New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN QUEENSTOWN

15 Boat Tours in Queenstown Worth Booking

73 tours  ·  from $41

The 15 best boat tours in Queenstown you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The two-hour stop at Walter Peak
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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

1.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95Our pick

Take a 210-minute RealNZ outing from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. Expect a lakeside BBQ buffet, farm animals, sheep shearing, and a sheepdog display. Guides such as Pete, Joe, Josh, Mia, and Echo have helped make the farm show a highlight.

“Amazing views and food — the sheep-shearing part of the farm show wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was absolutely spectacular.”

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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip - Queenstown Pickup and the Early Coach Ride
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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

2.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,592 reviews · from $144

Ride from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound with local guide commentary, scenic stops, a packed lunch, and a cruise with three viewing decks. Guides such as Brendan, Brian, and Robben are known for lively stories, careful driving, and helpful photo stops. Expect a long but rewarding day.

“love love loved the tour. Pick up effortless driver full of knowledge cruise amazing. If you have never been to milford sounds do your best to get there it is so beautiful and serene.”

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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown - From Duke Street to the river base
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Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

3.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,540 reviews · from $113Top rated

Take a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyon, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees under the direction of a skilled local captain such as Peter, Joe, Paul, or Matt. The ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown, lifejackets, lockers, and optional souvenir photos.

“This is awesome. Totally easy and a ton of fun. This specific jet boat tour is clearly the one to do. A short scenic drive up to the launch point, is worth it vs. just being in Queenstown harbor area. The captain was great fun, and highly experiencRead more”

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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise - A premium Mercedes van and a smaller group
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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

4.Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,416 reviews · from $235

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a premium Mercedes van with up to 15 people, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. Your local guide handles the long drive, while lunch, WiFi, hot drinks, and a nature cruise are included.

“It is a very long day but so worth it! Milford Sound is majestic and beautiful! I’m so happy I made the trip.”

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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown - Landing at Milford Sound
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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

5.Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $462

Fly with True South Flights over Lake Wakatipu, the Southern Alps, glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls to Milford Sound. Enjoy a roughly two-hour cruise, then return to Queenstown by another scenic route. Pilots such as Luke, Andrew, Michael, and Tanmay provide commentary along the way.

“This experience is a must do if you visit Queenstown. The pilot was amazing. One of the highlights of our trip.”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Entering the Kawarau River at up to 95 kph
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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

6.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,682 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Ride KJet’s big yellow jet boat from Queenstown’s Main Town Pier across Lake Wakatipu, then up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, repeated 360-degree spins, mountain views, and helpful guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles. You will likely get wet, even in good weather.

“Fantastic fun filled ride. Had a great time. A must do in Queenstown.”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat - Taking off from Queenstown
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

7.Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,558 reviews · 5 hours · from $447

Trade a long road trip for return scenic flights over the Southern Alps, Mt Aspiring, and Fiordland National Park, then take a two-hour Milford Sound cruise. Every plane seat has a window, and pilots such as Jared, Andy, Mike, and Kirk add useful commentary when conditions allow.

“Highlight of our month spent touring NZ so far. Blessed with stunning weather of clear blue skies which showed off the incredible scenery perfectly. The scenery on the flight was spectacular and the pilot provided great commentary with friendly approach. Wonderful to then see Milford Sound on a boat, again great commentary and real up close experiences of waterfalls. Yes expensive…but worth it 🤩”

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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes) - Willow islands, birdlife, and Kawarau Falls Dam
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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

8.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,462 reviews · from $49

Spend 90 minutes aboard Million Dollar 2 cruising from Queenstown Bay to Kawarau Falls Dam and back. Captain-led commentary covers Queenstown’s shoreline, lakeside homes, birdlife, and local history. Choose the heated cabin or outdoor seating, with drinks and snacks available at the onboard bar.

“Good fun. Lots of interesting information on the way! Boat has bar and refreshments (and a toilet) great way to see the lake”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip - Meeting in Queenstown before the long road
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

9.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,417 reviews · from $152

Take RealNZ’s glass-roof coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound, stopping around Te Anau and along Milford Road before a two-hour nature cruise. Guides such as Danny, Dean, and Paulie add local stories, while the boat brings you close to waterfalls, cliffs, seals, dolphins, and penguins.

