Christmas in Queenstown
Your Summer Holiday Guide - A few of the many 'Must Do's' in Queenstown
Slow it down : a steamship BBQ at Walter Peak
If your idea of Christmas involves a long lunch and a view, this one's for you. Climb aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship that's been crossing the lake since 1912, and cruise 45 minutes across to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
On the way over, watch the steam engines at work below deck and soak up views of Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and the Remarkables. Once you land, it's a generous gourmet BBQ buffet at the Homestead, made with produce from the farm's own garden. Stay for the farm dogs showing off after the meal.
The whole trip takes just under four hours, and dining is indoors, so it's a solid pick even if the weather turns. It's popular over the holidays, so book ahead.
Find out more about the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ
Turn it up : jet boat and white water in one day
Worked off the Christmas pudding yet? The Kawarau River Jet2Raft combines two Queenstown classics. First, a jet boat across the lake with 360-degree spins to meet your raft. Then it's grade 2 to 3 white water on the Kawarau, a river with gold mining history and scenes from The Lord of the Rings.
The big finish is the Dog Leg, a 400m rapid and the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand. Between rapids there's time to float, swim and, water levels allowing, cliff jump. Hot showers are waiting at the end.
It's a great intro to rafting with no experience needed. Riders need to be 13+, between 40kg and 120kg, and able to swim. Allow around four and a half hours.
Find out more about Kawarau River Jet2Raft
Full volume, full speed : Thunder Jet
We're the orange boat. Thunder Jet takes you from Lake Wakatipu down the Kawarau River at up to 90km/h, with 360-degree spins and a soundtrack picked by your driver. It's the only jet boat in town with music on board, so expect a party on the water.
Along the way, our drivers share local stories and point out Lord of the Rings filming spots, with the Remarkables as your backdrop. Kids are welcome from 2 years old, which makes it a perfect pick for a family Christmas outing. You might get wet, so bring a waterproof jacket.
Got a crew to celebrate? Thunder Jet also does private jet boat trips for events, parties and Christmas functions. Bring the team, pick the playlist and make your end-of-year do one to remember.
Book Thunder Jet Here
Fly high, stay dry : Queenstown Paraflights
For the best view in town, head 600ft above the lake. You take off and land right on the deck of our boat, the Red Dragon, so there's no swimming and no getting wet. Fly High, Stay Dry.
From up there it's the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and all of Queenstown laid out below you. Fly solo, tandem or as a trio, which makes it an easy one for couples and families (kids under 12 fly with an adult). The trip is an hour round trip on the lake, including around 10 minutes in the air, and no experience is needed.
Book Paraflights here
Dive and jump : Hydro Attack
This is the one nobody back home will believe. Hydro Attack is the world's only commercial Seabreacher ride: a shark-shaped semi-submersible that dives under the lake, leaps clear out of the water and rolls.
It's just you and your pilot, sealed in a dry cockpit, hitting up to 80km/h on the surface and 40km/h underwater as the turquoise lake streams over the glass. Your pilot tunes the ride to you, as mild or as wild as you like. Rides are 15 minutes, open to ages 6+, and run year-round.
Book Hydro Attack Here
Take Control : Jet Ski Tours
Want to be in the driver's seat? On a Jet Ski Tour, you drive your own jet ski, following a local guide to hidden bays and open water with alpine views all around.
You're in charge of the throttle, so go up to 80kph or cruise and take it all in. Ride solo or tandem with a friend, with all experience levels welcome. Tours are an hour on the water, drivers need to be 18+ and passengers 8+. Our summer season kicks off in December, just in time for the holidays.
Book Jet Ski Tours Queenstown here
cant choose?? Make a day of it
Can't pick just one? Our combos pair up the big hitters:
• Scream & Soar: Paraflights and Hydro Attack. See the lake from 600ft above it, then from underneath it.
• Fin2Spin: Hydro Attack, then straight onto Thunder Jet for spins and tunes on the Kawarau. Two of the biggest adrenaline hits on the water, back to back.
See all Watersports combos here
Celebrate on the water : Queenstown Boat Charters
Planning a Christmas party, a work function or a get-together with the whole crew? Take it out on the lake. Our licensed private boats carry up to 40 guests and can take you to quiet corners of Lake Wakatipu that other tours don't reach.
With over 40 years on Queenstown's waterways, our team will help shape the day around your group, from a relaxed sightseeing cruise to an end-of-year celebration with the mountains as your view.
Explore Boat Charter here