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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Queenstown, New Zealand
High interest
Booked 5+ times today.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Chantal_D ·
Jun 2026
Great cruise along Lake Wakatipu with lots of great commentary from our captain Tyler. Lots of brilliant photo ops and stunning scenery along the way. Loved the warming cup of mulled wine bought from the onboard bar/cafe. Highlight was sitting in the captains chair to steer the boat and get photos. Highly recommend.
· Tanja_S ·
Jun 2026
Really lovely trip. Great commentary and sensational scenery. Highly recommended for all ages. Felt very safe and steady. Nice touch having drinks orders taken and brought to us.

Overview

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.
  • Cruise around Lake Wakatipu
  • Affordable boat tour with great photo ops
  • See more of Queenstown’s surroundings
  • Suitable for all ages

What's Included

  • 90-minute Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise
  • Live commentary from the captain
  • Friendly onboard crew
  • Indoor and outdoor seating
  • Central Queenstown jetty departure
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
  • Additional charges apply for food, snacks and drinks on board
  • Hotel transfers
  • Wheelchair access (due to vessel design)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 50 Beach Street, waterfront, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

    Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)

Queenstown (Pass By)

Queenstown Golf Club (Pass By)

Kawarau River (Pass By)

The Remarkables Ski Area (Pass By)

Frankton Trail (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Andy_F
A beautiful day for the cruise around Lake Wakatipu. Troy and Bree were great! Troy navigated us around with his knowledge of the surrounding sites and feature's, ensuring we all had chilled and relaxing experience. Bree was hospitable taking our orders and was very friendly. There were 4 of us in total and we all enjoyed the cruise and would recommend it to anyone, whether you’re a visitor or a local.

Reviews

4.8
based on 1,561 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

A must do....

Haley_G, Aug 2026
A fantastic tour around the lake. I loved the commentary on the history and such of Queenstown. A must do if you are going to Queenstown,

We had a great time. The...

Zoe_P, Aug 2026
We had a great time. The scenery was stunning, the staff were friendly, and the commentary was excellent.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your review. It's good to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Well worth it!

Shaun_B, Jul 2026
The Captain Dan and the young lady crew were awesome! Witty commentary and welcoming. Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Kia ora Shaun, thank you for your awesome review! We are stoked you enjoyed the commentary and felt welcomed by our crew! Thank you again for joining us!

Truely a Million Dollar Cruise

Edward_P, Jul 2026
It was an awesome experience, one not to be missed if visiting Queenstown, the crew were exceptionly pleasant and helpful

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Kia ora Edward, thank you for your awesome review! We are pleased you enjoyed your time on board with us and found our crew helpful! Thanks again for joining us!

Good way to see the lake without taking up too much time

Michelle_H, Jul 2026
We have done this little tour before. Captain is very nice and knowledgeable and GG was a great helper and kept us well hydrated with the mulled wines. Great way to spend 1 1/2 hours and to see the Lake from a different view.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

It's great to hear that you have been on our cruise before and have come back again for another great experience with us. See you all again in the future.

Lake cruise

Judi_D, Jul 2026
The guide was informative and the cruise was fun. The man tending the bar was very helpful, kind, and friendly.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your review. It is great to hear you had a nice experience with us, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Scenic cruise

Rowena_Z, Jun 2026
We really enjoyed this scenic boat experience. Captain Riley was very friendly & very informative. You can also get coffee, snacks on board & overall was a fun experience.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

We are so glad you enjoyed your time on board with us! Thank you for the kind review.

Great Intro to Queenstown Stay! Highly Recommended!

Jomar_V, Jun 2026
The cruise was exactly what we needed as it’s our first time in Queenstown. Having a close-up tour of Lake Wakatipu with an incredibly knowledgable captain, as well as a few photo opportunities, was amazing. We highly recommend this.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for the sweet review. Lake Wakatipu is beautiful this time of year, and we are so glad you could join us for a tour!

Great cruise along Lake...

Chantal_D, Jun 2026
Great cruise along Lake Wakatipu with lots of great commentary from our captain Tyler. Lots of brilliant photo ops and stunning scenery along the way. Loved the warming cup of mulled wine bought from the onboard bar/cafe. Highlight was sitting in the captains chair to steer the boat and get photos. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

It's wonderful to hear you loved your experience on our cruise. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Wonderful

Tanja_S, Jun 2026
Really lovely trip. Great commentary and sensational scenery. Highly recommended for all ages. Felt very safe and steady. Nice touch having drinks orders taken and brought to us.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Kia ora Tanja, we are glad to hear you enjoyed your time on board with us and that our crew looked after you well! Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, and we hope to see you again soon!

Gorgeous cruise

Nicole_Z, May 2026
It was a perfect evening, cruise with a ton of information and beautiful views!! Would for recommend anyone of any age!

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you for such a great review! We are glad you enjoyed your time on board with us!

Add it to your list

Bianca_C, May 2026
Boat is called Million Dollar Cruises. Great cruise around the lake. Toilet and cafe shop on board. Easy and relaxing and very interesting.

Response from Host, May 2026

Kia ora Bianca, we are glad to hear you had a great time on board! Thanks for the review!

Queenstown boat cruise 150526

Alison_H, May 2026
It was a cold, sunny autumn day but the welcome was very warm from pilot Tyler and barman, Ian. Blankets were privided for those on upper, outside viewing deck. Tyler navigated the lake well and had good local knowledge that he shared along the way. Ian took drinks order and even brought drinks to us, thank you. A very enjoyable 90 minutes and well worth the cost.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thanks for the review, fantastic to hear you enjoyed the trip!

