Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown
4.5
Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown
By Queenstown Lake Cruise - Southern Discoveries
Recommended by 90% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from per adult
$36.26
from per adult
$36.26
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
German, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, English, French, Spanish
- Sightseeing cruise Lake Wakatipu
- Live commentary on board
- Restroom on board
What's not included- Food and Drinks - available for purchase
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Departure details
- Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre, St Omer Wharf 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Departure Point: Southern Discoveries Queenstown Visitor Centre Address: St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street, Queenstown
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3960SCENIC- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Interpretation handouts are available in the following languages: Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, German, Spanish, French and Russian.
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Face masks provided for travelers
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown?
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown price starts from $37.36. Discover and book Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown on Tripadvisor
- What is the Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown cancellation policy?
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown?
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown is hosted by Queenstown Lake Cruise - Southern Discoveries. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Queenstown Lake Cruise - Southern Discoveries on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 1h 30m. Discover and book Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3960SCENIC
Reserve your spot
from $36.26
Itinerary
- You'll start atSouthern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor CentreSt Omer Wharf 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandDeparture Point: Southern Discoveries Queenstown Visitor Centre Address: St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street, QueenstownSee address & details
- 1Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor CentreStop: 10 minutesYour experience starts here - Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise departure and get ready for your journey.Read morePass byLake WakatipuThe Remarkables Ski AreaLake WakatipuSouthern Discoveries - Mt Nicholas Farm ExperienceGlenorchyCoronet Peak Ski Resort
- You'll return to the starting point
+
–
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
Tucson85715
005 star service with Sofi at Southern Discoveries
Sofi was simply amazing and so helpful. We enjoyed the lake cruise with a wine cheese board. It was the perfect day…
488gaynorw
00Lake Wakatipu Catamaran trip
Highly recommend if in Queenstown. Fabulous trip to see more of Lake Wakatipu Beautiful scenery and relaxing trip S…
robaD1410XB
00Dinner Cruise
Took part in the Dinner Cruise last night. So far it’s one of our top experiences while here in New Zealand. Exce…
AdrienneOsborn
00Illuminating nature commentary
Spectacular, with fascinating nature commentary by the captain. Wonderful staff. Very cold on the 9:30 cruise in Fe…
Jodie Q
00Beautiful way to spend our last evening in Queenstown
We did the Spirit of Queenstown Dinner Cruise. It was great. Lovely way to cruise the river and have a really nice …
lisamissinghoney
00Enjoyable and relaxing
A very pleasurable and relaxing morning cruising through the waters of Lake Wakatipu. A lovely, gentle way to see …
veromuneca
00Amazing
Amazing experience Highly recommend,My husband and I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Queenstown, Definitel…
568jessh
00Highly recommend the Milford sounds day tour and cruise
Wow! What a day. Our guide was fantastic, enthusiastic and informative - he also knew when to stop talking and leav…
AKMarsters
00Beautiful surroundings - smooth sailing…
Beautiful cruise across Lake Wakatipu, scenery surrounding just exquisite. Skipper was very informative and welcomi…
Lsa168
00Memorable trip to Milford Sound
Most interesting place to visit and not to be missed. Traveling with Southern Discoveries. Our guide, Shril, please…
Elisa71226
00Enjoyable & relaxing cruise.
I recommend Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise. It was not as crowded compared to other cruise service. The boat wa…
Gemma B
00Lovely Cruise!
It was lovely out on the lake as a family. The day was cloudy and had been rainy and yet it was still such a beaut…
Peter F
00Relaxing afternoon cruise on the lake
Perfect length of time (1 and a half hours), good non invasive commentary and lovely wine and cheese board
AAD212014
00Queenstown Lake Adventure
Friendly staff onboard with excellent customer service skills. Lovely cruise of the lake and we were well informed …
joannh903
00Fireworks Cruise Winter Festival Queenstown 2021
Had an absolutely wonderful time on this cruise for the start of the Winter Festival. The staff were fabulous alway…
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
126 reviews
Excellent
95
Very good
19
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Tracy
Rakaia, New Zealand4 contributions
Jan 2022
Lovely cruise of the lake and the skipper gives a very informative commentary as we travelled around the lake. For value for money this is better than the Earnslaw.
