Explore Lake Wakatipu shores with mountain backdrop
Queenstown, New Zealand • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jul
10°C – 21°C, warm summer weather with long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 21°C, warm summer weather with long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Accessible trails and facilities available for all mobility levels.
Accessible trails and facilities available for all mobility levels.
Value for money
Medium
Free walks, but cruises are a bit pricey.
Free walks, but cruises are a bit pricey.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Strolls
Couples loved the romantic walks. The views were stunning, perfect for a peaceful day.
Breathtaking Beauty
Visitors felt the mountain backdrop was incredible. A must-see for any couple visiting.
Romantic Cruise
Cruises on the lake are perfect for couples, offering fantastic views and a relaxing time.
Can Get
Travelers noted that popular spots, like the TSS Earnslaw, can get very crowded.
Weather Dependent
Some found the weather unpredictable. Layers are essential to enjoy the views comfortably.
Limited Privacy
The popular trails can be busy, limiting intimate moments for some couples.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A traveler experiences cruise tour on Lake Wakatipu.
Experience the enchanting vistas of Lake Wakatipu.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
9-21°C
December in Queenstown brings temperatures ranging from 9°C to 21°C, with an average of 15°C. The month experiences 69mm of rainfall over 17 days, indicating a higher chance of precipitation compared to previous months.
December in Queenstown brings temperatures ranging from 9°C to 21°C, with an average of 15°C. The month experiences 69mm of rainfall over 17 days, indicating a higher chance of precipitation compared to previous months.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability for accommodations and popular activities; advance booking is recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability for accommodations and popular activities; advance booking is recommended.
Recommended
December offers warm summer temperatures and long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, the increased tourist influx means higher prices and potential limitations in availability, so planning ahead is essential.
December offers warm summer temperatures and long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, the increased tourist influx means higher prices and potential limitations in availability, so planning ahead is essential.
January
HIGH
10-21°C
Warm summer weather with long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities.
Warm summer weather with long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability; advance bookings recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability; advance bookings recommended.
Recommended
January offers warm temperatures and extended daylight, making it perfect for exploring Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings. However, it's the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded attractions. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable.
January offers warm temperatures and extended daylight, making it perfect for exploring Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings. However, it's the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded attractions. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable.
February
HIGH
10-25°C
Warm and pleasant summer conditions with slightly less rainfall than January.
Warm and pleasant summer conditions with slightly less rainfall than January.
Open
High demand continues; early reservations are recommended.
High demand continues; early reservations are recommended.
Recommended
February maintains warm temperatures and is still part of the peak tourist season. While slightly less crowded than January, it's advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance to secure your preferred options.
February maintains warm temperatures and is still part of the peak tourist season. While slightly less crowded than January, it's advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance to secure your preferred options.
March
MEDIUM
9-15°C
Mild temperatures as autumn begins, with decreasing daylight hours.
Mild temperatures as autumn begins, with decreasing daylight hours.
Open
More availability as peak season ends; last-minute bookings may be possible.
More availability as peak season ends; last-minute bookings may be possible.
Recommended
March marks the transition to autumn with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's an excellent time to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Wakatipu without the summer crowds. Prices for accommodations and activities may begin to decrease.
March marks the transition to autumn with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's an excellent time to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Wakatipu without the summer crowds. Prices for accommodations and activities may begin to decrease.
How to get there
Walking
Recommended
Bike
Boat
Bus
Car
Ferry
Shuttle
Taxi
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required