Private Charters · Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown Boat Charters

Private transfers, sightseeing and specialised work for 14 to 40 guests - on demand, year-round.

Get a Quote
Group Size 14 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 14 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, Salvage, Search & Rescue

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 work with experienced operators. Breakdown assistance and towing, from a simple tow to engine failure. Boat salvage from any situation. And search and rescue support for stranded boaters, locating those in need, and first aid or transport to shore - we consider it our duty to respond quickly and effectively for visitors and our wider community.

What We Do

Charters for Every Occasion

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.

Breakdowns & Salvage

Trouble on the lake? Outboard, jet boat and towing know-how plus specialised recovery gear - from a simple tow to full boat salvage, we get your vessel back in the water.

Search & Rescue

Rescuing stranded boaters, helping locate those in need, and providing first aid or transport to shore. Quick, effective response for our visitors and community.

Pricing & Zones

Transfer Pricing by Zone

Pricing is based on your destination, group size and vessel. Every fare below is to or from Queenstown Bay and starts with our smaller vessel - if you're not sure which destination suits, we're happy to put together a custom quote.

Zone 1

Pricing from

  • Kelvin Heights Golf Club20 minutes $240
  • Yacht Club20 minutes $240
  • The Rees25 minutes $480
  • Queenstown Marina30 minutes $480
  • The Hilton Hotel30 minutes $480

Zone 2

Pricing from

  • Marakauri45 minutes $600
  • Hidden Island30 minutes $600
  • Cecil Peak1 hour $600
  • Table Bay1 hour $600

Zones 3 & 4

Pricing from

  • Walter Peak1 hour $720
  • Mt Nicholas1.5 hours $900
  • Halfway Bay1.5 hours $900

Zone 5

Pricing from

  • Greenstone2 hours $1,140
  • Elphin Bay (Pigeon / Pig Island)2 hours $1,140
  • Mt Nicholas to Greenstone2 hours $1,140

Zone 6

Pricing from

  • Glenorchy2.5 hours $1,260
  • Kingston2.5 hours $1,260

Additional

Pricing from

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

All prices are in NZD and are a guide from our smaller vessel - larger groups, longer stays and multi-stop trips are quoted individually. Bike transfers to Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas carry up to 6 bikes and 8 passengers per charter. Bookings are subject to weather conditions.

Get a Quote

Gallery

Out on the Lake

Good to Know

Queenstown Boat Charters FAQs

How many people can you take?

Our vessels carry between 14 and 40 guests, so we can suit anything from a lodge transfer 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.

Can you help with a breakdown or salvage on the lake?

Yes - call us on +64 3 442 9172. We have towing experience, outboard and jet boat know-how, and specialised recovery equipment for breakdowns and boat salvage across the lake and both rivers.

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