However, in the interests of health and safety could the company perhaps have their staff trained to deal with foreign citizens who let their children run riot and constantly go out the door to the bow and leave the door slamming. No parental guidance from the parents at all (group of 4 young children running around in and out). Even when the young staff shut the door due to the wind this only momentarily stopped the children. Eventually on the return journey the novelty wore off with the running around and the door was left permanently open.
Also, beware that on a hot sunny day there is no shade provided on the wharf while waiting to board the catamaran.
However, in the interests of health and safety could the company perhaps have their staff trained to deal with foreign citizens who let their children run riot and constantly go out the door to the bow and leave the door slamming. No parental guidance from the parents at all (group of 4 young children running around in and out). Even when the young staff shut the door due to the wind this only momentarily stopped the children. Eventually on the return journey the novelty wore off with the running around and the door was left permanently open.
Also, beware that on a hot sunny day there is no shade provided on the wharf while waiting to board the catamaran.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Tracy,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We're glad you enjoyed the cruise and the commentary from the skipper. Thanks for your feedback, we'll be sure to discuss it further with our operations team.
Ngã mihi,
Written February 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jomebr
Melbourne, Australia12 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Booked online via bookme.co.nz. Very easy, and cheaper than booking direct. Picked up my boarding passes at the ticket office (where the person there was more intent on having a personal phone call than serving me. It wasn’t actually until more passengers arrived that she finally served me). That is where the bad review ends.
The cruise was awesome, and as the boat travels much faster than others, we were able to see much more, including the amazing view up the Northern Arm of the lake towards Mt Earnslaw.
The staff and commentary onboard were faultless, and we thoroughly enjoyed the 1.5 hours onboard. Highly recommend this trip over others.
The cruise was awesome, and as the boat travels much faster than others, we were able to see much more, including the amazing view up the Northern Arm of the lake towards Mt Earnslaw.
The staff and commentary onboard were faultless, and we thoroughly enjoyed the 1.5 hours onboard. Highly recommend this trip over others.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodger
Orewa, New Zealand3 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We own an AirBnb in Queenstown and decided to try out the Big Red boat The Southern Explorer on Lake Wakatipu to see if we could recommend it to our guests. I can say we were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed it. The trip is quite a different experience than the TSS Earnslaw steam boat and even though it is on the same lake it takes in quite a different view of it. The boat itself is lovely and clean and very comfortable with huge panoramic windows. We glided across the lake even though the water was incredibly rough and I think this trip would really appeal to all age groups including older guests or anyone who gets sea sick. Can highly recommend the local cheese board a real treat along with great service really made the trip. Can I recommend this to our future Guests ! Absolutely
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Rodger,
Wow thank you so much for this awesome review. We're so stoked you enjoyed your Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise with a Gibbston Valley Cheese board. We really appreciate you passing on your feedback and recommending us to your AirBnB guests.
Ngā Mihi,
Ciara
Written October 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
susantha p
1 contribution
Jan 2023
We had booked the Southern Discoveries "Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise" (for 4 people on 7 January 2023) and by an e-mail dated 6 December 2022 we were advised that scheduled time for the cruise was changed. We were fine with this rescheduled time and therefore decided to go ahead with the cruise.
However, on the day of the cruise and without any further communication from Southern Discoveries, upon boarding it appeared to us that we had been put on the "Dinner Cruise" instead of the Scenic Cruise that we had booked. As a result, we missed the following, which we understand was supposed to be part of the Scenic Cruise package:
"Skipper's commentary on Lake Wakatipu's history and highlights"; and
"Visit Bob's Cove and its remarkable turquoise water and native bush".
We were not interested in the Dinner Cruise and before boarding had not been informed in any way that we were going to be put on a different type of cruise than we had originally booked. Whilst we understand that there may have been a need for Southern Discoveries to change the booking i.e. if there wasn't enough demand for the Scenic Cruise on the day, if we had been advised of this change ahead of time, we would have likely made the decision to cancel our booking as we were not interested in going on the Dinner Cruise.
Furthermore, all the window seats/tables on the boat were allocated to passengers originally on the Dinner Cruise, whilst we and a handful of others who seemed to be in a similar situation, were put in the middle seats/tables.
