New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN QUEENSTOWN

The 15 Boat Tours in Queenstown That Go Early

31 tours  ·  from $41

Some days out are worth rearranging a week for. These 15 boat tours in Queenstown are those, each with its cost, its length and the detail that settles it.

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The 45-minute cruise from Steamer Wharf
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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

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous local BBQ buffet, gardens beside Lake Whakatipu, and a lively farm show with sheep shearing and working dogs. Presenters and dogs vary, with past shows featuring Pete, Josh, Joe, Echo, Mia, and Kim.

“The gourmet BBQ was insane! So much food available and lots of different cuisines to choose from. Highly recommend. ☺️ Staff were all lovely too.”

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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

2.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

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

Ride a high-speed jet boat through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, skimming over rapids and spinning 360 degrees beneath sheer cliffs. Your driver provides local stories and handles the technical river work. The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes, with shuttle transport from central Queenstown and optional photos for purchase.

“Whole experience was very professional. Our bus driver was lovely, so was our boat driver. The ride in the boat was thrilling and location of experience was excellent. Highly recommend!”

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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride - Lake Wakatipu sets the pace
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Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

3.Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

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

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a fast, 1-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and up the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Expect speeds up to 95 kph, 360-degree spins, heated handrails, and views of the Remarkables. Guides such as Puni, Sam, Reuben, and Charles add clear safety advice and lively commentary.

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

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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes) - Kelvin Heights and the Queenstown Golf Course
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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

4.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

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

Cruise Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown with Captain Troy, Dan, or another local skipper providing lively commentary on the lake, mountains, homes, birdlife, and Kawarau Falls Dam. You get indoor and outdoor seating, a small onboard bar, photo stops, and a relaxed route to the end of the lake and back.

“Although only a 90 minutes boat tour the captain provided very informative narratioon about queenstown history and folklore. Just wished the weather had been warmer to be able to ride above.”

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

5.TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

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

Board Queenstown’s TSS Earnslaw for a 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu. You can watch stokers feed the coal fires, explore the wheelhouse and onboard museum, and hear captain’s commentary. Buy coffee, wine, beer, or snacks onboard. Some sailings include music from performers such as Tony or Kate.

“It was good but they should inform about parking facilities for the customers and give an idea how long and how much it may cost to park the car during the activity. I was very nervous around the last minutes to miss the ship due to lack of parking nearby. Glad that I made it finally just on time.”

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

6.Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience

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

Ride with Shotover Jet through the Shotover River’s narrow canyons, less than 10 minutes from Queenstown. Your driver handles rapids, rocky outcrops, and famous 360-degree spins at speeds up to 90kmh. The 25-minute ride includes safety gear and commentary on local history, geology, and Maori culture. Add a Queenstown shuttle if you do not want to drive.

“Fun exhilarating and exciting. I have done before but this time with grandchildren . I would definitely recommend”

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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise - How the three-and-a-half-hour schedule feels
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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

7.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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

Take a 3.5-hour round trip from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw when scheduled, enjoy a chef-prepared BBQ buffet, then watch sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations before returning across Lake Wakatipu.

“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 - What the Lake Whakatipu cruise adds
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Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

8.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 join a guided Walter Peak farm tour. You may meet guides such as Josh, Ashley, or Phillip, watch sheep shearing and dog work, feed animals, and enjoy a generous morning or afternoon tea. The 3.5-hour outing suits families and mixed-age groups.

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

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride - The ride into Skippers Canyon
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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

9.Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

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

Take a guided minibus ride along Skippers Road, a narrow route carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River, then board a jet boat for 30 minutes of fast runs, close canyon turns, and 360-degree spins. Guides such as Cal, Dan, Willy, and Rob add local history and humor. Allow three hours, and bring warm layers, water, and a camera.

