Boat Tours from Queenstown at a glance
- Our pick: Shotover River Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown: 360° spins through river canyons, NZ$ 204 per person (25m, 4.84★ · 2,918).
- Best value: Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu 90-Minute Scenic Cruise & Remarkables, NZ$ 79 per person (1h 30m, 4.76★ · 1,595).
- Also recommended: 60-Minute Jet Boat Ride Queenstown: Kawarau & Shotover Rivers, NZ$ 159 per person (1h, 4.71★ · 628).
Price per person across the 33 options priced per person: NZ$ 79–NZ$ 2,145 (median NZ$ 379). With 100+ reviews: 26 of 33.
Of the 33 options: 32 with live guides in English, 32 with free cancellation, 29 with instant confirmation, 16 with hotel pickup, 28 kid-friendly, 2 private and 25 bookable last-minute.
How we rank: quality, number of reviews, availability, booking conditions and relevance to the topic. In the comparison table, our top 3 comes first. Price per person.
Boat Tours from Queenstown
Based on each operator's calendar. Confirmed when you book.
33 options
The 15 best
Ranked by quality, reviews, availability and booking conditions.
Shotover River Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown: 360° spins through river canyons 25-minute jet boat ride through Shotover River canyons with 360° spins and high-speed manoeuvres. Professional drivers navigate waters only Shotover Jet can access. Every day · Every 15 min, 09:30 to 16:00 · Pickup available · From age 5 ★ 4.84 (2,918 reviews) Duration: 25m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 204 per person
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu 90-Minute Scenic Cruise & Remarkables 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise from Queenstown with views of The Remarkables, Kawarau Falls, and lakeside homes. Live captain commentary, licensed bar, daily departures. Every day · 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00 · All ages ★ 4.76 (1,595 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 79 per person
Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with 1hr 45min cruise, picnic lunch & photo stops. Groups capped at 15, Mercedes van with WiFi. Around 13 hours door to door. Every day · 06:30, 07:30 and 08:30 · Hotel pickup ★ 4.90 (2,686 reviews) Duration: 13h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 365 per person
Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly from Queenstown: Scenic Flight & Fiord Fly over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, cruise the fiord, and return by a different route. Includes hotel pickup, 2-hour cruise, and tea & coffee. Around 5 hours. Every day · 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.95 (2,269 reviews) Duration: 4h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 895 per person
Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Walter Peak Farm: Gourmet BBQ Lunch Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship or modern catamaran to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch and live sheep-shearing demo. Every day · 11:00 and 13:00 · All ages ★ 4.77 (1,406 reviews) Duration: 3h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 175 per person
60-Minute Jet Boat Ride Queenstown: Kawarau & Shotover Rivers Blast across Lake Wakatipu and down the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers at speeds up to 95kph on a 60-minute jet boat ride departing hourly from central. Every day · Every 1 h, 10:00 to 18:00 ★ 4.71 (628 reviews) Duration: 1h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 159 per person
Milford Sound Flight & Cruise from Queenstown: Window Seat & Wildlife Fly over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound with guaranteed window seat, then cruise the fiord spotting fur seals and dolphins. Includes pilot commentary and refreshments. Every day · 09:00 and 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.96 (786 reviews) Duration: 4h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 849 per person
Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown: Coach & Cruise Full-day coach and cruise from Queenstown to Milford Sound with guided stops, lunch and two-hour fiord cruise. Around 12 hours, small groups. Every day · 05:45, 07:15, 08:15 and 09:35 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.70 (994 reviews) Duration: 12h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 275 per person
Dart River Jet Boat Queenstown: Wilderness Mt Aspiring Jet boat 2 hours down the glacier-fed Dart River through Mt Aspiring National Park with a local guide sharing Māori heritage and Greenstone trail history. Every day · 09:30, 13:00 and 14:00 · Pickup available · From age 3 ★ 4.78 (610 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 327 per person
TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship from Queenstown, with views of alpine scenery and access to the engine room and Walter Peak High Country Farm. Every day · Every 2 h, 09:00 to 19:00 · All ages ★ 4.49 (365 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 129 per person
Milford Sound: Queenstown Flights & Fiord Cruise Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with scenic flight, 2-hour cruise through Fiordland, and return flight. Includes hotel pickup and light refreshments. Half-day tour. Every day · 08:00, 10:00, 12:30 and 14:30 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.82 (415 reviews) Duration: 4h–5h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 856 per person
Dinner cruise from Queenstown: Walter Peak farm and lake Cruise Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a wood-fired BBQ buffet dinner, farm demonstration with working dogs. Every day · 17:00 and 19:00 · All ages ★ 4.74 (655 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 189 per person
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch Full-day Milford Sound tour from Queenstown: coach with glass roof, 2-hour nature cruise, Stirling Falls & Bowen Falls, lunch included. Round-trip transport provided. Every day · 07:00 · All ages ★ 4.67 (689 reviews) Duration: 12h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 379 per person
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Walter Peak Farm with Afternoon Tea Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw or catamaran, then explore Walter Peak working farm with dog shows and scones. Includes farm tour, afternoon tea, and lake commentary. Every day · 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 · All ages ★ 4.63 (491 reviews) Duration: 3h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 139 per person
Queenstown to Milford Sound: Full Day Cruise & Alpine Drive Board at 7:45am for a coach tour to Te Anau with a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise, Milford Road stops, nature guide commentary, and return to Queenstown by evening. Every day · 06:45, 06:55 and 07:35 · All ages ★ 4.72 (255 reviews) Duration: 10h–12h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 319 per person
Also popular with travelers
The ones most travelers have taken, by number of reviews.
Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown: Glass-roof coach tour Full-day Milford Sound tour from Queenstown with glass-roofed coach, local guide and cruise past Mitre Peak, including lunch. Every day · 07:20 · All ages ★ 4.45 (720 reviews) Duration: 12h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 299 per person
Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight & Cruise with Lunch Fly over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, then cruise past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Includes lunch, hotel pickup, and live pilot commentary. Small groups. Every day · 11:30 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.96 (712 reviews) Duration: 5h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 958 per person
Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown Cruise beneath falls Take a full-day coach and cruise from Queenstown with a scenic 1hr 45min nature cruise, refreshments, and return transport for an unforgettable day out. Every day · 07:00 · All ages ★ 4.74 (462 reviews) Duration: 12h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 247 per person
Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight Small group tour from Queenstown through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, with a nature cruise and scenic flight back over the Southern Alps. Every day · 06:30 and 07:30 · Hotel pickup ★ 4.92 (374 reviews) Duration: 10h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 995 per person
Doubtful Sound Cruise from Queenstown: Lake Manapouri & Wilmot Pass Drive from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu, cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, then glide through Doubtful Sound. Hotel pickup available, 13 hours total. Every day · 07:30 · All ages ★ 4.69 (268 reviews) Duration: 12h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 479 per person
Milford Sound tour from Queenstown: Cruise, flight & scenic drive Small group day trip from Queenstown through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, with boutique cruise, scenic flight back. Every day · 06:30 and 07:00 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.89 (263 reviews) Duration: 9h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 914 per person
Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight & Cruise with Scenic Alpine Views Scenic flight to Milford Sound from Queenstown with nature cruise through Fiordland. Includes hotel pickup, pilot commentary, reserved seating. Full day, small groups. Every day · 09:30 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.95 (217 reviews) Duration: 5h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 891 per person
Milford Sound helicopter flight and cruise from Queenstown Fly over Fiordland National Park and land on a glacier, then cruise Milford Sound past waterfalls and cliffs: hotel pickup and headsets included, weather permitting. Every day · 10:00 and 14:00 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.94 (205 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 1,735 per person
Milford Sound from Queenstown: 2-Hour Nature Cruise Small group tour Queenstown to Milford Sound with reserved cruise seats, scenic stops, morning snack. Full day, air-conditioned vehicle. Every day · 07:15 · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.96 (195 reviews) Duration: 12h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 397 per person
Compare 9 more options for Boat Tours from Queenstown
From NZ$ 119 per person · 30 min to 3 days
Milford Sound small group cruise tour with picnic lunch Small group tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound with boutique cruise, nature guide and picnic lunch included. Every day · 06:45 · From age 7 ★ 4.94 (162 reviews) Duration: 13h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 415 per person
30-Minute Jet Boat Queenstown: High-Speed Spins with Music Jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown reaches 95km/h with 360-degree spins, local commentary and a personalised music soundtrack during. Every day · 11:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00 ★ 4.67 (27 reviews) Duration: 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 119 per person
Milford Sound Day Trip: Glass Roof Small Group Tour & Cruise Feel the wild beauty of Milford Sound on a small group day trip from Queenstown, with glass-roof views, local guide, and nature cruise: lunch & pickup included. Every day · 06:30 · Pickup available · From age 5 ★ 4.80 (90 reviews) Duration: 13h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 439 per person
Jet Boat Queenstown: 60-Minute Kawarau River Adventure with Music Jet boat ride on the Kawarau River from central Queenstown: 60 minutes, 47km round trip, speeds to 95km/h. Every day · 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 ★ 4.92 (13 reviews) Duration: 1h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 159 per person
Lake Dunstan Bike Hire & Boat: 42km Ride & Return Cruise 42km bike ride along Lake Dunstan with e-bike option, boat return, and shuttle included. Self-guided from Cromwell to Clyde. Qualmark Gold accredited. Every day · 09:10 · From age 12 ★ 4.99 (103 reviews) Duration: 6h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 299 per person
Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown Fly over the Southern Alps to a remote alpine peak, then cruise Milford Sound past rainforest slopes and waterfalls. Every day · 09:45 · Pickup available ★ 4.95 (19 reviews) Duration: 4h ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 2,145 per person
Queenstown to Milford Sound day trip: Cruise the fiord Full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound with scenic cruise, stops at Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel, hotel pickup included, live English-speaking guide. Every day · No fixed time · Pickup available · All ages ★ 4.88 (8 reviews) Duration: 8h–10h Live guide: EN · HI ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 699 per person
Private Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise You ride through Fiordland from Queenstown with a private guide, stop at Mirror Lakes and Lake Te Anau, then cruise Milford Sound past Mitre Peak. Every day · 07:00 · Hotel pickup ★ 5.00 (1 review) Duration: 12h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from NZ$ 1,625 per person
Doubtful Sound Cruise 3 Days: Overnight Remote Fiord Tour Three-day tour from Queenstown combines Te Anau Glowworm Caves with an overnight cruise aboard the Fiordland Navigator on Doubtful Sound. Every day · 07:00 · From age 5 ★ 5.00 (2 reviews) Duration: 3d Live guide: EN from NZ$ 2,140 per person
The top 12 of 33 options, side by side
✓ 2026-11-14| Option | Price | Duration | Rating | Days and times | Guide languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotover River Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown: 360° spins through river canyonsOur pickGroup of up to 14 · Pickup offered | NZ$ 204 per person | 25m | 4.84★ · 2,918 | Every day · Every 15 min, 09:30 to 16:00 | English |
| Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu 90-Minute Scenic Cruise & RemarkablesBest value | NZ$ 79 per person | 1h 30m | 4.76★ · 1,595 | Every day · 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00 | English |
| 60-Minute Jet Boat Ride Queenstown: Kawarau & Shotover RiversAlso recommended | NZ$ 159 per person | 1h | 4.71★ · 628 | Every day · Every 1 h, 10:00 to 18:00 | English |
| Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from QueenstownGroup of up to 15 · Pickup offered | NZ$ 365 per person | 13h | 4.90★ · 2,686 | Every day · 06:30, 07:30 and 08:30 | English |
| Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly from Queenstown: Scenic Flight & FiordGroup of up to 13 · Pickup offered | NZ$ 895 per person | 4h 30m | 4.95★ · 2,269 | Every day · 08:00, 10:30 and 13:00 | English |
| Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Walter Peak Farm: Gourmet BBQ Lunch | NZ$ 175 per person | 3h 30m | 4.77★ · 1,406 | Every day · 11:00 and 13:00 | English |
| Milford Sound Flight & Cruise from Queenstown: Window Seat & Wildlife | NZ$ 849 per person | 4h 30m | 4.96★ · 786 | Every day · 09:00 and 13:30 | English |
| Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown: Coach & CruisePickup offered | NZ$ 275 per person | 12h | 4.70★ · 994 | Every day · 05:45, 07:15, 08:15 and 09:35 | English |
| Dart River Jet Boat Queenstown: Wilderness Mt AspiringGroup of up to 15 · Pickup offered | NZ$ 327 per person | 4h | 4.78★ · 610 | Every day · 09:30, 13:00 and 14:00 | English |
| TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown | NZ$ 129 per person | 1h 30m | 4.49★ · 365 | Every day · Every 2 h, 09:00 to 19:00 | English |
| Milford Sound: Queenstown Flights & Fiord CruiseGroup of up to 12 · Pickup offered | NZ$ 856 per person | 4h–5h | 4.82★ · 415 | Every day · 08:00, 10:00, 12:30 and 14:30 | English |
| Dinner cruise from Queenstown: Walter Peak farm and lake | NZ$ 189 per person | 4h | 4.74★ · 655 | Every day · 17:00 and 19:00 | English |
By what you need
- Private (2): Queenstown to Milford Sound day trip: Cruise the fiord (NZ$ 699 per person) · Private Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise (NZ$ 1,625 per person)
- Small groups (up to 15) (13): Shotover River Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown: 360° spins through river canyons (NZ$ 204 per person) · Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown (NZ$ 365 per person) · Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly from Queenstown: Scenic Flight & Fiord (NZ$ 895 per person)
- With pickup (16): Shotover River Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown: 360° spins through river canyons (NZ$ 204 per person) · Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown (NZ$ 365 per person) · Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly from Queenstown: Scenic Flight & Fiord (NZ$ 895 per person)
Related
More things to do in Queenstown
Extreme Sports Queenstown23 optionsWine Tours in Queenstown21 optionsLake Wakatipu Tours5 optionsMovie Tours in Queenstown7 optionsVineyard Tours in Queenstown10 optionsHelicopter Tours from Queenstown17 optionsATV Tours in Queenstown5 optionsBike Tours in Queenstown11 optionsE-Bike Tours in Queenstown11 optionsJeep Tours in Queenstown6 optionsWhitewater Rafting Trips in Queenstown5 optionsBike Rental Queenstown8 optionsQueenstown Airport Shuttle7 options