SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise, 90 Minutes
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 1 h 30 min
- Group size
- Up to 49 people
- Guide
- English
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the short lake cruise most people book: 90 minutes out from 50 Beach Street and back, with the captain talking over the speakers and indoor and outdoor seats. It takes up to 49 people, against 150 on the Earnslaw, and with close to 1,600 reviews averaging around 4.8 it's the most reviewed cruise on the lake. Ren Zwiers found mostly calm water and a running commentary past the lakeside homes, and on Law and Health's sailing the skipper fed the trout until big fish came up beside the boat.
In our Lake Wakatipu cruise comparison it's the pick if you only have 90 minutes. Two things to know. Food and drinks are sold on board, not included. And the listing says both that it is and isn't wheelchair accessible, so ask the operator before you book. Check in 15 minutes before sailing; the hotel transfer on the listing doesn't change the fact that it starts and ends at the wharf.
Good for
- A first look at the lake when you only have an hour and a half
- Anyone who'd rather share a boat with 49 people than 150
Think twice if
- The 1912 steamship is the reason you came: book the Earnslaw instead
- You need confirmed wheelchair access; the listing contradicts itself
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Discover Queenstown the authentic way, from some of the best seats in town: out on Lake Wakatipu. On this relaxing 90-minute cruise, leave the bustle of the waterfront behind and soak up the scenery that brings people to Queenstown.
The Remarkables rise above the lake, feeling close enough to touch, while quiet bays, willow islands and lakeside homes reveal a different side of the region.
As you cruise through the Frankton Arm towards the historic Kawarau Falls Dam, there’s time to look around, take photos and simply enjoy being on the water. Choose an outdoor seat for the open views or settle inside and watch the landscape unfold.
Your captain brings the scenery to life with live commentary, stories and a little Kiwi humour, while the crew offers a warm welcome.
It’s a chance to pause, share remarkable views and make memories that last well beyond the cruise.
From the listing by Million Dollar Cruise on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Cruise along Lake Wakatipu and discover Queenstown from the water. Take in views of The Remarkables, lakeside homes and surrounding mountains while your captain shares stories and commentary. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and capture photos from the boat.
- The trip starts off in Queenstown Bay, as you sail out you will pass Queenstown Gardens and see Queenstown Central along the shoreline.
- As the cruise leaves Queenstown Bay, enjoy a view of the tree-lined Queenstown Gardens from the lake. See this familiar landmark from a different perspective, with the surrounding mountains as a backdrop.
- Cruise past Queenstown Golf Club along the Kelvin Heights shoreline. From the lake, enjoy a view of the golf course with Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains as a backdrop
- The cruise reaches the historic Kawarau Falls Dam, where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River. View the dam and surrounding scenery from the boat before heading back to Queenstown.
- We then edge our way along the opposing shoreline where you can see the Frankton Arm shoreline where locals often frequent to enjoy the waters in summer and then back along the Frankton Arm Trail that takes us back safely to Queenstown Bay.
What's included
- Friendly onboard crew
- Central Queenstown jetty departure
- 90-minute Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Live commentary from the captain
Not included
- Additional charges apply for food, snacks and drinks on board
- Hotel transfers
- Wheelchair access (due to vessel design)
Meeting point
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Checking in
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Where it ends
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our things to do in queenstown page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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