“Tour guide and boat driver both so great!! Amazing activity”

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Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip - The 90-Minute Route and What You See
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Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip

10.Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41Best value

Set out from Queenstown on a 90-minute catamaran cruise across Lake Whakatipu. Your English-speaking skipper points out Bob’s Cove, Mt Earnslaw, the Southern Alps, forests, coves, and historic landmarks. Choose the upper or lower deck, then order wine, local beer, coffee, snacks, or a cheese and charcuterie platter from the onboard bar.

“Staff were friendly and professional Food was lovely I had a vegetarian lasagna The captain was knowledgeable and made the cruise an interesting a d informative experience”

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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers - Starting at Main Town Pier
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KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

11.KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 590 reviews · from $92

Join KJet at Queenstown’s Main Town Pier for a one-hour ride across Lake Wakatipu and along the Kawarau and Shotover rivers. Your driver handles fast turns, shallow water, fishtails, and 360-degree spins, with views of the Remarkables. Drivers such as Puni, Jack, Ben, Anton, and Reuben are praised for clear safety guidance and good humor.

“This is a fun ride! If you like speed and spins you will enjoy! Enjoy the views along the route! You will get wet so be ready!!!”

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Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown - Choosing Between the Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown
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Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 576 reviews · from $117

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the 1912 TSS Earnslaw or modern Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous BBQ buffet at Colonel’s Homestead, then watch sheepdog work and shearing before returning across Lake Wakatipu. Farm demonstrators, including Joe and working dog Echo, bring rural New Zealand to life.

“10/10 experience, from the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, absolute stunning views and the Walter Peak High Country BBQ smorgasbord 🤤 then farm show with Mia the farm dog😮‍💨👌🏽 10/10 😘 Highly recommended, dress for 4 seasons in oneday🤣❄️🌬️🌦️🌈 19 Dec what summer 🤣 Must do!!”

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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience - Glenorchy and the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park
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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

13.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $190

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then board a jet boat for a 45-kilometre run along the glacier-fed Dart River. Guides such as Jordan, Pedro, Dean, and John combine fast turns and 360-degree spins with stories about Māori culture, early settlers, native plants, and wildlife. The ride is scenic rather than nonstop extreme sport.

“John our captain was incredible I felt safe and the scenery was dramatic. Such a cool experience on the river”

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Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure - Walter Peak Farm brings rural New Zealand close
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Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

14.Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 439 reviews · from $83

Spend about 3.5 hours crossing Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the vintage TSS Earnslaw, meet sheep, alpacas, cattle, goats, and farm dogs, watch a sheepdog demonstration, stroll the gardens, and enjoy afternoon tea with scones. Spirit of Queenstown operates during Earnslaw maintenance.

“Beautiful place, great food and the animal experience was fantastic. Would be good to feed the animals . Gardens are gorgeous and the boat ride over was amazing”

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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown - The jet boat covers 30 kilometers in style
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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

15.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 kilometers upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park. Guides such as Rob, Nikki, Ella, and Jordan lead the trip, which includes lunch, wetsuits, fleece, booties, and a dry bag. Expect thrilling water, quiet river channels, and some physical effort.

“The jet boat was 10/10. It was thrilling but also felt safe. The funyaks were hard work. Not as easy or as relaxing as I expected. At a few points we had to drag the funyaks over rocks for approximately 10 meters. It was a full body workout, Read more”

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New in Boat Tours in Queenstown

★ 5.0Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat ReturnFrom $1734 reviews
★ 4.7Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake CruiseFrom $8025 reviews
★ 4.8Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ BuffetFrom $9566 reviews
★ 4.8Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat RideFrom $190145 reviews
★ 4.6Jet Sprint Boat, Ultimate Off-Roader & ShootingFrom $2444 reviews
★ 5.0Lake Wakatipu: 3 Hour Fishing Adventure by BoatFrom $2276 reviews
★ 4.9Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat ExperienceFrom $178123 reviews
★ 4.9Scenic Highlights, Tour with Wine & Lake CruiseFrom $13655 reviews
★ 4.5Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from QueenstownFrom $142101 reviews
★ 5.0Jet Sprint Boating, Ultimate Off-Roading & Clay Target ShootingFrom $25318 reviews

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