Top Queenstown On the Water

Thunder Jet is the only jet boat provider who play music on their trips - your own personalised soundtrack! Also the only 30-minute jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, we guarantee an exhilarating jet boat ride along the stunning Kawarau River, where breathtaking landscapes meet thrilling speed. Reaching speeds of up to 95km/h while enjoying iconic 360º spins, you can choose between a 30-minute high-speed thrill or a 60-minute journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty, complete with expert local commentary. With plenty of opportunities for scenic photos and a blend of fun and professionalism from the skilled Thunder drivers, this is an essential Queenstown experience.

Learn how it feels to fly on the water. Literally. Take a ride in our unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats are the only four-seaters in the world and are guaranteed to make a screamer out of everyone it has the pleasure of meeting. Jet Sprints are next level jet boating. While Oxbow’s goal is to make sure you have the most epic experience of your life, we always put safety first. Our one-of-a-kind Jet Sprint Boats are regularly inspected and maintained to follow the highest safety standards. We also provide sturdy helmets for every passenger and take you through a safety briefing before your ride so you can relax and have the time of your life.

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

xperience Queenstown differently with Thunder Jet – the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board, combining high-speed adventure with our very own soundtrack, 360° spins, spectacular scenery and personalised local commentary. Choose a 30-minute jet boat ride or go further on our 60-minute adventure, travelling a 47km round trip and venturing deep into the Kawarau River’s untouched wilderness and historic gold-mining areas. Thunder Jet’s 60-minute trip travels further down the Kawarau River than any other Queenstown jet boat experience. Reach exhilarating speeds of up to 95km/h as you skim across the water and experience the landscapes surrounding Queenstown from a completely different perspective. Perfect for families, couples, groups and adventure seekers of all ages, Thunder Jet delivers a uniquely Queenstown experience with more river, more adventure and music all the way.

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous 360 degree spins and speed. Discover the Kawarau River and its pristine wilderness as we race you down the river to your next mode of transport. Then jump straight into a raft to complete the last section of river, where the Jet Boats fear to go. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling through the historic Kawarau gorge, famous for its gold mining, wineries and it’s stint in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Paddle and swim your way through grade 2-3 whitewater rapids with a brand new cliff jumping section added for the adventure junkies (optional). Complete your journey by tackling the famous 400m Dog Leg rapid – the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Then head back to Rafting Base for a hot shower.

This full-day adventure includes a “funyak” (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take the complimentary return coach from Queenstown or make your own way to Glenorchy. From there, speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Adrenaline-chasing travelers won’t want to miss private white-water rafting on Queenstown’s Shotover River. After traveling on one of New Zealand’s most treacherous (but beautiful) roads, you’ll have a full safety briefing before donning your wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, and helmet. Paddle through grade 3-5 rapids surrounded by amazing mountain scenery. Rafting experience isn’t required but a sense of adventure is recommended.

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph on the surface and dive under the water at 40 kph, all while enjoying a personal ride with an experienced pilot. Experience exhilarating jumps as the shark leaps out of the water, sending splashes all around. With the first commercial Seabreacher X watercraft at your disposal, you can customize your ride to be as mild or wild as you want. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind thrill while in Queenstown.

Thrill seekers will enjoy this fun adventure activity combo that includes jet boating and off-roading near Queenstown. Be amazed by the speeds you’ll get to in the four-seater Jet Sprint boats, which can accelerate to 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour in just 2.5 seconds. Follow this with a ride on land in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that can venture over the most rugged terrain. The activity starts at 2696 Gibbston Highway, Gibbston.

Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Sail to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a buffet dinner featuring local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts, then watch farm demonstrations or relax in the bar. The cruise returns to the same central Queenstown location. The TSS Earnslaw undergoes winter maintenance, when the Spirit of Queenstown is available instead.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

A Premium Cruise Experience Step aboard Pacific Jemm, the southernmost superyacht on a lake, and experience Lake Wakatipu on an intimate luxury sightseeing cruise unlike any other. Be welcomed with genuine New Zealand hospitality, a complimentary glass of mulled wine (or your preferred beverage) and a local grazing board as you relax in refined comfort. Cruise past iconic locations such as: -The Remarkables -Cecil Peak -Walter Peak -Lord of the rings locations -Bobs Cove and other stunning bays. Our experienced captain selects the best route for the day's conditions, ensuring the smoothest ride and spectacular views. With strictly limited guest numbers, you'll enjoy a spacious, uncrowded atmosphere with plenty of room to move about the yacht, making it perfect for photography, uninterrupted panoramic views and complete relaxation. If you are celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring Queenstown, Pacific Jemm delivers an unforgettable alpine experience on the water.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Te Anau, discovering the majestic Milford Sound in comfort and style. Designed for travelers who value more than just the destination, this fully guided small group tour blends luxury travel, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Kiwi hospitality. From the moment you’re collected at your Queenstown accommodation in a premium Mercedes-Benz van, your adventure begins. Led by our famously passionate guides, known for their storytelling and local insights, you’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring scenery, with plenty of photo stops, short walks, and hidden gems along the way. After your day exploring Fiordland National Park, you’ll finish with a hotel drop-off in Te Anau.

The deep waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour by air and boat takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch are included for a truly seamless experience.

Hop on board and get ready for a fun 3-hour fishing trip on Lake Wakatipu, one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. With mountains like The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak all around you, it’s a fishing experience you won’t forget. You’ll fish for trout and salmon using downriggers and other great techniques, with help from an experienced local skipper. The boat has a quiet electric motor, so you can enjoy a calm, smooth ride without disturbing the peaceful lake. With small groups of up to 6 people, there’s plenty of space and personal attention to help you get the most out of your time on the water. We provide top-quality gear, expert tips, snacks, and cold non-alcoholic drinks, just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to catch some fish!

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, taking you to places you couldn’t reach any other way. During the half-day tour, venture into the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park from Glenorchy, a short drive from Queenstown. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Listen to your guide’s stories about the area’s natural and cultural history en route.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage Edwardian steamship with tickets for a cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown. Watch the stokers feed the TSS Earnslaw’s coal fires and enjoy views of the mountains and the lake. This scenic cruise departs from a central location in Queenstown, with multiple sailings throughout the day.

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.