A town as picturesque as Queenstown is spectacular in all seasons, though warmer days spent on Lake Whakatipu are particularly top-notch. Fresh, clear lake water, a mountainous backdrop and plenty of places to warm up and refuel afterwards, time spent on the lake is a must-do in Queenstown. Some of the top water adventures include a lake cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown, jet boating, rafting and of course, swimming. Afterwards, park up at a lakefront restaurant or cafe to continue soaking up those alpine views.
1. The Spirit of Queenstown Cruise
A day cruise on Queenstown’s Lake Whakatipu is the ideal way to see the sights and explore stunning bays. Framed by mountain ranges and the beloved town centre, this lake is the heart of Queenstown. The Spirit of Queenstown is the ultimate day cruise, combining sightseeing, nibbly food and a brief delve into the fascinating history of the area. This 1.5-hour cruise takes you to breathtaking Bob’s Cove, one of the best secluded bays near Queenstown. Cruise towards the northern end of the lake where Glenorchy lies, and see the Southern Alps and Mount Earnslaw.
Not only is this a top-notch way to explore the lake, it’s also a cost-effective activity with cruises from $59. Take the kids, the whole family or just your better half and enjoy a leisurely tour of Lake Whakatipu.
2. Jet boating
A jet boat ride is a quintessential Queenstown experience. High-octane, scenic and convenient, jet boating in Queenstown is nearly for everyone. Head to the Steamer Wharf in town to begin your adventure. Choose between 25 minutes or one hour and embark on this guided tour, reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph! See more than Lake Whakatipu on the 60-minute ride which hucks up the historic Kawarau River.
Experienced guides take you on a scenic tour with 360-degree spins! Enjoy some friendly banter (commentary) before jetting back to town. Whether you need to wrap up warm or the splashes are welcome on a hot day, jet boating in Queenstown is a top water adventure.
3. Swimming
Warmer days in Queenstown call for hunting down the best swimming spots. Queenstown Beach is a great go-to, with the ease of being right in town. Splash around in the shallows or swim out to the pontoon. Venture out to Bob’s Cove or Wilson Bay, both breathtaking and sheltered swimming spots off the road to Glenorchy. In the other direction, Frankton Beach is a lovely, shallow swimming spot that is family-friendly and close to other top Queenstown attractions. Kelvin Heights beach is a picture-perfect spot to swim, enjoy a picnic and soak up views of the Remarkables mountain range.
4. Rafting
Combine water sports with swimming on a whitewater rafting adventure in Queenstown. Take the plunge from sightseeing to taking on the river, and gear up for a paddle along the beautiful canyons. For those looking for a beginners rafting experience, check out the Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting adventure. Enjoy grade 2-3 rapids with the option of throwing in some cliff jumps! The Shotover River Whitewater Rafting has grade 3-5 whitewater rapids and takes you down the iconic Shotover River. Plus, the experience begins with a coach ride through the hair-raising Skippers Canyon with wild cliff edges that set the scene for this adrenaline-pumping water adventure in Queenstown.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
