Boat Tours & water sports in Queenstown

THE 10 BEST Queenstown Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat Tours & Water Sports in Queenstown

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    Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews
Boat Tours & Water Sports
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$0 - $500 +
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29 places sorted by traveler favorites
Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 98% 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
$152.42
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 94% 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
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$180.58
per adult
Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 93% 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
$134.06
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 98% 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
$153.03
per adult
Air Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 95% 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
$365.26
per adult
Lunch Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% 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
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$427.88
per adult
Adventure Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 99% 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
$373.56
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% 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
$413.19
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% 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
$180.58
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% 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
$152.42
per adult
Adventure Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 92% of travelers
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from
$175.17
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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
$418.70
per adult
Air Tours
4–5 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 99% of travelers
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$378.91
per adult
Dinner
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 93% of travelers
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from
$101.00
per adult
Adventure Tours
5 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% 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
$373.56
per adult
Bus Tours
7–12 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 97% 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
$103.45
per adult
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Nina D
    Otago1 contribution
    Chris picked up a group of 5 of us just down the road from our accomodation, he was very friendly and accomodating, the tour went super smoothly and we saw some incredible sights! High recommend!
    Review of: Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JAMEQ
    Singapore, Singapore112 contributions
    We had a great time with Keith as our driver cum tour guide along the journey. Keith was careful in his driving yet able to ensure we have an enjoyable journey to board the cruise and back to Queenstown on time too.

    Thanks, Keith!
    Review of: Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise with Buffet Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Katherine H
    2 contributions
    I’ve just downloaded the app and created an account just to rave about the experience. The views were breathtaking, both the coach and the cruise were comfortable and accommodating. The highlight of the experience by far was our driver (Ian) who was entertaining, funny, full of great knowledge of the area, fauna and flora and kept us safe, entertained and well taken care of for the whole journey.
    He honestly made our trip!!
    Review of: Premium Milford Sound Coach & Cruise tour from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Claire
    Charlotte, NC2 contributions
    I couldn't recommend this tour and tour operator more. Everything was well-planned and well-communicated from the moment we met our guide on the bus. I so wish I could remember the name of our guide, but I misplaced my note - but she was wonderful. She did a great job of making the trip there and back interesting and comfortable - two things I learned were very important on subsequent tours I took!

    Our guide had a real passion for the area and it was apparent in the way she talked about the surrounding landscape and wildlife. We had just enough stops along the way to capture some of the amazing scenery on the way to Milford Sound.

    Milford Sound itself was breathtaking. There was almost so much to be in awe of, that it was overwhelming. I went on a rainy day, which was actually quite amazing, because it meant more impromptu waterfalls spilling over the mountains surrounding the sound. The boat captain was also quite helpful. Sharing plenty of interesting facts about the formation of the Sound while we took in all of its beauty.

    I couldn't recommend this tour more - both the tour company and the tour itself! Thank you Altitude Tours for the experience of a lifetime!
    Review of: Small Group, Award Winning, Full Day Milford Sound Experience from Queenstown
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angela P
    14 contributions
    Our pilot was fantastic and pointed out just about every feature we flew over while also allowing us to enjoy the views. The cruise was beautiful as well. Weather delayed our trip two days in a row but the staff was super helpful in helping us reschedule and even helped us store our bags so we could leave Queenstown after our tour. This is a great company and a must do activity when you’re in Queenstown!
    Review of: Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise with Scenic Round-Trip Flight from Queenstown
    Written August 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joe G
    Worcester, MA9 contributions
    Do yourself a favor and do this tour. Sinchan, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the history, geology, and nature of the region. He promoted the flight home, and I think everyone who did it believed it to be preferable to a 4 hour ride back in the dark. The scenic flight was incredible.
    Review of: Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel3833
    San Diego21 contributions
    Amazing trip and I highly recommend! From start to finish, the entire day was very professional and well organized. Our pilot, Alex, was top-notch and did an excellent job on the flight over and back to Milford Sound. He described the mountains and other landmarks as we flew and also made sure our group got to the boat on time and back to the airport. The flight was as impressive as the boat cruise and the entire experience was the best part of my trip to New Zealand.
    Review of: Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
    Written August 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiwis_in_the_sun
    Charlestown, Australia72 contributions
    Amazing scenery with plenty of photo opportunities in the best spots as selected by James our driver who was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
    Plenty of toilet breaks along the way with coffee available en route so need to go into coffee withdrawal from an early morning start.😉
    July was really cold out on the water so wrap up well when going outside, otherwise the boats have really good heating with tea and coffee available along with a microwave for heating your own food.
    The flight back was the perfect way to top off an awesome day, not only cutting the trip back from 4 hours by van to 40 mins by plane, but also seeing the southern Alps along with the high level lakes was perfect.
    If I was doing the trip again I wouldn't change a thing as the drive out was awesome through the valleys and Homer Tunnel with Keas in the carpark, the boat trip comfortable and the flight back over the Alps offering great views and massive time savings 👌
    Review of: Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight
    Written July 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • leesh
    Whangarei, New Zealand1 contribution
    The steamboat was a cool trip, I enjoyed the piano and mulled wine, and the buffet lunch was amazing! Can't beat that food!
    Review of: TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jayjepsi
    29 contributions
    The most beautiful part of our whole trip. The scenery from when we left till we got there was out of this world! This is an absolute must for anyone visiting queenstown! Our coach guide was funny as and made the trip even better!
    Review of: Milford Sound Coach Tour with Lunch from Queenstown
    Written July 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jcw
    5 contributions
    Brilliant from beginning to end. Excellent driver with fantastic commentary. Coach was comfortable (maybe the heating could go up). Cataramarsn was great. Lunch very good.
    Review of: Milford Sound Coach and Scenic Cruise with Buffet Lunch from Queenstown
    Written August 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelly wilkings
    1 contribution
    Value for money!! The food was excellant and the trip entertaining and educational. Easily worth more than the actual cost.
    Highly reccommended.
    Review of: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown
    Written August 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dianedinky
    Dunfermline, UK734 contributions
    Great for families or adults who are big kids at heart. The rest of my tour group did the evening meal buffet ride and were fair jealous when they saw I had got to meet all the animals on my afternoon trip. The animals all come running down to meet you as they know there is food about. You can hand feed them - and get slobbered on - or just watch. Particularly liked that they had Isla, a female highland cow and not just the males and the sheep with a mullet style trim was fun.
    Afternoon tea was a simple affair of hot or cold drinks and a variety of cakes. A plate was even put out for the birds to help themselves which was lovely.
    The sheep shearing is a must see if you are in New Zealand and we got a good demonstration here. Very knowledgeable and genuinely interested staff.
    Not so sure about the piano player on the steamer (!) but a lovely afternoon out.
    Review of: TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm Experience with Afternoon Tea
    Written June 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David F
    Colwyn Bay, UK8 contributions
    A good trip at a busy time on a sunny day. Good to look around the ship/boat and see the engine room in action, along with the history of the boat in notes and pictures - very interesting.
    Disappointed there were no refunds when one of our party was not well enough to take the trip.
    A tad expensive, particularly considering the previous sentence.
    Review of: TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kitty M
    1 contribution
    Spectacular place. Well-organised tour. Make sure you take wet weather gear. Some of the commentary about the history of Aotearoa could do with revisioning/updating to be less eurocentric - times have changed...but overall - great.
    Review of: Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown
    Written May 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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