Tours/Queenstown/Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
Viator · group up to 49 pax

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

4.8(1,561)Queenstown1 hour
VIATOR4.8(224)TRIPADVISOR4.8(1,337)

Description

Step aboard a classic Queenstown lake cruise and take in the region’s most iconic views from the water. Million Dollar Cruise is a 90-minute journey across Lake Wakatipu, offering uninterrupted views of the Remarkables, hidden bays, and historic homes — all with live commentary from a local crew who genuinely love what they do. With smaller groups, a relaxed pace, and a fully licensed onboard bar, it’s the perfect mix of comfort, scenery, and story. Departing daily from Queenstown’s main jetty, it’s an unforgettable experience — and unbeatable value!

Tour Options

Start Times

Itinerary

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Travel on Queenstown's Lake - Lake Wakatipu for the whole journey right to the end of the lake and back.

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The trip starts off in Queenstown Bay, as you sail out you will pass Queenstown Gardens and see Queenstown Central along the shoreline.

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Next you will get to see the wonderful Queenstown Golf Course which sits right on the Kelvin Heights Peninsula overlooking the delightful Lake Wakatipu. There shores are a common place for the locals to go boating and swimming. You will then proceed down the 90% calm waters perusing the million dollar homes along the shoreline.

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As you sail past willow islands and see local birdlife we make our way right down to the historic Kawarau Falls Dam which marks the start of the famous Kawarau River.

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The Remarkable mountain range – stop for photos.

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We then edge our way along the opposing shoreline where you can see the Frankton Arm shoreline where locals often frequent to enjoy the waters in summer and then back along the Frankton Arm Trail that takes us back safely to Queenstown Bay.

Highlights

Friendly onboard crew
Central Queenstown jetty departure
90-minute Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Indoor and outdoor seating
Live commentary from the captain

What's included

Included
Friendly onboard crew
Central Queenstown jetty departure
90-minute Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Indoor and outdoor seating
Live commentary from the captain
Not included
Additional charges apply for food, snacks and drinks on board
Hotel transfers
Wheelchair access (due to vessel design)

Traveller Ratings

4.8
1,561 reviews
5
1,292
4
210
3
31
2
8
1
20

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(1,561)

H
Haley_G
August 17, 2026
A must do....

A fantastic tour around the lake. I loved the commentary on the history and such of Queenstown. A must do if you are going to Queenstown,

Operator response

Thank you Haley! So happy to hear you enjoyed so much and we look forward to seeing you again!

S
Safari819616
August 16, 2026
Wonderful!

We enjoyed it so much. The crew is fantastic; the hostesses are super nice and very friendly, as is the skipper, with informative commentary and good humor. Definitely, the lads enjoyed playing captain during the final part of the tour. There are blankets onboards, so grab one once on board, esp if staying on top of the boat. As it is winter. It takes around 90 minutes, and the tour is limited to one part of the lake. I believe it has to be, as the lake is huge! Besides, there might be a specific path for each tour, I reckon. The best part was that it was not crowded! So plenty of space; one could move around comfortably and change views with ease. Good value for money; I would definitely recommend it!

Operator response

Thank you very much for such a wonderful and informative review. It is great that you enjoyed our cruise, staff and commentary. We hope to see you again in the future when you are next in Queenstown.

O
OLALaReunion
August 12, 2026
Calm guided discovery of a part of the lake

Quiet and very pleasant cruise. Well-equipped and relatively small boat, which avoids the crowds. The explanations given during the trip are interesting.

Operator response

Kia ora, thank you for the great review! We are glad you enjoyed your time on board with us.

Z
Zoe_P
August 10, 2026
We had a great time. The...

We had a great time. The scenery was stunning, the staff were friendly, and the commentary was excellent.

Operator response

Thank you for your review. It's good to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

T
TrailBlazer528789
August 8, 2026
Great cruise

We had a great afternoon cruising around the lake! The experience was very informative, the staff were absolutely lovely and helpful, and the pricing was great. The kids especially loved getting a turn in the captain’s chair — definitely a highlight for them! A fantastic experience all round and something we’d happily do again. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Kia ora, thank you for such an amazing review and recommendation! We are stoked to hear that your experience with us was a fantastic all-round one from start to finish! It is great to hear that getting a chance to sit in the Captain's chair was a highlight for your children! Thank you again for such a lovely review and we look forward to seeing you again in the future!

A
annmaries818
August 7, 2026
Highly Recommended

Highly Recommend this trip, wonderful captain with alot of information about the surroundings, very pleasant crew, will definitely be going again with my family.

Operator response

Kia ora, thank you for your awesome review and recommendation! We are pleased to hear you enjoyed the commentary and your time on board with our crew! We look forward to seeing you again!

J
justinsV7141KR
August 4, 2026
Family Cruise

Took the family on this cruise to see as advised by locals and weren't disappointed. This is a great relaxing cruise and the views along the way are amazing!

Operator response

We are so pleased you enjoyed our cruise and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Z
Zebra109
August 2, 2026
Relax, learn and take a million dollar photo.

We took 2 cruises when we arrived in Queenstown NSW. Million dollar cruise is a shorter trip in the harbour but we learned a lot about history and Queenstown If you are someone who want to relax and learn about the place you visit this is highly recommended. It was happy and fun trip. The captain will stop to allow you to take a million dollar photo with the beautiful mountain as the backdrop. That alone is worth something.

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your experience on our curise and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

S
Shaun_B
July 28, 2026
Well worth it!

The Captain Dan and the young lady crew were awesome! Witty commentary and welcoming. Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise.

Operator response

Kia ora Shaun, thank you for your awesome review! We are stoked you enjoyed the commentary and felt welcomed by our crew! Thank you again for joining us!

F
FarAway766391
July 24, 2026
Awesome experience

Awesome ride Dan's commentary was top notch and entertaining. Would recommend.

Operator response

Kia ora, thanks for joining us! We are glad to hear you enjoyed the commentary!

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