Boat trips · QUEENSTOWN BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 queenstown boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you board.
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, enjoy a generous local BBQ at Walter Peak, and watch sheepdogs work in this relaxed Queenstown half-day outing.
“It was great. The staff were friendly and the food was fabulous. The Walter peak farm is absolutely beautiful.”
Review of Pure Milford’s Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise, with scenic stops, lunch, wildlife, costs, and practical tips.
“Loved it! Best activity for the first day being in NZ. Loved Brian our driver/expert NZ guide/legend. Would 100% recommend and do again.”
Race through Shotover Canyon on a 25-minute jet boat ride from Queenstown, with 360-degree spins, rapids, cliffs, and shuttle transport.
“It was awesome. Teens loved it and enjoyed getting wet on the back row. Would def recommend. Very well organised”
Review of Altitude Tours’ small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, cruise, and practical tips.
“We’ve just returned from the Milford Sound day trip and cannot recommend the experience highly enough. Pick up was bang on time, the bus was modern and comfortable, lunch was delicious, and all of the stops were really well spaced and worthwhile. Falls Creek in particular was incredible! Our guide, Chelsea, was warm, welcoming, incredibly knowledgeable and super attentive to everyone on board the bus. We decided to take the scenic flight back and Chelsea worked incredibly hard to make it happen, and we are so grateful she did! It was amazing!! Thanks to all at Altitude for a fantastic day. We loved every minute!”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover, and Kawarau rivers, with practical tips on price, weather, and thrills.
“Great location easy for visitors, guide was great and funny. Thrilling ride while getting to see magical scenery!!! Would recommend”
Review of RealNZ’s Queenstown to Milford Sound day tour, with a glass-roof coach, scenic stops, two-hour cruise, and practical tips.
“Immense tour and a highlight of my trip. Paulie has a gift of the gab that even us other Gael envy, mixing humour, history, trivia, and anecdote. The most visually spectacular parts of the trip were served up with the requisite suspense and awe that they deserve. A clearly talented and careful driver with exceptional knowledge of the whole route, and a bus with 360 views; we were glad that we left the campers in Queenstown and experienced the Fjords in this way. Go raibh míle maith agaibhse / Ngā mihi nui.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath waterfalls, and return over Fiordland on this scenic five-hour adventure.
“Absolutely incredible adventure! I am so glad I chose the flight over the bus tour. Some of the most amazing views from above and in the water! Our pilot Mike was exceptional even through some turbulent conditions. Well worth it!”
Review of Queenstown’s Shotover River jet boat ride, with 360-degree spins, canyon scenery, practical tips, safety, and value advice.
“Thrilling activity to be enjoyed by both adults and kids.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, meet farm animals, watch sheepdogs work, and enjoy afternoon tea on a 3.5-hour Walter Peak tour.
“The cruise was comfortable and really interesting to see the inner workings of the coal fuelled ship. Tea at the farm was excellent. This helped justify the cost of the trip. Tasty food and lots of choice. Farm tour guide was great. She was knowledgeable and interesting l. She handled the group very well. The sheep shearer, Kevin, was excellent. Despite his mic not working he kept the display of sheep bearing and herding by Mia interesting. His sense of humour was wonderful! Thank you for a great tour all around”
Ride Skippers Road into historic canyon country, then race the Shotover River by jet boat on a thrilling three-hour Queenstown tour.
“Such a fabulous morning. As the description said, getting there was half the fun. So beautiful. The Jet Boat ride was a blast. The drivers were amazing and very informative.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu from Queenstown for 90 minutes of mountain views, quiet bays, local commentary, and onboard wine, cheese, and coffee.
“Staff were friendly and professional Food was lovely I had a vegetarian lasagna The captain was knowledgeable and made the cruise an interesting a d informative experience”
Review of the Queenstown to Milford Sound glass-roof coach and cruise, with scenic stops, guide tips, lunch advice, timing, and value.
“Our trip to Milford Sound was absolutely worth it! Everything was extremely punctual and well organized from start to finish. The schedule was respected, which made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. Our guide was fantastic — knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging throughout the journey. He shared interesting facts and stories that made the long drive even more enjoyable. Yes, it’s several hours on the bus, but the landscapes along the way are simply breathtaking. Every turn offers a new dramatic view of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. By the time you arrive, you realize the journey itself is part of the magic. The boat cruise in Milford Sound was truly stunning.…”
Review of Cheeky Kiwi’s Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, with small-group transport, scenic stops, picnic lunch, and boutique cruise.
“This is a must do/see in New Zealand. Our guide Martin made sure we have seen all the lovely spots on our way to Milford Sound - like Mirror lakes or Lake Gunn and shared interesting facts about New Zealand and Milford Sound. Bus/van was very comfortable and the lunch provided was good as well. The cruise itself was great - the boat is big enough not to feel sick if you have moderate see sickness - just make sure to bring rain coat or jacket even if it is not raining as you get to have very close encounters with splashing waterfalls! :) We were not able to take…”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath Mitre Peak, and return over glaciers on this weather-dependent half-day adventure.
“Amazing experience1 I would highly recommend. Great views of all the mountains, our pilot was full of knowledge of the areas we flew over and the boat trip at Milford Sound was really good, the Mountains are huge and the waterfalls just beautiful, a must do if visiting Queenstown.”
Review of Queenstown’s 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise, with mountain views, local commentary, drinks, pricing, family tips, and practical advice.
“Excellent. The tour was informative and really interesting. What a beautiful place. Thanks again”
River hour, cave run, whale ground or a deck with lunch on it.
