Queenstown

15 Best Lake Wakatipu Cruises

The lake crossings compared: the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 coal-fired steamship still on schedule, scenic ninety-minute loops and the Walter Peak runs that end at a gourmet barbecue on a high-country farm. The steamship is the same age as the Titanic and having a better century.

2.Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Discover Queenstown’s stunning Lake Wakatipu with a 90-minute scenic cruise featuring expert guides, breathtaking views, and great value.

★ 5.0

“This was a very entertaining and educative trip. The cruise experience was excellent, with the friendly on board and the details shared by Captain. The staff were extremely helpful. A different scheduled program got canceled and we had to book this at short notice. The…”

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3.Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

Experience Queenstown’s iconic steamship, TSS Earnslaw, on a scenic Lake Wakatipu cruise. Enjoy historic sights, mountain views, and onboard charm for $67.

★ 4.6

“Everything good other than the opportunity to go when it docks midway at the Walter Park Farm. We dint know about this earlier when we booked the 90 minute ride. There really should have been an opportunity given to be able to buy the tickets…”

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4.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Discover Queenstown’s best with a vintage steamship cruise, sheep farm demonstrations, and a gourmet BBQ. An authentic and scenic New Zealand experience.

★ 5.0

“Absolutely loved this tour out to Walter Peak! My partner and I went and couldn’t fault the gourmet lunch. Its very relaxed and the service was wonderful. Everything ran on schedule and we still had the afternoon to enjoy the rest of Queenstown. The views…”

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5.Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

Discover the charming blend of scenic lake cruising and farm life at Walter Peak in Queenstown. Enjoy farm demonstrations, animals, and high tea for a memorable 3.5-hour experience.

★ 4.8

“Third time to the Farm. Even though it was raining it was still beautiful. Morning tea was delicious and all the staff were so friendly.”

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6.Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip

Discover Queenstown's stunning Lake Whakatipu on a 1.5-hour boat cruise. Enjoy panoramic views, expert commentary, and a relaxed vibe for all ages.

★ 4.7

“The lake cruise was just the right length of time to enjoy the spectacular views. I was blown away with the scenery and the lake was very calm. Take a light jacket as it can be a little windy”

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7.Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

Experience a scenic lake cruise, a delicious buffet dinner, and a lively farm demonstration at Walter Peak, all in one memorable Queenstown outing.

★ 4.5

“Great boat trip on the Ernshaw, wonderful to see into the working engine room. Trip was scenic and great viewing around lake Wakatipu and the dinner at Walter peak farm was fabulous with tonnes of gorgeous food to enjoy. The farm show was very good…”

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8.Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Discover Queenstown’s charm with a scenic lake cruise aboard a vintage steamship and a lively farm visit featuring animal encounters, demonstrations, and high tea.

★ 4.5

“A great day trip, that has something for everyone. From the boat itself, to the service once on board, the views while travelling to Walter Peak and the Walter Peak experience, highly recommend.”

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9.TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

Experience Queenstown’s beauty aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Enjoy scenic lake views, engine room tours, and a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise.

★ 4.5

“Well organized and safe expedition - highly recommend. The highlight was the pianist playing great songs on the return journey while while we sailed past scenic views from Lake Wakatipu.”

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10.Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Experience stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables on a 1.5-hour scenic cruise in Queenstown. Perfect for relaxing, photo-taking, and wildlife spotting.

★ 4.7

“What an absolute delight this cruise was. The vessel is well appointed and comfortable and our Guide Dan's commentary was both informative a humorous which just added to the whole experience. Bree the first mate was attentive and made sure we were to purchase drinks…”

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11.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

Experience a thrilling helicopter tour over Queenstown’s glaciers and Mount Aspiring National Park, including a glacier landings and stunning alpine views.

★ 4.9

“Amazing! Couldn’t have asked for any better, Luke our pilot was incredible- knowledgable, funny and made us feel very safe. The views were out of this world, one of the best moments of our month trip!”

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14.Queenstown: Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Experience stunning lake views, a delicious BBQ buffet, and farm demonstrations on this 3.5-hour Queenstown cruise to Walter Peak. Perfect for food lovers and families.

★ 4.8

“Very good, I hope can stay there longer, so I can go mountain climbing or hanging around, and I hope can post the schedule of itinerary, so I can know when to eat and when to shopping, etc…”

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More Lake Wakatipu Cruises

Explore Queenstown

Jet boats, bungy history and Milford Sound up the road.