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.

1.Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

Experience scenic lake cruises, a gourmet BBQ, and lively farm demonstrations at Walter Peak in Queenstown—perfect for food lovers and families alike.

Most Popular★ 4.8

“We are so happy we booked this tour for our last day in Queenstown. The food was amazing - could not have asked for anything better. I am a vegetarian and had such a full plate to eat and my husband says the meats were…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“For a bit of gentle relaxation amid the bustle of Queenstown, a leisurely ride on an old boat is ideal. There is an opportunity to see the engine in action and to be grateful that you don’t have to shovel the coal.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“What a fun experience crossing the lake in the oldest coal fired steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. Seeing the boilers and engines in action was a treat. The meal at the farm was above my expectations. So many tasty choices. The Farm sRead more”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“Such beautiful scenery. The farm was charming. The displays were interesting... sheep dog and shearing, and the boat ride was excellent, all the more hearing the lad shovelling coal into the furnace to keep us powering on. the best day....beyond my expectations!!! 6 stars”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“Great activity to learn about the area and get to see the lake from a different angle. Only negative, it was difficult to hear the guide when sitting inside the boat, outside was a lot more clear across the speakers.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“The steamer ride across the lake was a lot of fun. It was very interesting to see the engine room and all that goes on down there. It’s not every day you see somebody shoveling coal into a furnace to keep the engine running. The…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“The boat was not crowded so the experience was more personable. We were able to relax and enjoy. Enjoyed hearing about the history of the area. Everyone is happy and willing to help.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

“Incredible experience. Was easy to book, got picked up headed to the chopper and we were up within 15 minutes. We had a glacier landing which was an absolute highlight. The pilot was lovely and a wealth of knowledge. He took us around to more…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

12.Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience stunning lake views, gentle horse treks, and afternoon tea on this 3.5-hour Queenstown tour combining a scenic cruise and farm adventure.

★ 4.7

“This was so much fun and well worth money. As someone who has ridden for years it’s always been a dream to ride through terrain like this. You definitely don’t need to know how to ride though, it was a nice slow plod. Followed by…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

13.Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

Experience Queenstown’s stunning scenery on a half-day tour with a boat cruise, horse trek, and farm afternoon tea—perfect for beginners and nature lovers alike.

★ 4.5

“This is a 40 minute ride where you only walk so it is suitable for beginners - if you are a horse rider you would find this boring but the views are stunning. The staff were friendly and very helpful. The afternoon tea we had…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

More Lake Wakatipu Cruises

Explore Queenstown

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