Lake Wakatipu Tours

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River and speeds through the milky waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water. You’ll cover more ground in less time, and receive a complimentary entrance ticket to Queenstown's Underwater Observatory.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the SS ‘Earnslaw,’ a vintage steamship. Stroll the lakeside gardens to the Colonel's Homestead for traditional morning or afternoon tea and take a walking tour of the farm. You’ll watch sheep dogs in action, see sheep shearing demonstrations and learn the time-honored art of spinning wool. Treat yourself to home-baked goods and alpine views of the Remarkables mountain range. Savour a delicious afternoon tea and an amble through lakeside gardens before heading back to Queenstown by boat.

Depart Queenstown aboard the TSS ‘Earnslaw’ for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You’ll travel round-trip by vintage steamship and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch from the terrace at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts and local cheeses. Don’t miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm’s sheepdogs.

Board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts and a New Zealand cheeseboard while a pianist provides the ambiance. After dinner, join a walking tour of the farm to see demonstrations, or simply relax in the bar where you can purchase wine and other beverages, before the return boat trip to Queenstown.

Dive deep into the waters of Lake Wakatipu and explode into the sky as a passenger in the thrilling Seabreacher X watercraft. Brace yourself for stunts and high speeds in this unique ‘shark machine’, one of the only ones operating commercially in the entire world. Experience exciting side-rolls, long dives and 360-degree spins in this private thrillride – each ride is one-on-one with your pilot.

Whether you’re a fishing fanatic or a complete novice, this fishing charter experience is enjoyable for all. After a central Queenstown pickup, you’ll join experienced skippers for an adventure on Lake Wakatipu. You won’t have to worry about bringing equipment with you as everything is provided. Your skippers will give you expert tuition on different fishing techniques, and you’ll gain access to incredible panoramic views that you wouldn’t see otherwise.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand on this half-day Wakatipu Basin 4-wheel drive tour from Queenstown. Cruise along off-road routes toward the Remarkables mountain range — widely used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Admire panoramic views over Deer Park Heights and the Kawarau Gorge, and then head onward to the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Traverse bumpy river crossings along the Arrow River, and pan for gold on the riverbank. Then gaze over the Wakatipu Basin from Coronet Peak en route back to Queenstown.

Access remote wilderness areas on this Queenstown jet-boat tour across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River. The high-speed 1-hour ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as your expert driver maneuvers into 360-degree spins, performs fishtail turns and navigates between narrow canyon walls. Snap photos of your scenic surroundings, including the Remarkables mountain range, and watch bungy jumpers plunge from the Kawarau Bridge. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day.

Get to know Queenstown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery on this half-day tour. With a small group limited to just 11 people or fewer, travel in a minivan to locales such as Crown Terrace Viewpoint, the Shotover River, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, and others. Pickup and drop-off in central Queenstown included.

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural settlement of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on this half-day drive. Spend some time exploring Glenorchy’s shops and cafes, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Enjoy an authentic fishing adventure on Lake Wakatipu with this 3-hour Queenstown fishing charter. Head onto the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy panoramic views over the spectacular mountain scenery. Pick up helpful tips from your guide and gain insight into the many different fish species thriving in the lake. Master a range of fishing techniques including jigging, spinning and trolling, and watch your line for a nibble from the trout and salmon swimming below. Haul in your catches, then either release them back or keep them for dinner!

Explore Queenstown nature on a half-day walking tour along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy views of the Remarkables mountain range as you take an easy route through native beech forest and learn about South Island flora and birdlife. Soak up the water views and hear Maori legends of the lake. Your morning or afternoon tour includes a snack plus hotel pickup and drop-off. Numbers are limited to 10 people, ensuring a small-group experience with your knowledgeable nature guide.

Taste your way through Gibbston Valley wines on a wine tour from Queenstown that includes tastings at three or four wineries. Sampling a minimum of 18 Gibbston Valley wines ensures you a great overview of local flavors, and round-trip transport from central Queenstown means you can enjoy each tasting without worrying about driving at the end of the day.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran for a 1 hour 45 minute cruise. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Ride the Queenstown gondola to a skyline restaurant for a midday or evening meal, and enjoy scenic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. At Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, perched on Bob's Peakat Skyline high above the mountain town, settle in for a 4-course buffet lunch or 6-course buffet dinner of local specialties. Each table in the restaurant’s tiered seating area boasts prime views, including Coronet Peak. On Christmas or New Year’s Eve, enjoy a themed buffet, live entertainment and two luge rides.

Though not as adrenaline-packed as the Olympic sport, the Queenstown luge winds downhill with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond. Ride the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll experience the Skyline Luge Queenstown on five rides — sure to satisfy any thrill-seeker. Choose the scenic track or descend a steeper gradient on the advanced track, or switch between the two specially designed routes.

Soar through the Queenstown forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, plunging 30 stories down from the Skyline Gondola summit on a 3-hour tour. Tone down the adrenaline a notch on a 2-hour course, perfect for families with kids aged six and up. Expert guides supervise your launch from each aerial platform, so all you have to do is take in the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range.

Visit ‘The Lord of the Rings’ filming locations in Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD with an informative guide. Departing Queenstown for Middle-earth in the morning or afternoon, this half-day tour includes stunning countryside landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, such as the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp and Forest of Amon Hen. Enjoy light refreshments and personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to six passengers per vehicle.

Board a private helicopter for a flight to Middle Earth Waterfalls, touching down for a picnic at the foot of a hanging glacier. You’ll fly to the head of Lake Wakatipu, cross the Moonlight Saddle, and soar across the dramatic Richardson Mountains, with gorgeous aerial views throughout the trip. Once at Middle Earth Waterfalls, a picnic lunch will be served in “The Hobbit” film location, followed by free time to explore, and the scenic return flight to Queenstown.

Go off-roading near Lake Wakatipu on a thrilling 4WD adventure from Queenstown. With an expert guide at the wheel, your 4x4 navigates long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements. Hear entertaining commentary about this scenic region captured by ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. You'll see multiple LOTR filming sites while jolting down Skippers Canyon and splashing across the Arrow River.

A Milford Sound cruise, scenic drive and return helicopter ride complete this extraordinary day trip from Queenstown. See the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park by land, sea and air, starting with vivid landscapes viewed through your glass-roof luxury coach along Milford Road. The 2-hour cruise covers the entire length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, while the 40-minute helicopter flight takes you over Mt Tutoko and Lake Wakatipu, with a brief landing on Donne Glacier (weather permitting).

This half-day Queenstown canyoneering adventure is action-packed! You’ll walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you’ll spend 1.5 to 2 hours descending by zipline, abseiling (rappelling) down waterfalls, plunging into natural pools, floating down narrow passageways and cascading down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on skill level. No experience is necessary, but this activity does require a moderate level of fitness. Wetsuits, safety equipment and waterproof footwear are provided.

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Remarkables and the Southern Alps during a 1.75-hour catamaran cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Head to the western shore, stopping at Bob’s Cove to soak up the views from New Zealand's longest lake. Listen to the captain’s entertaining commentary about the natural landmarks and wildlife as you relax indoors or on the outdoor decks. You have a selection of morning and afternoon cruises to choose from.

This 2-hour helicopter tour flies you from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park and boasts unbeatable views from above. A professional pilot points out of the ice-capped Southern Alps, including glaciated lakes and forested valleys, before descending to Milford Sound. Make two landings — on a secluded beach and an alpine glacier — with time to explore and get the perfect photo op. Book your seat on a shared helicopter, or upgrade your experience to a private charter exclusive to your group.