We were one of the only groups not dining on the cruise and honestly, it felt like we were sitting in the middle of a restaurant not eating, whilst everyone else was dining around us - which was a very embarrassing situation.
The cruise that we were put on was not what we paid for. And as mentioned above, we missed out on key parts of the Scenic Cruise that we were looking forward to (and for which we had specifically booked the cruise). There was no communication from Southern Discoveries before, during or after the cruise to notify us of the change in the cruise booking.
Southern Discoveries should have clearly informed us of the change in the cruise type well before boarding, so we would have the option to cancel it or alternatively to make arrangements for our own dinner accordingly. Whilst the scenery of the lake and Queenstown (which we could only enjoy from up on the deck given our allocated seating) was lovely, unfortunately we were not able to enjoy the experience as we would have liked.
We were very disappointed with our experience on this Southern Discoveries cruise, and would like management to be aware of this issue so other visitors to Queenstown don't have to experience the same thing.
However, on the day of the cruise and without any further communication from Southern Discoveries, upon boarding it appeared to us that we had been put on the "Dinner Cruise" instead of the Scenic Cruise that we had booked. As a result, we missed the following, which we understand was supposed to be part of the Scenic Cruise package:
"Skipper's commentary on Lake Wakatipu's history and highlights"; and
"Visit Bob's Cove and its remarkable turquoise water and native bush".
We were not interested in the Dinner Cruise and before boarding had not been informed in any way that we were going to be put on a different type of cruise than we had originally booked. Whilst we understand that there may have been a need for Southern Discoveries to change the booking i.e. if there wasn't enough demand for the Scenic Cruise on the day, if we had been advised of this change ahead of time, we would have likely made the decision to cancel our booking as we were not interested in going on the Dinner Cruise.
Furthermore, all the window seats/tables on the boat were allocated to passengers originally on the Dinner Cruise, whilst we and a handful of others who seemed to be in a similar situation, were put in the middle seats/tables.
We were one of the only groups not dining on the cruise and honestly, it felt like we were sitting in the middle of a restaurant not eating, whilst everyone else was dining around us - which was a very embarrassing situation.
The cruise that we were put on was not what we paid for. And as mentioned above, we missed out on key parts of the Scenic Cruise that we were looking forward to (and for which we had specifically booked the cruise). There was no communication from Southern Discoveries before, during or after the cruise to notify us of the change in the cruise booking.
Southern Discoveries should have clearly informed us of the change in the cruise type well before boarding, so we would have the option to cancel it or alternatively to make arrangements for our own dinner accordingly. Whilst the scenery of the lake and Queenstown (which we could only enjoy from up on the deck given our allocated seating) was lovely, unfortunately we were not able to enjoy the experience as we would have liked.
We were very disappointed with our experience on this Southern Discoveries cruise, and would like management to be aware of this issue so other visitors to Queenstown don't have to experience the same thing.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora
Thank you for your feedback on your cruise with us. The Dinner Cruise is a combined cruise, and I'm sorry if this made you feel uncomfortable while on board. The benefit of this cruise is that it is longer, 2 hours, so you would have seen more while out on the lake with us.
Regarding Bob's Cove; while we do try our best to venture into Bob's Cove, sometimes weather/ wind can make this impossible. We are sorry this was the case on your trip with us, but do reserve the right to curtail the cruise for safety.
Thank you for the valuable feedback that we will use to learn from.
Many thanks and safe travels
Kerry
Written February 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claude R
2 contributions
Poor service from the get go. Tickets required to be printed when email makes no mention of it. Then the 18 year old backpacker managing boarding refuses a family entry until we all go and get a ticket. Service was slow on board and generally poorly organised.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia or Claude
Thank you for your feedback on your recent experience with us, I am sorry to hear that you felt the service you received was less than ideal.
Our team advised you when you tried to board our vessel that you needed to check in at our base operations, located right alongside the vessel (it was not to do with printed tickets). This is so that we can check your name against a manifest which is required to be accurate for the safe operations of our vessel - we need to know who is on board in case of an emergency. My understanding is that the team advised you of this , and also followed up with you while on board to check in to see you were OK.
I do apologise if this made your processing feel any less smooth, however it is a requirement for operations of a vessel and I am proud to see the team managed your booking in that manner. They will also be delighted, I'm sure, to be referred to as 18 years old!
