Million Dollar Cruise in Queenstown
4.5
Million Dollar Cruise in Queenstown
By Million Dollar Cruise
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About
See magnificent scenery, lakeside homes, a historic dam, and rare birds on this Lake Wakatipu cruise from Queenstown. Experience lots of great photo opportunities that you wouldn’t see otherwise, and choose from being on the unobstructed sundeck, or the heated cabin. No need to worry about bringing supplies with you, as the boat has a onboard bar, with a good selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 61 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Get great photo opportunities on this Lake Wakatipu Cruise
- Learn as you travel through live commentary
- Perfect for wildlife fans—look out for rare birds
- Stay hydrated—the boat has an onboard bar
- 90 minute Queenstown Lake Cruise.
- Restroom on board
What's not included- Transportation to/from attractions.
- Start:
- 50 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease come down to the jetty - you will see our signage there.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 71002P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Honesty cash bar available.
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled 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 61 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- 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: 71002P1
From
AU$64.08
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
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Itinerary
- 50 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease come down to the jetty - you will see our signage there.
- Pass byLake WakatipuQueenstownQueenstown Golf ClubKawarau RiverThe Remarkables Ski AreaFrankton Trail
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Billienz20130 contributionsMillion dollar Champagne CruiseWhat a perfect boat tour. French champagne and a great narrative from Dan. The weather allowed us to view from the upper deck. We saw parts Of Queenstown that we haven’t been to before.Written 26 December 2024
- Jet156642644400 contributionsMillion dollar cruise!Price worthy cruise, perfect timing in the water and good skipper. Troy was polite and funny. Very impressed with the whole experience.Written 18 October 2024
- MCPNZ0 contributionsGreat people, amazing views!Such a great tour, the captain is wonderful and friendly and gave so much interesting information about the area and history. It was a wonderful warm sunny day for it as well.Written 4 December 2023
- buddys9040 contributionsJust do it!Troy you are an amazing patient skipper, Betty you are a hard working sales woman with class. Thanks so much for making our day/trip so much better I will totally recommend this to any and everyoneWritten 1 December 2023
- tashus_110 contributionsInteresting factsGreat 'skipper/commentator'. He was humorous, but sensitive to the needs of his passengers, he has complete knowledge of the lake both historically and nautically. We learned a lot from this peaceful interesting trip. 90 minutes was not too long, it was just rightWritten 15 April 2022
- Traveler502972713480 contributionsGreat tour on Lake Whakatapu,Can thoroughly recommend this company. Price was reasonable for Queenstown and the information given was interesting. Trip lasted for 90 minutes, very relaxing sitting back and viewing some of the homes on the waterfront and interesting to learn about the several islands of Willow Trees and how they came about. Water is so clear and the depth varies depending on channels down at the Frankton end.Written 26 November 2021
- miss_rodger0 contributionsFabulous day on the waterWe had a fabulous morning on the water with Wayne. Awesome commentary with history and fun facts. Loads of photo opportunities with incredible scenery. Wonderful service with our Captain Wayne and the bar is a great touch.Written 28 November 2020
- Expedition6413330 contributionsAmazing voyageThis was a wonderful trip and Captain Wayne was a truly awesome captain and tour guide. His thorough knowledge of the area and enthusiasm for showing passengers the best possible views and experience far exceeded my expectations. The boat was also clean and appeared very well maintained. On a cold winter's day the cabin is warm inside and still offers stunning panoramic views with the large windows, or go on top to the large open deck. Overall I highly recommend this tour to anyone in Queenstown.Written 31 May 2020
- randjtaylor3300 contributionsA wonderful look at the lakeA great way to see the new housing estates along with history of the area. The camera is an essential piece to take as the mountain range is so beautiful.Written 4 March 2020
- padprod0 contributionsGreat cruise of the lakeRally enjoyed the cruise on the lake. Although fairly small by tourist cruise boat standards there was plenty of room on the outside deck which is where the best views are. Otherwise you could relax inside. Captain Wayne was one of the best guides I’ve had, enthusiastic and amusing, despite probably giving the spiel many times. Good that you could hear the commentary from the outside dick too. So much better than an audio recording. Nothing was too much trouble and you could tell he wanted his guests to have a good time. His patience with the photos was impressive! Had some interesting insights into the area as well: always nice to come away having learnt something. Awesome!Written 18 November 2019
- BobK4990 contributionsBest value for money in QueenstownThis a brilliant and inexpensive way of spending 90 minutes cruising the lake and hearing all about Queenstown’s history. Captain Wayne was as informative as he was amusing and nothing was too much trouble for him. The boat is very comfortable and there’s even a serve yourself bar onboard. Support local businesses. Highly recommended.Written 18 November 2019
