NEW ZEALAND · BOAT TRIPS IN QUEENSTOWN
Distances here run longer than the map suggests, so a day out has to be worth the petrol. Below: 15 boat trips in Queenstown, what each costs and how long it takes door to door.
Cruise Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak for a generous local BBQ, farm dog show, mountain views, and a memorable Queenstown afternoon.
“The BBQ was amazing! So much food and choices! Absolutely one of the best meals I. Queenstown. The farm show was also very enjoyable!”
Review of the Shotover River jet boat ride in Queenstown, with canyon scenery, 360 spins, practical tips, pricing, safety, and family advice.
“3rd time I've been on this, and it never disappoints . Thrills and exhilarating from start to finish.”
Review of Altitude Tours’ small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, and cruise details.
“Had the best experience, both because the weather Was suprisingly good and views were all clear - but also because of our local guide Chelsea, which made some extra stops for taking pictures, highlighing grand view points across the way. Read more”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath towering cliffs, spot wildlife, and return by a different scenic route in 4.5 hours.
“Must do if in Queenstown, flight is way more impressive than the boat honestly speaking. Boat was great but was mixed with coach passengers so was crowded on the upper deck. Tanmay is a great pilot and gives brilliant commentary.”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover, and Kawarau rivers, with spins, scenery, safety tips, and value advice.
“great fun, thrilling but safe. much better value/longer ride time than shotover jet. Must do activity in queenstown”
Review the Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise day tour, with scenic stops, guide tips, costs, food, timing, and practical advice.
“I would highly recommend this trip, our driver Paulie was great. His commentary was informative and fun with some good stories added into the mix. The road to Milford Sound is windy at points but the bus handles it well. The cruise around the Sound was great and the journey there and back is worth it!”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath waterfalls, spot wildlife, and return over Fiordland in a weather-dependent five-hour trip.
“An excellent day trip which took the pain of a long bus ride to Milford Sound out of the way and provided an incredible experience by plane! would highly recommend!”
Review of Queenstown’s 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise, with mountain views, live commentary, onboard drinks, tips, and honest value advice.
“It's a very quick trip which doesnt cover the lake take a blanket for cold days easy access and friendly crew”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu aboard the coal-fired TSS Earnslaw, with alpine views, engine-room access, history, and onboard refreshments.
“A lovely trip on an old ship. We had great weather, surrounded by nature at its best. It was great to be able to view the coal fires being stoked and the engines working. The staff were all very freindly.”
Race through Shotover Canyon at 90kmh, spin across white water, and enjoy expert driving, dramatic views, and optional Queenstown transport.
“Great ride. Driver was unbelievably good with handling of those boats. Be sure to ask for a later bus back & sample Canyon brewing whilst you’re there.”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a generous farm BBQ, and watch sheepdogs work at Walter Peak near Queenstown.
“Absolutely loved this tour out to Walter Peak! My partner and I went and couldn’t fault the gourmet lunch. Its very relaxed and the service was wonderful. Everything ran on schedule and we still had the afternoon to enjoy the rest of Queenstown. The views on the lake were also stunning.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, meet farm animals, watch sheepdogs work, and enjoy afternoon tea at Walter Peak near Queenstown.
“The farm tour was fantastic. and the ride on the old steamship was super.”
Review of the 12-hour Milford Sound coach and cruise from Queenstown, with scenic stops, lunch, practical tips, value advice, and honest drawbacks.
“Fore the pure enjoyment of it a heavy rain day is a must. Still beautiful scenery but the rain adds the pop factor to this trip”
Ride Skippers Road into Queenstown’s gold-mining canyon, then race through narrow Shotover River gorges on a 30-minute jet boat trip.
“This was excellent value - a unique drive experience and lots of fun on the jetboat. There were narrow canyons and a little whitewater with a very experienced boat pilot who made sure we had some thrills. It was a generous amount of time on the boat and some incredible views and history on the road. My favorite tour in NZ.”
Trade a long Milford Sound road trip for scenic flights, a reserved cruise, lunch, live commentary, and unforgettable Fiordland views.
“The flights in and out of Milford Sound by Air Milford were incredible. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Really words cannot describe the beauty. The cruise on the sound was beautiful and quite humbling as you come face to face with how small we are compared to these escarpments. I highly recommend the scenic flight and cruise offered by Air Milford. Also a special mention for our pilot Emma who gave excellent commentary and local knowledge insights on both flights.”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