Family friendly

Tt_M, May 2026
It was an interesting and very well informed tour and the kids steering the boat was an awesome touch the views and atmosphere was beautiful looking forward to our next visit to Queenstown

Response from Host, May 2026

Love to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for the review!

The tour is definitely...

Tainara_L, Apr 2026
The tour is definitely worth it! It’s good value for money, the pilot is friendly and makes the experience even more enjoyable — there’s even a moment when he stops to take photos of the passengers. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Kia ora, thank you for joining us! We are so glad you have enjoyed the trip and the photo opportunities along the way. We hope to see you again soon!

Skipper Troy and first...

Darren_C, Apr 2026
Skipper Troy and first mate Emily were excellent. Cruise was fantastic, travelled around lake wakitipu and up inside frankton arm estiry.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for the lovely review! We are glad to hear our crew looked after you well.

Relaxing Cruise

Mina_T, Apr 2026
The Captain of the boat was very well informed. The service on the boat is very good, as the trip is 90 minutes what is available is sufficient.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Kia ora, thank you for the great review! We are glad you enjoyed both the service and the cruise overall.

5 Stars to Tyler!

Emily_H, Apr 2026
Such an enjoyable and relaxing morning on the lake. Tyler was exceptional! so knowledgeable and full of positive energy the whole way through. Ian and Emily were also fantastic! Brilliant experience!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you very much for such a wonderful review. It is great that you had a fun and enjoyable time on our cruise and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

This was a remarkable Out...

Ajay_K, Apr 2026
This was a remarkable Out of the world experience i have never gone through such a supportive staff love the Cruise

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for a wonderful review. It is wonderful that you enjoyed our cruise and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

My daughter and I had an...

Charline_M, Apr 2026
My daughter and I had an amazing experience with million dollar cruise. Staff are accommodating. My daughter had a chance to be a captain of the cruise.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Kia ora, We are so glad you enjoyed the cruise experience! Thank you for the lovely review!

This is such a fantastic...

Mudassar_A, Apr 2026
This is such a fantastic cruise. Super friendly staff and Troy was patient and very knowledgeable! Great team!! Enjoyed every moment of this cruise

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for such a wonderful review. It's great you had such a nice experience with us and we look forward to seeing you again.

Fantastic cruise+

Susan_R, Apr 2026
Excellent! Views and info were fascinating! One of my Favorite excursions! Dan, caption was outstanding!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your experience with us and we look forward to seeing you again.

Wonderful scenic tour of Queenstown!!

Jitendra_S, Mar 2026
Great experience! Tour narrator (and Captain) Dan was insightful and kept the tour entertaining. Very scenic and informative tour! Refreshments available for purchase on the tour was a plus. Captain Dan took pictures of those wanting a scenic photo, as well as allowed a select few to steer the boat. Overall, a wonderful tour and experience!! Highly recommend!!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. It is great to hear you enjoyed your experience on our beautiful cruise, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Beautiful Million Dollar Cruise

Lynne_R, Mar 2026
Gorgeous scenery, attentive crew, delicious coffee, interesting dialogue from captain. He took time to take photos for us with our cameras.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora Lynne, thank you for the lovely review! We are so glad you enjoyed the photo opportunities, the coffee and the commentary! Thanks for joining us.

A lovely afternoon on the lake.

Margaret_D, Mar 2026
What a wonderful way to explore the Frankton arm of Lake Wakatipu. Our Captain provided us with interesting information as to what we saw on our trip. The

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora, thank you for the lovely review! We are so glad you enjoyed the trip, and that you enjoyed the commentary on board too.

Thouroughly enjoyable experience !

Gordon_H, Mar 2026
Captain very knowledgeable. informative and entertaining. Would definitely recommend this cruise to other people.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora, thank you for the lovely review! We are so glad you enjoyed the cruise, and thanks for the recommendations!

Nice your of the harbor...

Michael_D, Mar 2026
Nice tour of the harbor area. Right time and distance involved, nice boat and good historical and local information from the captain. Well worth the money.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora, thank you for the great review!

Lovely scenic views

Andrew_J, Mar 2026
Lovely cruise & a great way to see a different perspective of Queenstown & surrounds. Inside & outside seating, hot & cold drinks & small range of snacks are available to purchase (efficiently managed by Emily) & there's a toilet on board. Can be chilly, so bring suitable clothing. Very informative commentary from our captain, Tyson, who also gave suggestions of other activities do.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora Andrew, thank you for the amazing review. We are so glad you found our cruise lovely, and that our crew looked after you well. Thanks for joining us!

Great experience! Dan,...

Clo_M, Mar 2026
Great experience! Dan, the captain and tour guide, was fantastic—funny, knowledgeable, and very welcoming. The ride was beautiful and peaceful, with incredible views the whole way. Highly recommend this tour if you’re visiting Queenstown.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Kia ora Clo, Thank you so much for the lovely review! We are so glad you enjoyed the cruise, and the stunning views. Thank you for the recommendation, we hope to see you again one day!

Great Excursion

Dennis_B, Mar 2026
Great boat cruise. In spite of choppy seas and inclement weather, Captain and Crew did a great job with overview of Queenstown and Frankton and showing little gem details along the shoreline. Highly recommend this excursion.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you for taking the time to write your review. It's great you enjoyed your experience with us on board our cruise and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

From $47.75

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 18 days in advance.

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