Lake Wakatipu Tours and Tickets

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Remarkables and the Southern Alps during a 1.75-hour catamaran cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Head to the western shore, stopping at Bob's Cove to soak up the views from New Zealand's longest lake. Listen to the captain's entertaining commentary about the natural landmarks and wildlife as you relax indoors or on the outdoor decks. You have a selection of morning and afternoon cruises to choose from.

This 2-hour helicopter tour flies you from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park and boasts unbeatable views from above. A professional pilot points out of the ice-capped Southern Alps, including glaciated lakes and forested valleys, before descending to Milford Sound. Make two landings - on a secluded beach and an alpine glacier - with time to explore and get the perfect photo op. Book your seat on a shared helicopter, or upgrade your experience to a private charter exclusive to your group.

Access remote wilderness areas on this Queenstown jet-boat tour across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River. The high-speed 1-hour ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as your expert driver maneuvers into 360-degree spins, performs fishtail turns and navigates between narrow canyon walls. Snap photos of your scenic surroundings, including the Remarkables mountain range, and watch bungy jumpers plunge from the Kawarau Bridge. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day.

Visit 'The Lord of the Rings' filming locations in Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD with an informative guide. Departing Queenstown for Middle-earth in the morning or afternoon, this half-day tour includes stunning countryside landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, such as the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp and Forest of Amon Hen. Enjoy light refreshments and personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to six passengers per vehicle.

Enjoy a Milford Sound cruise during a one-way day trip, departing Queenstown to Te Anau, the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Break for morning tea before traveling through the Eglinton Valley and pausing at Mirror Lakes en route to majestic Milford Sound, where glacier-scarred rock walls like famous Mitre Peak rise from the sea. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with commentary on board the coach and cruise boat.

Gain access to a gentle hiking and cycle trail on private land that was hand-hewn with a pick and shovel. Hiking (or cycling, if you prefer) with a knowledgeable guide will prevent you from getting lost, plus you'll learn about the history and ecology of the region. The trail is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) and takes several hours, but is not steep, so is suitable for active (though not necessarily super-athletic) travelers.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran for a 1 hour 45 minute cruise. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Explore Queenstown nature on a half-day walking tour along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy views of the Remarkables mountain range as you take an easy route through native beech forest and learn about South Island flora and birdlife. Soak up the water views and hear Maori legends of the lake. Your morning or afternoon tour includes a snack plus hotel pickup and drop-off. Numbers are limited to 10 people, ensuring a small-group experience with your knowledgeable nature guide.

A Milford Sound cruise, scenic drive and return helicopter ride complete this extraordinary day trip from Queenstown. See the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park by land, sea and air, starting with vivid landscapes viewed through your glass-roof luxury coach along Milford Road. The 2-hour cruise covers the entire length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, while the 40-minute helicopter flight takes you over Mt Tutoko and Lake Wakatipu, with a brief landing on Donne Glacier (weather permitting).

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural settlement of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on this half-day drive. Spend some time exploring Glenorchy's shops and cafes, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Whether you're a fishing fanatic or a complete novice, this fishing charter experience is enjoyable for all. After a central Queenstown pickup, you'll join experienced skippers for an adventure on Lake Wakatipu. You won't have to worry about bringing equipment with you as everything is provided. Your skippers will give you expert tuition on different fishing techniques, and you'll gain access to incredible panoramic views that you wouldn't see otherwise.

Soar over the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park on this small-group aerial tour from Queenstown. Get epic views over the glaciers and make landing in Milford Sound, where you'll see Stirling Falls and Mitre Peak. This small-aircraft tour can accommodate just seven people, ensuring personal attention from your pilot/guide. Round-trip hotel transportation included.

Discover the best views of Queenstown from 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) on a 20-minute helicopter tour. Look down upon vast Lake Wakatipu and make an Alpine landing in the Remarkables Range, with Coronet Peak and Cecil Peak in the distance. It's a sensational photo opportunity. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Get aerial views of Mount Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park, and Milford Sound on a spectacular 1-hour, 15-minute flight from Queenstown. Every person in the 7-seater aircraft has a window seat, so you'll look straight down at the South Island's remarkable glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and peaks. The pilot will help orient you with live commentary throughout the flight, and when you reach Milford Sound, will guide the plane into a descent for great views of Stirling Falls and Mitre Peak.

Enjoy an authentic fishing adventure on Lake Wakatipu with this 3-hour Queenstown fishing charter. Head onto the calm waters of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy panoramic views over the spectacular mountain scenery. Pick up helpful tips from your guide and gain insight into the many different fish species thriving in the lake. Master a range of fishing techniques including jigging, spinning and trolling, and watch your line for a nibble from the trout and salmon swimming below. Haul in your catches, then either release them back or keep them for dinner!

Get spectacular views of the Southern Alps from the window of a helicopter on this tour from Queenstown. Listen to your pilot/guide's commentary on glacial recession, the environment, and glacial history as you fly. Touchdown on the glacier for photo ops and views. National Park fees and round-trip hotel transportation from Queenstown included.

Get introduced to one of New Zealand's Great Walks with a 2.5-hour hike on the Routeburn Track. This half-day tour departs Queenstown for the awe-inspiring scenery of Mt Aspiring National Park. Walk across a swing bridge and follow your guide at a relaxed pace through a beech forest lush with ferns and mosses. Experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls while you learn about native birdlife and cultural history.

Dive deep into the waters of Lake Wakatipu and explode into the sky as a passenger in the thrilling Seabreacher X watercraft. Brace yourself for stunts and high speeds in this unique 'shark machine', one of the only ones operating commercially in the entire world. Experience exciting side-rolls, long dives and 360-degree spins in this private thrillride - each ride is one-on-one with your pilot.

Board a private helicopter for a flight to Middle Earth Waterfalls, touching down for a picnic at the foot of a hanging glacier. You'll fly to the head of Lake Wakatipu, cross the Moonlight Saddle, and soar across the dramatic Richardson Mountains, with gorgeous aerial views throughout the trip. Once at Middle Earth Waterfalls, a picnic lunch will be served in "The Hobbit" film location, followed by free time to explore, and the scenic return flight to Queenstown.

The Routeburn Track is one of the most beautiful - and popular - trails in New Zealand, a great gateway to the country's mountain lakes, river valleys, waterfalls, and forests. With this tour, let someone else take care of driving to the trailhead and packing lunch, and head out on a moderately difficult portion of the trial that takes you to the western end of Lake Wakatipu.