- GBtravellinggirl0 contributionsExcellent little cruiseWe were only in Queenstown for 48 hours and wanted to see as much as possible. This 1.5 hours cruise cost 39 NZ dollars each, the captain is a local man and therefore full of local information. He gives good commentary and is funny too. The ship is beautifully clean and well kept. An honesty bar is available , with seating on top in good weather and under cover inside if it is cold or raining. There is a toilet too. Excellent value, a good way to spend some time in this beautiful place cruising the lake. Go for it!!Written 12 November 2019
- pipperidge0 contributionsInformative, fun and relaxingWe took the boat trip on a cold and windy Spring day but that didn't dampen any spirits on this boat trip. Our captain was full of fun and interesting bits of info on Queenstown and the lake. It's nice to have a guide who has grown up in the area, something that seems quite rare in a transient place. It was an overcast day but still nice out on the lake enjoying the views and the fresh air. I would certainly recommend taking this tour.Written 5 November 2019
- Bill2910 contributionsA great way to relax on the lake.We decided to take this 90 minute trip on Lake Wakatipu and it was everything that it we expected and more. A very informative commentary by Captain Max ensured that we were able to learn even more about the Queenstown/Frankton area than we already knew and his wry sense of humour was very entertaining. The vessel was a good stablke platform for photography and very clean/well maintained.Written 18 October 2019
- Trup0 contributionsGreat fun! Just do it!I had been a bit hesitant but my wife really wanted to do this --- so I agreed to go. Why did I hesitate?!? This was great fun and provided views that one doesn't get from the town of Queenstown.Written 8 October 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.
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4.5
1,208 reviews
Excellent
978
Very good
181
Average
28
Poor
8
Terrible
13
Sam L
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Amazing cruise, definitely the best in Queenstown!! Our skipper, Troy, was fantastic through the cruise delivering us a very enjoyable commentary and even stopped in front of the remarkable mountains to take photos of the customers!😁
13/10 highly recommend
Cheap drinks too!!!
13/10 highly recommend
Cheap drinks too!!!
Written 29 October 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.
Wow Sam 13/10 is fabulous and good to hear that Troy was fantastic through the trip.
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thameshi V
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
The cruise was amazing! Was lucky enough to have the whole cruise to ourselves as we were the only ones booked for the time slot.
The staff were very nice and helpful , a special mention to skipper Troy. He was very friendly and accomodating from the get go , gave a very comprehensive commentary , took photos of us and provided amazing service overall.
Would highly recommend, the views were stunning and the experience is definitely worth the money!
The staff were very nice and helpful , a special mention to skipper Troy. He was very friendly and accomodating from the get go , gave a very comprehensive commentary , took photos of us and provided amazing service overall.
Would highly recommend, the views were stunning and the experience is definitely worth the money!
Written 16 December 2024
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.
Thank you very much for your lovely words, we are glad you enjoyed our experience. We are very pleased that Troy provided exceptional service for your group. I hope you got some awesome photos and memories that you can take away from Queenstown. Once again thank you for your recommendation.
Written 18 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mandm0808
12 contributions
This cruise was fantastic , as it is a smaller vessel it was a much more personal feel to the cruise. We had Troy as our skipper and he reeled off some great information about the area and even after several visitors to Queenstown we picked up some new facts as well as things to do on our next trip. The honesty bar was a great touch and loved that you could have a gp skippering the vessel too. I would highly recommend this trip if you want an immersive personal experience and tremendous vistas. Certainly an aptly named cruise company.
Written 16 February 2025
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 the fantastic review! We're so glad you enjoyed the personal feel of the smaller vessel and that Troy's local knowledge made your experience even better. It's great to hear you loved the honesty bar and the chance to have a go at driving the boat! We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable views.
Written 18 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
clarasri
Eastbourne, UK28 contributions
This was such a great cruise and significantly cheaper than the steamer. The day I went was excellent weather and the surroundings were at their very best with sunshine and snow capped mountains. The captain, Troy really made the trip though- he was brilliant! From his friendly welcome and initial feeding of the trout before embarking, to his amusing, informative commentary and his consideration in taking photos of us in the perfect spot in front of The Remarkables. He really did enhance the trip. The boat has a comfy interior but I spent most of the time up on deck in the fresh air. Snacks and drinks available. Heartily recommend,
Written 14 October 2024
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.
