Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)
Description
Step aboard a classic Queenstown lake cruise and take in the region’s most iconic views from the water. Million Dollar Cruise is a 90-minute journey across Lake Wakatipu, offering uninterrupted views of the Remarkables, hidden bays, and historic homes — all with live commentary from a local crew who genuinely love what they do. With smaller groups, a relaxed pace, and a fully licensed onboard bar, it’s the perfect mix of comfort, scenery, and story. Departing daily from Queenstown’s main jetty, it’s an unforgettable experience — and unbeatable value!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Travel on Queenstown's Lake - Lake Wakatipu for the whole journey right to the end of the lake and back.
The trip starts off in Queenstown Bay, as you sail out you will pass Queenstown Gardens and see Queenstown Central along the shoreline.
Next you will get to see the wonderful Queenstown Golf Course which sits right on the Kelvin Heights Peninsula overlooking the delightful Lake Wakatipu. There shores are a common place for the locals to go boating and swimming. You will then proceed down the 90% calm waters perusing the million dollar homes along the shoreline.
As you sail past willow islands and see local birdlife we make our way right down to the historic Kawarau Falls Dam which marks the start of the famous Kawarau River.
The Remarkable mountain range – stop for photos.
We then edge our way along the opposing shoreline where you can see the Frankton Arm shoreline where locals often frequent to enjoy the waters in summer and then back along the Frankton Arm Trail that takes us back safely to Queenstown Bay.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1,550)
The trip on the Million dollar II is highly recommended. The captain narrating the cruise was informative and very entertaining. Guests were given an opportunity to have family/group photos taken off the front of the boat with the stunning Remarkables in the background. Kids had a chance to drive the boat for a little bit. The on board staff were super friendly. With the winter chill it was best to retire to the cabin after an initial stint on the viewing platform.
Had a few hours to kill before our afternoon flight so opted to do the 90 minute cruise. It was very scenic with excellent commentary during the cruise. Good size vessel so you don’t feel crowded at all. Managed to get into lake locations that bigger operators wouldn’t be able to. Good close up viewing of some great nz native birds and shore lined mansions. Captain was great with the kids onboard, allowing them to have a turn at the wheel.
Kia ora John, thanks for joining us! We are glad that you enjoyed the commentary, and felt there was heaps of room on board. It is awesome that you got to see the Pūteketeke up close. Thanks again for coming on board, we are glad you had a great time.
It was an awesome experience, one not to be missed if visiting Queenstown, the crew were exceptionly pleasant and helpful
Kia ora Edward, thank you for your awesome review! We are pleased you enjoyed your time on board with us and found our crew helpful! Thanks again for joining us!
Absolutely fantastic cruise I loved the captain and it is great for family’s even infants my son love it at 5 months old didn’t cry once
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your cruise and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Staff made the trip ! Went at 11 am today on no2 . Letting my 4 year old drive the boat made her day. Thank you
Thank you for your review. It's wonderful that you all had such a lovely experience with us and we look forward to seeing you again in the future
We have done this little tour before. Captain is very nice and knowledgeable and GG was a great helper and kept us well hydrated with the mulled wines. Great way to spend 1 1/2 hours and to see the Lake from a different view.
It's great to hear that you have been on our cruise before and have come back again for another great experience with us. See you all again in the future.
The guide was informative and the cruise was fun. The man tending the bar was very helpful, kind, and friendly.
Thank you for your review. It is great to hear you had a nice experience with us, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.
We really enjoyed this scenic boat experience. Captain Riley was very friendly & very informative. You can also get coffee, snacks on board & overall was a fun experience.
We are so glad you enjoyed your time on board with us! Thank you for the kind review.
The cruise was exactly what we needed as it’s our first time in Queenstown. Having a close-up tour of Lake Wakatipu with an incredibly knowledgable captain, as well as a few photo opportunities, was amazing. We highly recommend this.
Thank you for the sweet review. Lake Wakatipu is beautiful this time of year, and we are so glad you could join us for a tour!
The cruise was well organised and clean. Our captain Tyler provided humorous comments and created a fun atmosphere, he also used his photography skills to take pictures of each person a the wheel of the cruise which added to the experience. The cover over the back of the boat allowed each person to go outside despite the rainy weather. There was a great selection of food onboard and it was at a low cost which is unusual for these types of tours so I was very impressed.
Thank you for the kind review! It was a pleasure having you on board to explore Lake Wakatipu with us.
