New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN QUEENSTOWN
Summer fills these weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 15 to lock in before you fly, what each includes and where they differ.
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak BBQ cruise, with lake views, local food, farm dogs, sheep shearing, prices, tips, and practical advice.
“The BBQ was amazing! So much food and choices! Absolutely one of the best meals I. Queenstown. The farm show was also very enjoyable!”
Race through Shotover River canyons on a thrilling Queenstown jet boat ride with 360 spins, scenic views, skilled drivers, and useful planning tips.
“It was awesome. Teens loved it and enjoyed getting wet on the back row. Would def recommend. Very well organised”
Review of Altitude Tours’ Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with small groups, scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a 1hr 45min cruise.
“Amazing day visiting Milford sound! We were blessed with a rare sunny day and our guide made extra stops for us to admire the beauty! At the end they also offer for you to fly back via Venice flight if weather permits, DO IT. Absolute highlight of the experience and trip!”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise the fiord, and return by a different route on this scenic half-day True South tour.
“The flight was cancelled due to weather conditions- I feel we should we notified sooner rather than last min so alternate arrangements can be made”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau, and Shotover rivers, with pricing, route details, tips, and who should go.
“A great experience. Exhilarating and informative. Weather excellent and yes I would do it again.”
Review of RealNZ’s Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise tour, with scenic stops, practical tips, costs, timing, and honest advice.
“We had Levi as our driver on the bus. He made the long drive a pleasant experience by sharing his knowledge about the country and other stories. It was noticeable thst he really cares about making the trip special and enjoyable for the passengers! Thank you so much !”
Review of the Queenstown to Milford Sound flight and cruise, with scenic routes, boat details, costs, weather advice, and booking tips.
“This was a great way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown. We were prepared to make the drive, but that would have been a mistake. They picked us up at our hotel, drove us to the airport flight center, and flew us over incredible picturesque territory, including Milford Sound before landing at a small airstrip by the docks where the sight-seeing boats leave from. They bus us the two-minute trip to the docks and organized which boats we were going on. All was done for us. The boat trip was comfortable and provided a great tour of the Sound. The return trip on the airplane was on a different route;…”
Review of Queenstown’s 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise, with mountain views, live commentary, onboard drinks, pricing, tips, and drawbacks.
“On time , very knowledgeable captain and staff . Detailed explanation about , safety , history of lake , homorous throughout the journey . On board snack , served smile .chance to sail the boat few mts . I am happy for all the service provided … highly recommend.”
Review the TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Whakatipu, with steam engines, alpine views, onboard history, pricing, and practical tips.
“It was a long day tour, but our guide peanut made the tour very fun and informative. I learned a lot about the plants and animals, geology, farming, history, etc. The view in Milford sound was also amazing!”
Shotover Jet’s 25-minute Queenstown ride races through narrow canyons at 90kmh with rapids, spins, expert drivers, and striking river views.
“Absolute adrenaline rush that was so exciting. The skill & accuracy of our driver Missy was outstanding. A fabulous experience that we would recommend.”
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak BBQ cruise, with TSS Earnslaw views, farm show details, food value, timing, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Get there early to queue up boarding, in order to get a good seat, near an open window as the steam engine heats the top enclosed deck.”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, meet farm animals, watch sheepdogs work, and enjoy afternoon tea on a family-friendly Walter Peak tour.
“Awesome few hours on the farm - Josh was excellent, and the afternoon tea was great. Highly recommend if you love animals - they’re all absolutely adorable”
Review of the Milford Sound coach and cruise from Queenstown, with scenic stops, lunch, practical tips, costs, comfort, and honest drawbacks.
“Did not have enough time to experience the waterfalls. Before you know it, the boat passes so quickly without any announcement. There was one only one staff helping passengers to get a great photo. So overalll, it is not worth the time and money.”
Review of the Skippers Canyon jet boat tour from Queenstown, with a thrilling mountain-road drive, canyon views, history, and 360 spins.
“Boat ride was awesome and our guide Tom on the bus was great!”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath towering cliffs, enjoy lunch, and return by air in five hours with Air Milford.
“An excellent family run business. Everything was seamless, safe, fun and informative. Highly recommended.”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
