New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN QUEENSTOWN
The 15 best boat tours in Queenstown you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, feast on a local BBQ at Walter Peak, and watch a working farm dog show on this relaxed Queenstown outing.
“Amazing views and food — the sheep-shearing part of the farm show wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was absolutely spectacular.”
Ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound for a full day of rainforest views, waterfalls, wildlife, local commentary, lunch, and a scenic fiord cruise.
“Great day great activities, our guide Carl made sure we got there regardless of the few challenges he was facing made sure we got there on time, safe and everyone accounted for. Great day out on Pure Milford”
Review of Queenstown’s Shotover River jet boat ride, with 360-degree spins, canyon scenery, practical tips, pricing, safety, and booking advice.
“It was fun and exciting The driver was professional . Fan and very recommend . I smile all the time.”
Review of Altitude Tours’ small-group Milford Sound trip from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, cruise, tips, and honest value advice.
“Amazing day visiting Milford sound! We were blessed with a rare sunny day and our guide made extra stops for us to admire the beauty! At the end they also offer for you to fly back via Venice flight if weather permits, DO IT. Absolute highlight of the experience and trip!”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath towering cliffs, and return by a different scenic route in just 4.5 hours.
“Such a great way to enjoy the scenery in New Zealand through flying and get to Milford Sound for the cruise. Micheal, the pilot made sure we had an enjoyable and safe flight over. One of the highlights of our NZ trip!”
Ride KJet through Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau, and Shotover rivers at 95 kph, with spins, mountain views, and heated handrails.
“Easy location, excellent customer service by phone and in person. The guide was very friendly and considerate. It was absolutely awesome!!! You are bound to get wet especially if you are sitting in a corner so be prepared. We loved it though.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath waterfalls, spot wildlife, and return over Fiordland on a scenic five-hour trip.
“This was a great way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown. We were prepared to make the drive, but that would have been a mistake. They picked us up at our hotel, drove us to the airport flight center, and flew us over incredible picturesque territory, including Milford Sound before landing at a small airstrip by the docks where the sight-seeing boats leave from. They bus us the two-minute trip to the docks and organized which boats we were going on. All was done for us. The boat trip was comfortable and provided a great tour of the Sound. The return trip on the airplane was on a different route;…”
Review of Queenstown’s 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise, with mountain views, live commentary, indoor seating, onboard drinks, and practical tips.
“Although only a 90 minutes boat tour the captain provided very informative narratioon about queenstown history and folklore. Just wished the weather had been warmer to be able to ride above.”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by glass-roof coach, stopping for alpine views before a wildlife-rich two-hour fiord cruise.
“A long, tiring day but well worth it. We had amazing weather and the trip on Milford Sound was unforgettable ❤️”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu aboard Queenstown’s coal-fired TSS Earnslaw, with mountain views, engine-room access, history, and onboard refreshments.
“A nice relaxing time with plenty of seating available on board. Nice to be able to see the working of the ship.”
Race through Shotover Canyon at 90kmh with rapid 360-degree spins, skilled guides, dramatic scenery, and optional Queenstown transport.
“Wow! Exhilarating through the canyons. The turns were exciting and the kids and I loved it. Thanks for an awesome experience with a fun and professional guide :)”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a generous Walter Peak BBQ, and watch sheepdogs work at a high-country farm.
“The boat is busy but comfortable- make sure you head downstairs and take a look in the engine room! The barbecue was fantastic; definitely worth knowing that you can go up as many times as you like rather than loading your plate sky high. The farm show was actually the highlight for me; good banter, great demonstrations and just the right amount of time.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, meet farm animals, watch sheepdogs work, and enjoy afternoon tea at Walter Peak on this relaxed Queenstown outing.
“The afternoon tea and food was tasty! Farm show was interesting. Boat tour is nice and relaxing. Overall great activity for everyone”
Review of the 12-hour Milford Sound coach and catamaran cruise from Queenstown, with scenic stops, lunch, guide tips, costs, and drawbacks.
“This tour is a great way to see the sights of Milford Sound without having to drive yourself. The driver provides some great insights to the places you stop and the cruise is lovely at the end although if you are up on the sub deck people get a little pushy trying to all take photos.”
Trade Queenstown for Skippers Canyon on a scenic mountain road and thrilling Shotover River jet boat ride with 360-degree spins.
“Absolutely great! The tour was so entertaining, and our buddy boy “golf” was humorous & outstanding. The ride to and from Skippers Canyon was insightful, and the views were amazing! Definitely a highlight of our Queenstown trip, and we hope the tour guide blesses more souls with his charm. Cheers!”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
