Boat Rides & Cruises in Queenstown

THE 10 BEST Queenstown Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat Rides & Cruises in Queenstown

Price
$0 - $900 +
Duration
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Languages
Filter to see tours in the language(s) you’re looking for.
Popular Attractions
Accessibility
Special offers
29 places sorted by featured
  • Our Featured sort order ranks tours, activities, and experiences by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, your individual user browsing history and preferences while using Tripadvisor, the frequency of user clicks generally, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
*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 travellers are saying

  • Eko1228
    Wolli Creek, Australia18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an incredible day on the road to Milford Sound. Lynette was informative, approachable, and made the journey fun with her engaging trivia. She always ensured we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. I highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi Travel for an unforgettable tour experience. Thank you, Lynette, for making our holiday so memorable!
    Written 13 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Navigate07984276324
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was an amazing trip! Andy M our guide and driver, was so friendly and funny. We had a few stops during the way, enough to take fresh air and relax a bit. Definitely worth it, I will choose Altitude for my next’s trips!
    Written 13 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lyndsey C
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pure Milford offered an incredible experience during my visit to Milford Sound. Pickup from/drop off at my hotel was very convenient (and I appreciated the slightly later start time, compared to other operators). Brendan was an amazing guide, and broke up the long ride with commentary and jokes. He also worked hard to keep us to schedule, so that we were able to enjoy several bonus photo stops. The cruise was, of course, the major highlight, and the opportunity to explore Milford Sound was one of the best experiences I've had. The included lunch was delicious and generous, and I appreciated that they offered multiple options to cater for different dietary requirements. The cruise operator kept us all laughing, particularly at his Aussie jokes, and also shared interesting commentary that really enhanced the experience. The movie on the ride back was a nice touch and much appreciated to break-up the long trip to Queenstown. This was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip, and I would recommend Pure Milford to anyone looking to experience Milford Sound.
    Written 12 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ETSNSD
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jeff is awesome. The weather it’s not the greatest, but he tried his best to find spots for us to take photos. he also used to work as a camera man for the Lord of the ring trilogy, which is super cool!! 😎 we are from Houston so we will definitely miss this mountain area and 3000 waterfalls.
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Matt Berry
    Auckland Central, New Zealand4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The old ship is amazing. Build the same year as the titanic. Pretty cool. The only coal fire steamship still in operation in the southern hemisphere. The buffet at the farm was truly exceptional! I would definitely recommend to anyone in Queenstown.
    Written 9 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wayne E
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely brilliant day our pilot Emma was excellent great knowledge and extremely safe. The young lady at the front counter was friendly and provided great customer service as did Emma. I would highly recommend Air Milford and the fly cruise fly was a brilliant option.
    We would do it again for sure thanks again to the Air Milford team
    Written 16 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darren H
    Sebastopol, Australia28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to spend a day. Spectacular scenery.
    Big day of entertainment. Great weather. Fun group of fellow tourists.
    Top fun.
    Written 31 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kezzadog
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked the Fly Cruise Fly trip for the first full day of our holiday. Although Queenstown was experiencing glorious weather, Milford Sound unfortunately was not. Excellent communications from Glenorchy Air saw us re/book for the following day, and two more times after that as between storms and wind it just wasn't safe to fly.
    On the last day of our holiday, Glenorchy Air called to say that they were just waiting for fog to lift so we were picked up and taken to the airport to prepare. Again, sadly, after a short wait, the fog didn't play ball and the forecast was for the weather to deteriorate we were unable to go. Sooooo disappointed but absolutely understand that it is all subject to the weather which cannot be controlled.
    However, Glenorchy Air offered us the option of a scenic flight around Mount Aspiring which the birthday girl Kim and I jumped at because it sounded like a great opportunity and we were already at the airport so why not do it when we can.
    We were sooooo glad that we took up the offer as it was simply STUNNING and AMAZING! Ben the pilot was very informative. The day was spectacular with not many bumps, and when there were bumps Ben assured us that made it more interesting (AHHH!!!) . Our other 6 friends who didn't take up the offer seriously missed out, we just found it to be completely spectacular!! Snow capped peaks everywhere, went all the way to the east coast of NZ, saw glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, walking tracks and huts, and it felt like you could reach out and touch the mountains. Absolutely the highlight of the trip. If you get this opportunity DO IT. Well worth seeing the region from the birds eye perspective. Magical. Now working on another visit because we still have to get to Milford Sound! See you again soon Glenorchy Air.
    Thanks so much!!
    Written 6 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The trip began with a possible delay due to avalanche hazard…. The road was closed near the tunnel.

    We began, hoping that the road would be opened at 10AM. Keith was a fantastic driver, imparting his vast knowledge while we drove, with a soothing delivery.

    We made several stops along the way for photos, and a pit stop for breakfast and hot drinks.

    The cruise in Milford sound was amazing! Spectacular scenery, with hundreds of new waterfalls due to the overnight snow.

    Totally worth the anxiety regarding a possibility of an avalanche! Staff was professional and friendly. Would definitely book this trip again!
    Written 2 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Connie
    Ithaca, NY13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is pristine and quiet. It is a beautiful place but not as awe-inspiring as Milford Sound. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and super friendly.

    Seeing dolphins was a highlight of the group.
    Written 28 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Frances I
    Australia85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We lived this experience from start to finish. The cruise across the Lake was beautiful, the staff were so lovely and looked like they really enjoyed what they do and who they work with. The food buffet was delicious and the meat was so tasty and great selection of seafood and salads. Then the desert options were fabulous and so yum!! We then watched a show with Mia the sheep dog and a very cute little lamb bouncing around loving life. Mia showed us her skills rounding up sheep and was so talented. The show was great with a nice Scottish lad giving us a great run down of the station, history and how everything works. We throughly enjoyed ourselves and will come back for a day trip as our experience was the dinner cruise and I’d love to come back and do a farm horse trek and afternoon tea.
    Written 11 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • María Carolina S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We started the trip at Te Anau. Amazing experience from start to end. Not only the incredible sightseeing that you get along the way to Fiordland National Park, or the both cozy and dazzling boat experience through the fiords, but Shailendra, our bus driver, was the highlight of the trip making it a 10/10 fun, safe, memorable experience.
    Written 8 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chika T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are thinking to take a cruise ship in Queenstown, you must choose this one along anyother cruise.

    You get to explore the olden day's steam ship inside, and get to see many farm animals otherside of the lake with this tour.

    On top of that, there was piano live in the cruise.

    Not only that, between the farm tour they provide buffet style of hand made sweets and savouries with drinks at the historical cute restaurant.

    They were amazingly tasty.

    Those above are all included in the tour fee, I think that was the best fee I paid for.

    Highly recommend to anyone, single, couple, family, and friends.
    Written 1 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Guide47323306387
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not only was the Jet Boat ride heaps of fun, but the views were some of the best I've ever seen. I highly recommend experiencing this adventure!
    Written 11 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joylene Mc
    Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My trip to Milford Sound was amazing I absolutely loved it. It was wet and cold but we saw so many waterfalls along the way. Nev our driver and guide was great nothing was too much trouble and he pointed out so many things that I would have missed.
    The boat on the sound was rough but at the same time exciting, the waterfalls were spectacular, this trip will be something I remember for ever.
    I’m so glad I took the tour rather than tackle the drive myself.
    Written 9 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All Queenstown HotelsQueenstown Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Queenstown
All things to do in Queenstown
Day Trips in QueenstownZoos & Aquariums in Queenstown
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire