Lake Wakatipu is the third deepest lake in New Zealand and the reason Queenstown looks the way it does, that impossibly blue water framed by The Remarkables on one side and Cecil Peak on the other. It is also where most of the town's water activities happen, whether that means flying 200 metres above it on a parachute, riding a semi submersible shark, or paddling somewhere quieter altogether. Here is what is actually on the water around Queenstown.
Parasailing above Lake Wakatipu
The Queenstown Paraflight tows you up to 200 metres above the lake behind a custom built vessel, with solo, tandem and triple flight options and 10 to 12 minutes of airtime over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. You stay completely dry the whole flight. Children under 12 fly attached to an adult and need to weigh at least 20 kilograms.
Hydro Attack shark ride
The Hydro Attack is a semi submersible watercraft shaped like a shark, diving up to two metres underwater before launching as high as six metres out of the lake at speeds up to 80 kilometres an hour, with doughnuts and rolls thrown in. It is a strictly one on one ride with a trained driver, the minimum age is six, and it is well suited to a confident kid happy to ride without a parent alongside. Allow one hour for the 15 minute ride.
Self guided kayaking at Moke Lake
The Self Guided Kayaking Tour at Moke Lake heads about 30 minutes out of Queenstown to a lake so still on a clear day it mirrors the mountains around it. A safety briefing and demonstration comes first, then one to one and a half hours of paddling at your own pace, with a light picnic waiting when you get back. The minimum age is eight, with a family pass for two adults and two kids, and it runs in summer only.
A relaxed cruise on Lake Wakatipu
The Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise is the longest scenic cruise on the lake at 90 minutes, passing Bob's Cove and Mt Earnslaw with views out towards Glenorchy from the open top deck, and a licensed cafe onboard if you fancy a local beer or wine along the way. Child rates apply from five to 15 years, with infants four and under free, and it operates daily through summer.
Frequently asked questions
Which Queenstown water activity is the biggest thrill?
Hydro Attack and the Queenstown Paraflight are the two adrenaline options here, one takes you underwater and airborne on a shark shaped boat, the other tows you 200 metres above the lake on a parachute.
What is the minimum age for Hydro Attack?
The minimum age is six years old, and since it is a strictly one on one experience with the driver, it suits confident kids happy to ride without a parent beside them.
Is kayaking at Moke Lake suitable for beginners?
Yes, a safety briefing and demonstration is included before you set off, and the trip is designed for first time kayakers as long as everyone can swim.
Which water activity suits a relaxed afternoon?
The Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise is the calmest option, a 90 minute scenic cruise with a licensed cafe onboard and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.
Do kids need to be a certain weight to go parasailing?
Yes, children under 12 fly tandem with an adult and must weigh at least 20 kilograms, with maximum combined weight limits also applying.
Local tip: book the Moke Lake kayak tour or Spirit of Queenstown cruise for the morning departure, the lake tends to be glassier and calmer before the afternoon wind picks up.
Book your Queenstown water activity above and get out onto Lake Wakatipu the way this town does best.