“A long, tiring day but well worth it. We had amazing weather and the trip on Milford Sound was unforgettable ❤️”

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Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu - Boarding in Queenstown and finding your place
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Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

10.TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,255 reviews · 1h 30m · from $68

Sail for 90 minutes from Queenstown aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-fired steamship. Hear the captain’s commentary, watch stokers feed the fire, explore the wheelhouse and photo museum, and buy coffee, tea, wine, beer, or snacks onboard.

“Lovely boat and museum. Piano player a lovely touch and very entertaining. Commentary was not clear and lacking in content, interesting points along the way. History of the boat etc”

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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience - From Queenstown to the jet base
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Queenstown: Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

11.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,203 reviews · 25 - 90 minutes · from $107

You’ll race through the Shotover Canyons with an expert English-speaking driver, skimming rapids at up to 90kmh and spinning 360 degrees near towering rock walls. Choose the Queenstown shuttle or drive yourself, and dress warmly: the wind can be cold even when you stay mostly dry.

“Wow! Exhilarating through the canyons. The turns were exciting and the kids and I loved it. Thanks for an awesome experience with a fun and professional guide :)”

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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise - Crossing Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak
BBQ, Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

12.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,196 reviews · from $98

Sail from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, or possibly the Spirit of Queenstown, for a chef-prepared BBQ buffet, gardens, lake views, and a sheep-shearing and sheepdog show hosted by the farm team, including Pete.

“The lake view during the cruise was quite beautiful, and the BBQ lunch was nice! They got all kinds of meat, so don’t miss it if you are a meat lover!”

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Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour - Arriving at Walter Peak Farm
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Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

13.Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 950 reviews · 3h 30m · from $80

Cruise Lake Whakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown, then tour Walter Peak Farm with guides such as Josh, Mia, or Ashley. Expect sheep shearing, working dogs, animal encounters, mountain views, and generous morning or afternoon tea in a 3.5-hour family-friendly outing.

“Loved watching the sheepdog perform. Would like to see more.”

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Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown - Fiordland National Park is half the experience
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Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

14.Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 789 reviews · from $152

Spend a full day travelling from Queenstown to Piopiotahi Milford Sound by air-conditioned coach, with stops in Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. Guides such as Carl, Hamish, Sebastian, Brian, and Graeme are praised for lively commentary. A catamaran cruise, lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup are included.

“It was a really long day (with a fair amount of time spent on the bus) but Brian / the Pure Milford team made it an amazing journey for us. Milford Sound was absolutely incredible and we were really happy that we got to stop at multiple spots for photos as well – highly recommend!”

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - Meeting in central Queenstown
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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

15.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 699 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Travel from Queenstown with guides such as Cal, Dan, Willy, or Rob along the infamous Skippers Road, then take a 30-minute jet boat ride through the Shotover River canyons. Expect gold-mining history, Lord of the Rings scenery, sharp 360-degree spins, and a thrilling return drive.

“It was good and our tour guide Cal gave us some interesting facts about the history of skippers canyon. The jet boat was amazing and when he did the spin the water would splash in your face if you won’t a great experience in the history and some fun go to skippers canyon.Even the trip going on the bus down the mountain was fantastic and if you love the thrill of going down a mountain was fun.”

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New in Boat Tours in Queenstown

★ 4.5Scenic Queenstown Lake CruiseFrom $4222 reviews
★ 5.0Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & LunchFrom $2168 reviews
★ 5.0Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake CruiseFrom $835 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with CruiseFrom $22871 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Tour: Cruise & FlightFrom $5517 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic LunchFrom $23295 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from QueenstownFrom $1,0158 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from QueenstownFrom $1,27218 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Coach & Extended Cruise from QueenstownFrom $2074 reviews
★ 4.5Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with FlybackFrom $53040 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Business Class from Queenstown Cruise LunchFrom $43330 reviews
★ 5.0The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire And Boat ExperienceFrom $17999 reviews
★ 5.0Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from QueenstownFrom $22842 reviews
★ 5.0Best of Queenstown Guided Tour with Wine Tasting & Boat CruiseFrom $12798 reviews
★ 5.0Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle IncludedFrom $2078 reviews

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