addition is that it owns and operates the old Arrowtown post office.

How long does a boat trip in Queenstown last?

The duration of the boat tours in Queenstown varies according to the nature of the tour, from 1.5 to 5 hours. The TSS Earnslaw steamship tour lasts 3.5 to 4 hours, while the Shotover River speedboat tour lasts 2 hours.

The Lake Wakatipu scenic catamaran cruise last about 1.5 hours. The Milford Sound sightseeing cruise with scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown lasts 5 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours from Queenstown have different meeting points depending on the nature of the tour. For the TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise, the meeting point is the Steamer Wharf in Queenstown.

Participants for the Shotover River tour meet at Arthurs Point in Queenstown and for the Milford Sound boat cruise and light at Lucas Place, Frankton in Queenstown.

For the Lake Wakatipu scenic catamaran cruise from Queenstown the meeting point is St. Omer Wharf in Queenstown.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Queenstown?

The best time for a boat trip in Queenstown is during the summer, which in Queenstown is from December to February. Because of the warmer weather, it’s also the peak season for visitors pursuing adventure sports activities.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Boat tours from Queenstown depends on good weather. If it’s canceled because of bad weather, you can choose a different date or ask for a refund.

Which other water activities can be done in Queenstown?

Travel tips

Make sure to book your boat trip in Auckland in advance.
Wear weatherproof clothes, a sun hat and non-slip shoes.
Bring binoculars and sunglasses, and wear sunscreen.