Queenstown is famous for its stunning landscapes, and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than from the water. Whether you prefer a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu, an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through wild rivers, or a full-day trip to Milford Sound with flights and boat cruises, Queenstown offers an incredible variety of boat tours and cruises. We’ve rounded up the best options, including experiences like the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise and the Milford Sound Flight and Cruise with Lunch — perfect for making the most of your time in New Zealand’s adventure capital.
For those who love a good mix of scenery and activity, Queenstown’s water-based adventures provide unforgettable moments. From the classic TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise to the exhilarating Kawarau River jet rides, this list covers the full spectrum of aquatic fun. Whether you’re after a peaceful boat ride, a high-speed thrill, or a comprehensive day trip to Milford Sound, there’s something here for every water lover.
1. Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise
Discover Queenstown’s top dining and cruising combo at Walter Peak High Country Farm. This experience combines a scenic cruise, a gourmet BBQ buffet, and a farm show, making it a full sensory delight. The cruise across Lake Whakatipu offers spectacular mountain views, with the boat of your choice providing comfort and style.
Once ashore at Walter Peak, you’ll enjoy a local produce-focused BBQ and a lively farm dog show showcasing life on a working farm. You can also indulge in morning or afternoon tea at the historic woolshed. With a 4.8-star rating from over 2,300 reviews, this trip is a popular choice for those wanting a blend of scenery, good food, and a touch of rural life. The three-and-a-half-hour duration offers a relaxed pace, and at $87 per person, it’s a solid value for a full day of entertainment.
Bottom line: Ideal for food lovers, families, and anyone wanting a taste of Kiwi farm life combined with stunning lake views.
2. Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip
At number 2, this full-day coach and cruise tour explores the famous Milford Sound with a focus on scenery and wildlife. The trip has a high rating of 4.7/5 from nearly 2,600 reviews and costs $144 per person. The journey begins with a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park, offering postcard-worthy scenes of rainforests, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
The highlight is the cruise, where you’ll see waterfalls, wildlife, and the towering cliffs of Milford Sound. The commentary from guides makes it educational as well as immersive. This trip is perfect if you prefer not to fly but still want to experience Milford’s grandeur with good value for money. The 12-hour experience is a long day, but the scenery and wildlife sightings make it worthwhile.
Bottom line: Great for travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided experience with beautiful scenery and wildlife.
3. From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat
For around $395, this luxurious full-day Milford Sound experience combines a scenic flight and a cruise—a top-tier choice for those who want views from above and below. This tour ranks at 4.9/5 from 1,259 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated options. The return flights over snow-capped mountains, lakes, and waterfalls set the tone for a day filled with breathtaking vistas.
The 2-hour cruise offers close-up views of Mitre Peak and waterfalls, with tea, coffee, and water onboard. The flight seats are guaranteed by the operator, so you’re assured of a window view. This experience is ideal for avid photographers, nature lovers, and anyone eager for a once-in-a-lifetime panoramic perspective of Milford Sound.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious, scenic, and comprehensive Milford Sound experience with a focus on stunning visuals.
4. Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
If you crave high-speed thrills, this 1-hour jet boat ride through the Shotover and Kawarau rivers is unbeatable. Rated 4.8/5 from over 1,250 reviews and priced at $81, it’s a fun and adrenaline-packed option. The jet boat whips across Lake Wakatipu before plunging into narrow canyons and white-water rapids.
This is a high-speed adventure, with 360° spins and rapid turns, all led by a professional, Kiwi-owned operator. The heated handrails make it a comfortable, all-weather activity, and the convenient Queenstown departure point makes it accessible. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers or anyone who wants to experience Queenstown’s wild river scenery with a dose of adrenaline.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventure lovers, families with teens, or anyone seeking an adrenaline rush on spectacular rivers.
5. Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 with 648 reviews, this half-day combination offers a truly immersive Milford Sound experience. It includes return flights, a cruise, and lunch, making it a comprehensive and luxurious way to see Fiordland. The 30-40 minute scenic flights take you over the Southern Alps, with guaranteed window seats in small aircraft that allow for unobstructed views.
Once in Milford, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour cruise on Mitre Peak Cruises, with refreshments onboard. The flight back offers new perspectives, flying over snow-capped peaks and lakes. This tour is ideal if you want a quick yet thorough experience without long drives.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a premium, all-in-one Milford Sound experience with excellent reviews and inclusive meals.
6. From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip
This 12-hour coach and cruise trip scores 4.7/5 from over 1,400 reviews and costs $152. It offers a relaxed way to see Milford Sound with scenic coach travel and a 2-hour cruise. The luxury coach features a glass roof, maximizing the viewing experience during the drive.
The cruise allows you to get close to waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife, while the guide provides engaging commentary. It’s a good choice for those who prefer not to fly or want a more leisurely journey with plenty of time to soak in the views.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers seeking a balance of comfort, scenery, and wildlife without flying.
7. Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience
For a shorter but intense adrenaline rush, this extreme jet boat ride lasts between 25 minutes and 1.5 hours. Rated 4.9/5 from 740 reviews and costing $99, it’s perfect if you want high-speed fun without a full-day commitment. The experience includes wall-to-wall action, with 360-degree spins and navigating narrow canyons on the Shotover River.
Upgrade to include round-trip transportation from Queenstown. The driver expertly guides you through rapid rapids and tight canyons, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers wanting a quick but memorable adventure.
