Private Charters · Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown Boat Charters

Private transfers, sightseeing and film work for 10 to 40 guests - on demand, year-round.

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Group Size 10 to 40 guests per vessel Departs Queenstown Bay - or your lakeside pick-up Season Year-round · on demand, no set timetable Bookings By enquiry - quotes within a day

Our Services

Three Ways to Charter

Skip the Road. Take the Lake.

Travel in style across Lake Wakatipu. Our private boat transfers are more than just transport - they're part of the adventure. Whether you're heading to a luxury lodge, a remote hiking trail or a lakeside event, we offer fast, scenic and reliable service tailored to your group size and destination.

Adding a special touch to a honeymoon? Planning an outing with friends or family? We work with you to design a trip that suits your interests, schedule and budget - available year-round and backed by the highest safety standards. With vessels for 10 to 40 guests and access to some of Queenstown's most stunning remote spots, the journey across the lake is guaranteed to be as memorable as the destination.

Lake Wakatipu, at Your Own Pace

Hire the boat and the skipper for an exclusive cruise on Lake Wakatipu, with the option to hop on and off and discover remote corners of the lake that standard cruises never reach. Take in the mountains from the water, spot wildlife, and soak up the local stories.

Our skipper has over 40 years of experience navigating the lake and its rivers, and a wealth of knowledge on all things Queenstown. Privacy, scenery, and one of the most unique tours in town - all on your timetable.

Film Work & Specialised Charters

With vessels surveyed for Lake Wakatipu and both surrounding rivers, outstanding local knowledge and over 40 years on these waterways, Queenstown Boat Charters is the call to make when the job is out of the ordinary.

On-water film and photography work with experienced operators who know the light, the angles and the lake. Crew and equipment transfers, location scouting and support vessels for productions of any size - tell us what the shoot needs and we'll get you there.

Our Fleet

The Boats

From small and fast to our 40-passenger cruiser - we'll match the boat to your group size, destination and the weather on the day.

Takara

Up to 22 passengers

Fast, enclosed and built for the lake - ideal for lodge transfers, bike and hike drop-offs and small-group sightseeing.

Sass

Up to 25 passengers, weather dependent

15 seated inside without anyone standing or sitting outside. Quick and nimble for mid-sized groups, with an open aft deck for calm days.

Tina

Up to 40 passengers

22 seated comfortably inside, up to 40 with guests outside and standing. Our largest vessel - the choice for weddings, conferences and big lodge groups.

Wainui

Up to 10 passengers

Small, fast and versatile - perfect for private sightseeing, couples and small groups, hunting and fishing drop-offs, and film support.

What We Do

Charters for Every Occasion

Scenic Cruising

Hire the boat and skipper by the hour for a private scenic cruise - remote bays, hidden beaches and the best views of the Remarkables, all at your own pace.

Conference & Events

Add a splash of adventure to your next corporate retreat, team-building day or celebration - a scenic, memorable alternative to the bus, available year-round.

Biking & Hiking

Custom-built bike racks make it easy to reach Mt Nicholas Station and Walter Peak. Day hike or multi-day ride, we get you and your gear across safely and in style.

Hunting & Fishing

Some of Queenstown's most rewarding spots are only reachable by water. Fly fishing or a remote hunting trip - we've got the vessels to get you there and back.

Lodges & Weddings

Transfer guests from lakeside accommodation into the heart of Queenstown for dining and events - perfect for lodges and wedding parties where the journey should match the destination.

Bike Transfers

On-demand runs to Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas - no waiting for scheduled departures. Six bikes and eight passengers per private charter.

Film Work

Experienced boat operators and vessels for on-water filming, with access to all surrounding lakes and rivers and years of film-industry experience to help you capture the shot.

Pricing & Zones

Transfer Pricing by Zone

Every fare below is a starting price to or from Queenstown Bay on our smallest vessel. The price for your trip depends on how many people are travelling and which boat suits your group - larger groups need a larger vessel and are quoted individually, so tell us your numbers and we'll come back with an exact price.

Zone 1

Starting prices for our smallest boat

  • Kelvin Heights Golf Club $240
  • Yacht Club $240
  • The Rees $480
  • Queenstown Marina $480
  • The Hilton Hotel $480

Zone 2

Starting prices for our smallest boat

  • Matakauri $600
  • Hidden Island $600
  • Cecil Peak $600
  • Table Bay $600

Zones 3 & 4

Starting prices for our smallest boat

  • Walter Peak $720
  • Mt Nicholas $900
  • Halfway Bay $900

Zone 5

Starting prices for our smallest boat

  • Greenstone $1,140
  • Elphin Bay (Pigeon / Pig Island) $1,140
  • Mt Nicholas to Greenstone $1,140

Zone 6

Starting prices for our smallest boat

  • Glenorchy $1,260
  • Kingston $1,260

Additional

Extras

  • Private SightseeingPer hour $600
  • Wait FeePer hour $120
  • Out of Hours / Public Holiday Surcharge $240

All prices are in NZD and are based on our smallest vessel. Prices vary with the number of people on the booking - larger groups travel on a larger vessel and are quoted individually, as are longer stays and multi-stop trips. Bike transfers to Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas carry up to 6 bikes and 8 passengers per charter. Bookings are subject to weather conditions.

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Good to Know

Queenstown Boat Charters FAQs

How many people can you take?

Our vessels carry between 10 and 40 guests, so we can suit anything from a couple on a private cruise to a full wedding party. Bike transfers are capped at 6 bikes and 8 passengers per charter so everyone travels comfortably.

Where do we depart from?

Charters run to or from Queenstown Bay in the centre of town, and we can also collect from lakeside accommodation such as The Hilton, The Rees or Kelvin Heights. Tell us where you're staying and we'll work out the best pick-up point.

Do I have to book in advance?

We're an on-demand service with no set timetable, so we can often help at short notice - but in peak season (December to March) and for weddings and events, the earlier you enquire the better. Send us the form on this page and we'll come back to you with a quote.

Can we bring bikes, hunting or fishing gear?

Yes. Our vessels are fitted with custom-built bike racks for Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas runs, and we regularly drop anglers and hunters at spots only reachable by water. Let us know what you are bringing so we can plan the space.

What happens if the weather turns?

All charters are weather dependent. Lake Wakatipu can change quickly, so if the skipper judges conditions unsafe we'll contact you to reschedule or refund in full for any cancellation made by us.

General questions - check-in, weather, parking, vouchers? See the general FAQs →

Plan Your Charter

Get a Quote

Tell us where you'd like to go, roughly when, and how many are coming - we'll come back to you with options and a price. Every group is different, so we tailor each trip to your interests, schedule and budget.

Talk to the Skipper

+64 3 442 9172 book@queenstownboatcharters.co.nz

Before You Enquire

Handy to have ready: your preferred date and time, group size, destination or pick-up point, and any gear coming aboard - bikes, luggage, camera equipment.

Your Lake, Your Timetable

Private charters from central Queenstown, year-round. Tell us where you want to go.

Get a Quote