Queenstown Lake Cruises: 3 Options & How to Choose

As a Queenstown local, I’ve been lucky enough to go on all of the cruises on Lake Wakatipu.

Tough life, I know.

My mother-in-law loves scenic cruises, so when she comes to visit, a lake cruise is a fun activity we can enjoy together (hence why I’ve tried them all!).

Seeing Queenstown from the water gives you a whole different perspective on this gorgeous place. It’s also just a relaxing activity that’s good for all ages, unlike some of the more active or adrenaline-pumping activities around town.

You have a few different options for lake cruises in Queenstown, but quite honestly, you can’t really go wrong. I truly think all of the cruises are great in their own way.

That said, each cruise has something unique to offer, so it’s all a matter of choosing the right one for you.

Since most people only have the time and budget for one cruise when they’re in Queenstown, I’m here to help you narrow things down with a detailed review of each cruise option (or hey—maybe you’ll be like me and end up trying all of them!).

A heads-up: this blog is reader-supported, and this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me continue to write, take photos, and share my favourite places in New Zealand!

Table of Contents

Queenstown Lake Cruises Overview

TSS Earnslaw

Cruise time: 1.5-4 hours depending on the tour
Cost: from NZD $115-$219 per adult, depending on the tour

A side view of the TSS Earnslaw boat while it cruises along Lake Wakatipu with mountains in the background.

The TSS Earnslaw is a historic steamship and a real Queenstown icon (it’s been on Lake Wakatipu since 1912!).

If you walk around the Queenstown waterfront for a while, you’re sure to spot this beauty of a boat either docked at the wharf or cruising along the lake.

Its telltale “tooot, tooot!” steam whistle is, to me, the most nostalgic sound of Queenstown.

This cruise takes you from Steamer Wharf across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, with glorious views of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak along the way.

In addition to being a slice of Queenstown history, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is a charming experience for kids and adults alike.

Once on the boat, you can view the engine room to see the action in person. Or you can just sit back and relax while enjoying Queenstown’s mountain and lake scenery from the water.

Onboard, you’ll find comfortable seating, an outdoor viewing deck, and a bar to purchase drinks and snacks if you’d like.

There are a few different options for cruises on the TSS Earnslaw.

My favourite experience—albeit the most expensive one—is to book the cruise and BBQ lunch or dinner at Walter Peak Station.

In addition to cruising the lake, you’ll get to eat the most delicious buffet food I’ve ever had (seriously), walk through beautiful gardens, see farm animals, and watch a very cool sheepdog show.

Alternatively, if you’re just after a cruise, you can simply book the cruise option without disembarking at Walter Peak Station.

Yet another option (and one I have not done myself) is the cruise + guided Walter Peak Station farm tour.

Personally, I’d pick the TSS Earnslaw if you’re after a historical, whimsical experience, or if you book the BBQ meal option (because the food and experience really are worth it!).

Otherwise, if you’re simply after a scenic cruise, I’d go with one of the two options below because they’re quite a bit less expensive.

🛳️ Check prices and availablity for the TSS Earnslaw ➡️

Spirit of Queenstown

Cruise time: 1.5 hours
Cost: from NZD $75 per adult

A red boat cruising along Lake Wakatipu, with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, as seen from the Bob's Cove trail on a winter day in Queenstown.

The back of the boat on the Spirit of Queenstown cruise on Lake Wakatipu with wake behind the boat and hills near Bob's Cove in the background.

The Spirit of Queenstown is a modern catamaran and a great-value cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

On this cruise, you’ll sail across Lake Wakatipu in a similar direction to the TSS Earnslaw.

However, this cruise goes further up the lake than the Earnslaw does, taking you past Wilson Bay and into picturesque Bob’s Cove (a great way to see these spots if you’re visiting Queenstown without a car!).

You’ll even get a peek at the epic mountains beyond Glenorchy.

The scenery from this cruise is, quite honestly, stunning.

There’s comfortable indoor seating and also an open-top deck if you’re like me and always want to be outside on a boat.

Once onboard, you can purchase drinks and snacks from the bar, or even pre-order a charcuterie board.

I’d say that this cruise is the best choice if you just want to relax and get amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

The scenery from this one is probably my favourite of all of the cruises.

🛳️ Check prices and availability for the Spirit of Queenstown ➡️

Million Dollar Cruise

Cruise time: 1.5 hours
Cost: from NZD $79 per adult

Retro red vinyl seating inside the Million Dollar Cruise in Queenstown.

The Million Dollar Cruise sails in an entirely different direction on Lake Wakatipu than the TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown.

This cruise takes you to the Frankton Arm, where you’ll get nice views of the sunny Kelvin Peninsula, the Remarkables, and lots of multi-million-dollar houses.

The 1975 boat has a fun, retro vibe, and the cruise experience feels very locally run to me, in the best way possible.

One thing I really love about this cruise is the commentary from the captain, who will tell you fun facts about Queenstown in a non-stuffy way.

When I asked my mother-in-law which Queenstown cruise was her favourite out of all the ones we’ve done, she said it was this one 😊

I’d choose this cruise if you want a smaller, more personal cruise with entertaining local commentary.

🛳️ Check prices and availability for the Million Dollar Cruise ➡️

Thanks for reading my thoughts on Queenstown’s lake cruises!

The TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown at golden hour, with Walter Peak in the background.

I truly hope this has helped you pick your perfect cruise and that you have the best time in Queenstown.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me. I really love hearing from you!

Where to stay in Queenstown

The stone exterior of the Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, with trees in autumn colours surrounding the frame.

Budget-friendly: Tahuna Pod Hostel
Mid-range: Garden Court Suites & Apartments
Luxury: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel