Adult: 16 years +Children: 4-15 yearsInfant: Under 4 years

Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise

South Island

Experiences

Cruises

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Queenstown

Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore Lake Whakatipu on the Spirit of Queenstown

Step aboard the Spirit of Queenstown for a relaxed 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu. Enjoy panoramic views from the open-air deck as you travel towards Walter Peak High Country Farm, passing secluded bays, native bush and dramatic alpine scenery.

Listen to live commentary from your skipper and discover the stories, landmarks and landscapes that shape Lake Whakatipu. With indoor seating, spacious viewing areas and food and drinks available onboard, this scenic cruise is an easy way to experience Queenstown from the water.

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: 4-15 years
Infant: Under 4 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.