Thank you so much for your kind review Clara! We're so glad you enjoyed your time on board and that Troy made the experience so wonderful. It was a pleasure having you!
Written 16 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Markus M
13 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
It's a family run business and they really do their best that everyone has a great time. The boat was not crowded at all and Captain Peter, a Queenstown native, was very entertaining. He was informative, funny and even let the guests wheel the boat.
The cruise took about 90 min and was good value for money.
The cruise took about 90 min and was good value for money.
Written 24 October 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.
Jane A
Wellington, New Zealand203 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The whole experience from the start to the finish was just breathtaking on a beautiful sunny day.
Very scenic. Pete our captain was so friendly along with his very informative commentary through out the entire trip on Lake Wakatipu.
Would certainly highly recommend this trip.
One of the best boat cruises we have been on and at a very reasonable cost at $49 per person for just under 2hrs. Would do it again....
Very scenic. Pete our captain was so friendly along with his very informative commentary through out the entire trip on Lake Wakatipu.
Would certainly highly recommend this trip.
One of the best boat cruises we have been on and at a very reasonable cost at $49 per person for just under 2hrs. Would do it again....
Written 7 April 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.
wow thank you Jane, and great to hear that our cruise is one of the best cruises you have been on. Just fabulous.
Written 24 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janette K
155 contributions
The cruise suited our time schedule as we only had three hours in Queenstown on our way to Lake Hawea. The 90 minute trip gave us views of the spectacular mountains and architecturally pleasing homes from the lake. Troy’s commentary was informative and engaging. Loved the photo opportunity to drive the ship at the helm. My husband and I enjoyed the slower pace of the trip
Written 17 February 2025
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 kind review! We're so glad the cruise fit perfectly into your schedule and that you enjoyed the stunning views, Troy’s commentary, and the unique opportunity to drive the ship. It’s great to hear that the slower pace made for a relaxing experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Written 19 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roving53968178357
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
June 2024 • Family
I highly recommend this cruise on your first day or two in Queenstown to get a good lay of the land. The skipper was great - heaps of info on the area and kind towards guests. The heating inside is great, you can go up to the deck to take pictures then back inside to defrost :)
Written 25 June 2024
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.
We're glad you liked the cruise. It's the best way to see the local area and we have great skippers. Thanks for coming on tour with us
Written 1 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KeithAuckland
Auckland, New Zealand93 contributions
Apr 2021
We were booked on the TSS Earnslaw but because we couldn’t land in Queenstown we lost our booking and no refund was forthcoming so we went down to the boat pier the nest morning and decided we would go on the Million Dollar Cruise. I thought the name a little over the top but who cares, it only cost NZ$49 each for the two of us. We left just after eleven o’clock in the morning and once we were out of the 5 knots harbour, we picked up some speed. The captain was also the commentator throughout, on an intercom system that you hear no matter where on the boat you were situated even outside on the decks. We had a really in-depth rundown of the history of Queenstown up until the present days. Although I’m a Kiwi my knowledge of the South Island is sadly lacking so I found it really interesting. The captain was a Scotsman and was very personable. He took photos of nearly everyone on board who wanted their phots taken of the prow of the ship with The Remarkable mountain range as the backdrop. He had manoeuvred to boat so everyone could have the same fantastic picture. He took all the photos himself. It was the best 2 hours up and down the lake we could have wished for. It is vast and as he told us it is 5 times as large as the Sydney Harbour.
You won’t be Surry you took this trip and I think it would be more intimate than the Earnslaw. We both agreed that this was the best value for money in Queenstown.
The boat was clean and fresh although not new by any means. Wonderful though
You won’t be Surry you took this trip and I think it would be more intimate than the Earnslaw. We both agreed that this was the best value for money in Queenstown.
The boat was clean and fresh although not new by any means. Wonderful though
Written 9 April 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.
Janine N
Wellington, New Zealand16 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
We loved this 90-minute cruise. The views were made better by the captain's commentary. Having grown up in the area he knew so much about local history - from Maori history to architecture, to storms he had been in on the lake and extreme floods. We saw awesome mountains and waterside homes.
Written 15 June 2024
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.
Thanks Janine, we're glad you enjoyed the trip. The Skippers are so passionate about the area and love to share the local stories
Written 1 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My daughter is four years old - is she free?
Written 27 May 2019
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*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.