Boat Charters and Stancraft Event

A First Look at the Stancraft, and Private Boat Charters on Lake Wakatipu

Last Friday afternoon, we opened the gates at Queenstown Marina for a small, invitation-only evening on the jetty. The reason was a simple one: we wanted to give a few guests an early look at the Stancraft, the newest addition to our Queenstown Boat Charters fleet.

Some people came because they were thinking about booking a private charter, others because they had been wondering about owning a boat of their own, and a few, we suspect, simply liked the idea of ending their week with delicious food and drinks catered by Fino with the marina as the backdrop.

The Stancraft will be joining our charters soon.

Before we share more about it, here is a look at how private charters on Lake Wakatipu already work and where this new boat fits in.

What is a private boat charter in Queenstown?

A private charter means having the lake on your own terms. You decide where you go, when you leave and who comes along, while an experienced skipper looks after everything else, from the route to the landing.
Queenstown Boat Charters runs private transfers, sightseeing cruises and drop-offs across Lake Wakatipu all year round. Our skipper has spent more than 40 years on this lake and its rivers, and that local knowledge is what gets you to the quiet bays, sheltered landings and remote corners that most visitors never get to see.

With four boats in the fleet, there is an option for every group size:

• Wainui takes up to 10 guests, which suits couples and small groups.

• Takara is fast and fully enclosed, with room for up to 22 guests.

• Sass carries up to 25 guests depending on the weather, with 15 seated inside.

• Tina is our largest, taking up to 40 guests with 22 seated inside, which makes it ideal for events.

Every boat is fully licensed and crewed by people who know the lake in every season.
Charters can leave from Queenstown Bay or collect you from your lakeside accommodation, and they run all year round.

Most of our charters fall into one of these:

• Private transfers to lakeside lodges, weddings, events and trailheads, without the drive.

• Private sightseeing, with a boat and skipper for as long as you like and stops in remote corners of the lake.

• Bike and hiking drop-offs at Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas, with bike racks on board.

• Hunting and fishing drop-offs, with plenty of room for your gear.

• Conferences and events, where the lake crossing becomes part of the occasion.

• Film and photography support, including crew transfers, location scouting and support vessels.

If you are planning an event between December and March, we recommend booking in advance, as this is our busiest time of the year. As with everything on the lake, every trip depends on the weather, and our skipper always makes the final call on conditions. You will find every destination and option on our private charters page.

From the Hilton jetty to Queenstown, by private boat

If you are staying at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, there is no need to sit in traffic on the way into town. A private charter can collect you right from the jetty in front of the hotel and take you across the lake into Queenstown, with comfortable seating for up to 22 guests. It turns the journey into town into part of your evening, on a private cruise of your own, and it is a perfect fit for couples, groups and families heading into Queenstown for the night.

To book the Hilton charter, call the reservations team on 03 442 7375 or email book@watersports.nz.

The Stancraft, coming soon to our charters

The Stancraft takes our charters to the next level, designed for the slower, more special moments on the lake, whether that is a long afternoon tucked into a sheltered bay, a crossing at golden hour or a celebration that deserves more than a simple transfer.

We will share more as the Stancraft joins the charter fleet, including how to book it. If you joined us at the marina on Friday, thank you for coming, and if you couldn't make it, we would love to welcome you on board soon.

Plan your private charter

Whether you are after a crossing from the Hilton, a drop-off at a remote trailhead or an early look at the Stancraft once it launches, the best place to start is a conversation with our team.
Email book@watersports.nz or explore Queenstown Boat Charters online.