Adult: 16 years +Children: 5-15 yearsInfant: Under 5 years

Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise

South Island

Experiences

Cruises

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Duration: 1.5 hours

The Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise is a relaxed 90-minute journey across Lake Whakatipu aboard a modern catamaran. Operating from late November to mid-April, it features open-air viewing decks, comfortable indoor seating and live commentary as you pass secluded bays, native bush and dramatic alpine peaks. The cruise is suitable for all ages, with snacks and drinks available onboard and cheese or charcuterie boards available to pre-order.

See Queenstown’s Alpine Scenery from the Water

Departing from Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown, the cruise travels towards Walter Peak High Country Farm through some of Lake Whakatipu’s most picturesque surroundings. Enjoy views towards Bob’s Cove, Cecil Peak, The Remarkables and Mount Earnslaw while your skipper shares stories about the lake’s landscapes and landmarks.

The spacious open-air deck provides excellent opportunities for sightseeing and photography, while the indoor seating offers a comfortable place to relax in cooler weather. Selected departures may also be upgraded to include time at Walter Peak, making it easy to combine the lake journey with another memorable Queenstown experience.

Spirit of Queenstown cruise vessel docked at Queenstown pier on Lake Wakatipu

Spirit of Queenstown boat at pier with Lake Wakatipu and mountain views

Close-up of Spirit of Queenstown with the Remarkables behind

Aerial view of Lake Whakatipu with Queenstown in the distance

Close-up of luxury grazing board with meats, cheeses and accompaniments on cruise

Interior seating area on the Spirit of Queenstown boat

Upper deck seating on the Spirit of Queenstown lake cruise

Aerial view of Spirit of Queenstown boat cruising on Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountains

Overhead view of cheese, crackers and antipasto served on Spirit of Queenstown cruise

Cheese and wine platter on board Spirit of Queenstown luxury lake cruise

Close-up aerial shot of Spirit of Queenstown boat on Lake Wakatipu with mountain backdrop

Cheese platter with crackers, olives and dip served on Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise

Gourmet snack platter served on Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise

Spirit of Queenstown cruise at Bob’s Cove on Lake Wakatipu with mountain backdrop

Spirit of Queenstown scenic cruise with Remarkables mountain backdrop

Spirit of Queenstown cruise boat ready for lake departure at Queenstown

Tour Highlights

Relax on a 90-minute scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu
Take in panoramic views from the open-air viewing deck
See secluded bays, native bush and surrounding alpine peaks
Hear live commentary from your skipper
Purchase snacks, hot drinks and cold beverages from the onboard café and bar
Pre-order a cheese or charcuterie board
Cruise towards Walter Peak High Country Farm
Upgrade selected departures to disembark at Walter Peak

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 5-15 years
Infant: Under 5 years

More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

The cruise departs from the RealNZ Visitor Centre at Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street in central Queenstown.

The Spirit of Queenstown can be boarded by ramp and has some accessible main-deck areas. However, there is no accessible toilet onboard, so guests should confirm their requirements before booking.

Yes. The relaxed cruise is suitable for families, couples, groups and solo travellers. Children and infants are welcome according to the applicable fare conditions.

Yes. Drinks and snacks are available from the onboard café and bar. Cheese and charcuterie boards may also be available to pre-order.

The route offers views of secluded bays, native bush and alpine scenery around Lake Whakatipu, including areas towards Bob’s Cove, Cecil Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Earnslaw.

No. The Spirit of Queenstown is a modern catamaran focused on panoramic lake and mountain views. The TSS Earnslaw is a separate heritage steamship experience.