If you have any further queries or comments on the safe operations of our vessels please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Kind regards
Kerry Myers
kerry.myers@southerndiscoveries.co.nz
Written July 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sophie
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
Terrible cruise. We pre purchased the wine and cheese experience. The cheese board was horrific with stale biscuits and awlful snacks. When it came to getting our glass of wine that we had already paid for the staff members completely made up lies about not accepting a valid Australian ID and how it was illegal. We have traveled many places and been to making establishments in Queenstown and had no issues as this is a complete lie. We can also ensure you were are definitely over the age of 18, seeming significantly older then most of the staff members. The other passengers had ID’s from all over the world and were served with no issue. This would have been our first drink of the day so is clear discrimination by the supervisor on board, Melissa. They then neglected to clear our table unlike other passengers and never spoke a word to us from that point. Extremely upsetting and disappointing. Not worth the money at all!!!!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Sophie
Thanks for your feedback on your recent cruise.
Please note NZ law states that if you look under 25 years of age you will be asked for ID.
It also states that only NZ drivers licences are valid (we cannot accept drivers licences from overseas). Passports or the new Kiwi Access Card is available for international travellers to provide ID.
I am sorry to hear that this impacted your experience with us, however, we do take our responsibilities as a licenced premise very seriously.
I'm also so sorry to hear about your cheeseboard - that seems totally out of character for our team!
If you'd like to discuss this further please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Kerry
General Manager
kerry.myers@southerndiscoveries.co.nz
Written November 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
trawellguru
Auckland Central, New Zealand262 contributions
Check in at the office at the Wharf Building was easy but quite a few guest were not aware they had to check in there first to get a boarding pass. Cruise was clean. Plenty of viewing area. Crew on board was friendly but the commentary was bad next to nothing considering how much was there to talk about. We took the 3.15 cruise on Sunday 6 June. I saw a few people sleeping which is a shame. We were quite happy with the route as the landscape was amazing. Nice way to see Queenstown from the lake might try another company next time.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you for your review.
Great to hear that you found the Spirit of Queenstown was a nice, clean vessel with plenty of viewing area on board!
The landscape certainly is amazing, and we cruise further than any other operators on Lake Whakatipu with fantastic views the whole way.
Sorry to hear you found the commentary was disappointing, our skippers do put a lot of effort into their commentary so we have raised this with our operations manager to ensure we have the best standard of commentary.
Nga Mihi,
Jayne
Written June 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
domeehoo
Charlotte, NC161 contributions
Feb 2023
Speakers should be located in several positions and the back door should be closed…the engine was so loud nothing could be understood over the PA. I expected to learn some facts but didn’t hear a thing over that engine and a muffled PA system. When served my wine from the preordered cheeseboard, the girl dropped it off in the middle of my table with her back toward me. No “enjoy”, no smile, only her tush and back of her dark head of hair. I also had to inform the woman distributing tickets at the building that I ordered the cheeseboard and wine. She should have seen that when looking up my booking.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wellingt0nkirby
Wellington, New Zealand311 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We took the 5:15pm cruise on. Friday evening. Bought the cheese platter option. The cruise is great - 1.5 hours, interesting commentary, great platter. I imagine come autumn the cruise at this time would have amazing sunset views
Highly recommend- great price
Highly recommend- great price
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WQ
Singapore, Singapore503 contributions
Apr 2023
This is a fantastic way to spend 1.5 hours on the lake. The catamaran is fast and one can see much more on the lake. We got to see the north arm of Lake Wakatipu - including a few mountains in the distance with glaciers on top - that was cool. The crew were just perfect - friendly and upbeat. The accommodation was really comfortable, with outdoor and indoor seating. Panoramic windows, meals served. You can also see other boats passing by. What a gem to discover. I recommend this cruise above others.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz Timperley
1 contribution
Do you take vaccine free people or those with a negative covid test or do you discriminate? thanks for your help,
cheers liz
Is there parking availability near this wharf from where we will board the cruise? Pl confirm.
Mr T
Auckland, New Zealand22 contributions
We managed to park fairly close by on Man St at a Wilson car park, a short 5 minute walk away. However, parking was not cheap, $ 24.00 for 4 hours!