Bottom line: Great for a compact, adrenaline-fueled experience that’s easy to fit into any schedule.
8. Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown
This half-day tour offers a compact Milford experience, rated 5.0/5 based on 514 reviews. It combines round-trip flights with a catamaran cruise. The small plane lifts off from Queenstown, providing flying views of the Southern Alps, and the cruise takes you through the fjord to the Tasman Sea, with sightings of waterfalls and wildlife.
The tour is ideal for time-conscious travelers who want quick but high-quality scenery. The small group setting ensures personalized service, and the included lunch offers a convenient meal during the cruise.
Bottom line: Perfect for those short on time but wanting a complete Milford experience with stunning aerial views.
9. Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu
A Queenstown icon, the TSS Earnslaw steamship offers a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise rated 4.7/5 from over 1,100 reviews. For just $67, you get to sail on an Edwardian-era steamship, with views of the surrounding mountains and a peek into the engine room.
The onboard small museum and the coal-fired engine add historic charm, making it more than just a boat ride. It’s a leisurely way to enjoy mountain scenery and relax with a coffee or snack from the onboard cafe.
Bottom line: Best for history buffs and those seeking a relaxing, scenic cruise with a historic twist.
10. Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 825 reviews, this combined trip includes a Lake Wakatipu cruise and a farm tour at Walter Peak. The scenic cruise sets the scene for a guided farm experience, with live demonstrations and the chance to meet sheep, alpacas, and highland cows.
The tour includes afternoon tea, providing a peaceful farm setting to unwind. It’s a great choice for those wanting a relaxed, authentic Kiwi farm experience combined with beautiful lake views and a farm tour.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or travelers wanting a gentle, educational farm experience with scenic lake cruising.
11. From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
This 3-hour adventure rated 4.9/5 and costing $117 takes you into the dramatic Skippers Canyon. The tour includes a drive along the infamous Skippers Road and a jet boat ride through rugged canyons.
It’s an immersive experience that combines spectacular scenery with local history of gold mining. The canyon’s narrow, winding paths make for a thrilling ride with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in both scenic history and adrenaline, with a focus on the wild side of Queenstown.
12. Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown
Rated 5.0/5 from 352 reviews, this luxury flight and cruise combo offers a small-group experience with spectacular aerial and water views. The round-trip flight over the Southern Alps and Fiordland is a highlight, providing unforgettable vistas.
Once at Milford, you’ll enjoy a cruise that passes Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. The flight back over snow-capped peaks completes the picture. This is an excellent choice for travelers who want a high-end, all-encompassing Milford experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking luxury, stunning views from above and below, and a small-group approach.
13. Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown
Rated 5.0/5 from 319 reviews, this full-day adventure combines jet boating on the Dart River and funyak canoeing in Mount Aspiring National Park. The tour includes a picnic lunch and options to join the coach or self-drive.
This trip is unique for its combination of wild river riding and peaceful paddling amid Middle-earth scenery. The expert guides, easy funyaks, and spectacular scenery ensure an engaging day for active travelers.
Bottom line: Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want a mix of adrenaline and tranquility in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14. Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip
For a laid-back, scenic cruise at just $40, this 1.5-hour boat trip on Lake Wakatipu offers panoramic views and access to secluded bays. Rated 4.7/5, it’s a popular choice for families or couples wanting a simple, relaxing water experience.
The modern catamaran features an onboard bar, with commentary highlighting local landmarks and history. It’s a great way to explore Lake Whakatipu’s lesser-known spots without breaking the bank.
Bottom line: Ideal for casual travelers, families, and those wanting a short, scenic cruise with drinks and photos.
15. Queenstown: Milford Sound Small-Group Tour w Cruise & Lunch
Lastly, this small-group, full-day Milford Sound tour offers a mix of scenery, wildlife, and comfort. Rated 4.8/5 from 404 reviews, it includes a cruise, lunch, and personalized service.
The tour covers breathtaking areas like Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, and Eglington Valley. The number 1-rated cruise boat ensures a quality experience, and the size of the group adds a personal touch.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a detailed, intimate exploration of Milford Sound with premium amenities.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour or Cruise in Queenstown
When deciding which water adventure fits your style, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If relaxation and local food are your priority, Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise offers a perfect blend. For thrill-seekers, the Shotover Jet or the Skippers Canyon Jet give adrenaline in stunning settings. Those with limited time might prefer the Milford Sound Flight & Cruise or the Milford Sound scenic flight and cruise.
For travelers seeking a luxurious, all-encompassing experience, the Milford Sound Flight and Cruise with Lunch and Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights are top choices. Budget travelers will appreciate the Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip for its affordability and scenic value.
Booking early is advisable, especially in high season (summer months), to secure your preferred date and time.
Queenstown’s water-based adventures cover a broad range of experiences, from tranquil lakes to high-speed thrills. For a romantic getaway, Lake Whakatipu cruises or the historic TSS Earnslaw stand out. Adventure travelers will find plenty of excitement in the jet boat rides and canyoning. And if you’re after the full spectacle of Fiordland’s grandeur, the full-day Milford Sound trips, especially those with flights, deliver unforgettable vistas.
No matter your style, these tours promise a memorable way to appreciate Queenstown’s incredible natural beauty. Be sure to book early, and prepare to enjoy the water in ways you might never have imagined.