Queenstown From the Water: A New Way to Experience Lake Wakatipu

There are plenty of ways to experience Queenstown. You can ski its mountains, hike its trails, explore its restaurants or take in the views from above.

But there is another perspective that is hard to beat: Queenstown from the water.

Surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks and stretching through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, Lake Wakatipu is made for boating. And with Freedom Boat Club now in Queenstown, getting out there has never been simpler.

Your Boat Day Starts in Frankton

Freedom Boat Club Queenstown is based at Queenstown Marina in Frankton, putting members right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within easy reach of some incredible places to explore.

There is no towing a boat across town, finding somewhere to store it or spending the morning getting it ready.

Reserve your boat, arrive at the marina and head out onto the lake.

That means more of your day can be spent doing what you actually want to do: being on the water.

Discover a Different Side of Queenstown

Once you leave the marina, Queenstown starts to look very different.

The Remarkables rise above the lake, the shoreline opens up ahead of you and suddenly the busy streets of Queenstown feel a long way away.

A day could mean cruising along the shoreline, finding a quiet bay, stopping for a swim on a warm summer afternoon or simply slowing down and enjoying the scenery.

Bob's Cove is one of the standout areas to explore, while Sunshine Bay offers another beautiful part of the lake to discover.

And you do not necessarily need a destination.

Sometimes the best Queenstown boat day is simply picking a direction and enjoying the view.

Make a Day of It With Friends and Family

Queenstown has no shortage of activities, but having access to a boat gives you something particularly valuable: the freedom to create your own day.

Pack lunch. Bring your friends. Get the family together.

You could spend the morning cruising, find somewhere sheltered to stop for lunch and then head back out for an afternoon on the lake.

Whether the plan is relaxed cruising, sightseeing or a more active day on the water, having a boat ready to go makes it easy to turn a free day into a memorable Queenstown adventure.

Freedom tip: Pack for changing alpine conditions. A sunny Queenstown morning can feel very different once you are out on the lake.

Try Your Luck Fishing Lake Wakatipu

For anglers, joining Freedom Boat Club opens up another way to enjoy one of the South Island's great freshwater environments.

Lake Wakatipu offers opportunities to fish for brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon, with plenty of water to explore.

Instead of owning and maintaining a boat specifically so you can get out fishing, you can reserve one when the conditions and opportunity line up.

Grab the fishing gear, bring a mate and make a day of it.

Freedom tip: Check the latest fishing regulations and make sure you have the appropriate licence before heading out.

Your Queenstown Weekends Just Got Bigger

Living in or regularly visiting Queenstown means having some of New Zealand's best outdoor experiences right on your doorstep.

Now, your options can include a boat waiting at the marina.

A spontaneous afternoon cruise. A family day on the lake. A fishing mission with friends. A summer evening surrounded by mountains.

Freedom Boat Club Queenstown brings a simple approach to boating to Lake Wakatipu, giving members the experience of having access to a boat without many of the responsibilities that come with owning one.

Ready to See Queenstown From a Different Perspective?

The mountains might be what first put Queenstown on the map, but once you have experienced Lake Wakatipu from behind the wheel of a boat, you may find yourself looking at the region a little differently.

Less time looking after a boat. More time actually boating.

So, where will your next Queenstown adventure take you?

Explore Queenstown by boat with Freedom Boat Club.