Our stay in Queenstown has now reached the third day. We boarded the Million Dollar Cruise, ready to indulge in a 90 minutes journey on the captivating Lake Wakatipu. (You can read about our Day 1 and Day 2, in which we have uploaded our stories.
The Million Dollar Cruise is immensely popular in Queenstown, New Zealand. Operating on a small boat with a capacity for up to sixty passengers, the owner, who also serves as the captain, generously shares his extensive knowledge about the various attractions we encounter during the lake excursion. These include breathtaking lakeside homes, picturesque willow islands, magnificent trout, and rare birds.
Arrived at the Million Dollar Cruise jetty
Our lovely boat ride commenced at 2 pm from the waterfront. As we patiently awaited departure at the jetty, we grabbed the opportunity to snap some gorgeous photos of the waterfront.
After a brief introduction from the captain, our cruise gracefully set sail, slowly gliding away from the shore. We were captivated by the colorful buildings and the bustling city with the dense pine forest that carpeted the surrounding mountains as the striking backdrop. Not too long, our cruise passed the Queenstown Golf Club.
Million Dollar Cruise is a delightful 90-minute journey. The boat gradually ventured inland before eventually coming to the end of the lake, then retracing its path upon reaching the bridge that traversed the glistening lake.
Our skillful captain handled every aspect of the voyage effortlessly, from navigating the boat to expertly disembarking and providing insightful commentary.
Watch the video we shot during our cruise. It is at the end of this article. 👇👇
Beautiful scenery of the magnificent Remarkable mountain range
The majestic snow-capped Remarkable mountain range commanded our attention.
The rainfall intermittently graced the landscape, adding an ethereal touch to the scene.
As we continued our voyage, our gaze was intrigued by a parade of diverse buildings and hotels interweaving into a tapestry of the lake’s shores.
Being in autumn, the foliage displayed a breathtaking array of hues and colors. The trees and leaves painted the landscape with their vibrant palette, creating an exceptional and enchanting spectacle.
The mist wrapped around the landscape as it started raining, shrouding the once vivid scenery. The diminishing visibility enhances the mystique and chill air surrounding the snow-cloaked Remarkable mountain range.
With its unobstructed 360-degree view, the upper deck ensured a full breathtaking view. In contrast, the lower deck has an inner room and a sheltered front section, providing options for those who do not want to soak in the rain while still savoring the captivating vistas.
On our return trip, the captain offered us the chance to wear his hat, allowing us to play his role as we snapped a memorable photograph.
This lake cruise also featured a self-service bar offering a variety of beverages.
The Million Dollar Cruise is a must-do when exploring Queenstown. Besides, it is affordable among the various cruise lines, making it one of the best choices for budget-conscious travelers.
Booking.comWatch the video we shot during the Million Dollar Cruise 👇👇
Speaking of which, we also upload a video we shot during the cruise. Please click the image below to bring you to our YouTube channel (shot in high definition!). You may also want to check out our story at Queenstown Hill.
Useful information
Where is the Million Dollar Cruise? At the jetty of Queenstown Bay. You will reach there if you walk along beach street heading to the lake.
How long is the boat ride? About 90 minutes.
What is the schedule of the cruise? 11.00 am and 2.00 pm daily departures
How much it costs? Adult: $49.00, Child: $25.00. Price in NZD.