boat cruise queenstown

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Take to the region's lakes and fiords with a boat cruise in Queenstown and beyond

The Southern Lakes region is home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful waterways, including Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown and Fiordland's Milford Sound. Queenstown is the perfect base to experience the tranquillity and beauty of boating in New Zealand.

Fiordland is one of the most popular areas of New Zealand, cruising through the soaring mountains, deep waters and witnessing the abundant wildlife is an incredible experience. There are a number of companies that offer transfers to Milford and Doubtful Sounds from Queenstown, and there are even overnight cruise options.

Scenic boat cruises in Queenstown include a trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw, or hop on a relaxing lake cruise with locally-owned Million Dollar Cruise or Southern Discoveries for wildlife and mountain vistas that cannot  be experienced from town. Hire a private yacht for a bespoke dining experience in a secluded inlet or book a party cruise with friends for a scenic take on Queenstown nightlife.

5 spectacular lake cruises in Queenstown

Guide by Jo Williams

Last Updated 25 January 2024

What are the best lake cruises in Queenstown? In this guide we look at the different Lake Wakatipu cruises leaving from Queenstown's wharf, and break down the differences in price, inclusions, and experiences.

At over 80 km in length, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake, reaching down to 380 metres deep. It’s so big that local legend tells of a great giant, lying quietly asleep within the lake’s murky depths.

The lake is central to town life and locals congregate along the water's edge both night and day. It’s an absolute must of any visit to Queenstown - so make sure to head out on a scenic cruise to get to know this stunning lake a little better.

TSS Earnslaw  - Historic Steamship Cruise

The TSS Earnslaw Vintage coal-fired Steamship on Lake Wakatipu

Operated by RealNZ, this old steamer has been going for over a century. Since it first set sail in 1912, the vintage vessel has been transporting goods and later visitors around the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu.

Getting its name from the ‘Twin Screw Steamer’ propulsion system, the TSS Earnslaw is an important relic of the Edwardian era - it’s the last remaining coal-fired passenger steamer south of the equator.

The ship is an attraction in itself, after being painstakingly restored to its original condition with wrap-around sightseeing decks, a mini-museum, and an inside restaurant and bar (complete with pianist). You can even watch the steamboat workers as they shovel ‘black gold’ in the engine room - it’s certainly not the most eco-friendly cruise in Queenstown.

This top Queenstown cruise departs from Steamer Wharf, in the town centre, taking passengers on a coal-powered journey around Lake Wakatipu. Choose from multiple departures each day (depending on the season). Trips run all year round, with the exception of a maintenance week in winter.

Top tip - the ship can get a little crowded in peak season, so it might be better to book an alternative day cruise in Queenstown.

How much is it to go on the Earnslaw in Queenstown?

The TSS Earnslaw costs $80 for the standard cruise, which you can book online here . The cruise lasts for around 1 hour 30 minutes, and returns to the start point.

Additional info:

TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

There are a maximum of 150 travellers allowed on board.

The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ and farm tour

Another great option to make the most of your day is the Walter Peak lunch or dinner BBQ excursion. After a 45 minute journey on the TSS Earnslaw, you will be treated to a gourmet barbecue buffet at the Colonel’s lakeside homestead.

With Central Otago specialties including roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts, and an all New Zealand cheeseboard, you won’t leave hungry on this tour.

The farm is a lovely place to wander around with beautiful plants, resident sheep, deer, cattle and alpaca. There’s also an included sheep shearing demonstration or sheepdog show to add to the true Kiwi farm experience.

The cruise with dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm departs at 6 pm and lasts for around 4 hours, $165.00. There are discounted rates for children aged 5 to 14 ($85) and infants go free.

The BBQ buffet lunch option departs at 12:00 PM, lasting for around 3.5 hours and costs $145.00 ($75 for children).

It's also possible to go on a half-day horse trek from Walter Peak , with morning or afternoon tea included, from $179.00.

The Million-dollar Lake Cruise

The Million-dollar Lake Cruise is, unlike the name suggests, the most affordable Queenstown boat tour. It’s a smaller boat, so it offers some great photo opportunities and no-frills sailing fun.

The cruise is suitable for all ages, with all basic facilities on board. The journey will take you past lakeside homes, willow islands, Kawarau Dam, and all of the amazing scenery in and around Queenstown.

On sunny days you can get unobstructed views from the upper sundeck, or in cooler weather, stay warm inside the heated cabin. There’s also an onboard honesty bar for drinks (bottled water is included).

The Million-dollar Cruise operates regular morning and afternoon departures, 365 days a year. You can find them down by the jetty in Queenstown’s centre - just follow the signs.

How much does the Million-dollar Lake cruise in Queenstown cost?

The Million-dollar lake cruise costs $49 and lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes. You can pre-book online here to make sure you get a spot.

This boat is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers can be brought on board.

There’s a maximum of 61 travellers.

The Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Operated by Southern Discoveries. This modern catamaran is fast and spacious, meaning you can go a lot further in the same amount of time.

You can spread out at one of the tables in the indoor area with large viewing windows and fully-licensed bar, or head outside to the viewing deck with ample additional seating.

The Spirit of Queenstown flies down Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy passing Mt. Earnslaw, Bob's Cove, Cecil Peak, Mt. Nicholas, and the Remarkables mountain range along the way. Live commentary is provided but if you have any burning questions you are welcome to chat to the skipper in the open wheelhouse.

It is easy to get to as the Spirit of Queenstown dock is right in Queenstown's centre, at the Southern Discoveries office (next to St Omer Park). The catamaran departs year-round with multiple departure times everyday.

How much does the Spirit of Queenstown cost?

It costs $59 for the Spirit of Queenstown standard scenic cruise , and will last around 1 hour 30 minutes.

The Spirit of Queenstown is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers can be brought on board.

There’s a maximum limit of 100 travellers.

The Scenic Dinner Cruise, Queenstown

The Spirit of Queenstown also offers a scenic dinner cruise of Queenstown's lake. The locally sourced menu is prepared by an onboard chef with southern delicacies and New Zealand beef and lamb. There are also seasonally-inspired vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives.

The 2 hour dinner cruise is priced at $109, excluding drinks (for dinner, there is a lower maximum of 75 travellers).

Pacific Jemm - Luxury 5-star Private Yacht

Pacific Jemm, by Eichardts, offers the only premium cruising opportunity in Queenstown and Glenorchy. Book a private charter on this 5-star luxury yacht to explore Lake Wakatipu in style.

The 80-foot Falcon-S will glide around the lake, taking in any sights you may wish to request; Bob’s Cove, Walter Peak, Pig & Pigeon Islands, Glenorchy, Greenstone, Halfway Bay or Jack’s Point.

The luxury charters can cater to any occasion with gourmet onboard chefs to prepare your meals. They also host corporate events and wedding ceremonies.

How much does a private cruise on Lake Wakatipu cost?

Pacific Jemm cruises are charged at an hourly rate, allowing you to choose the length of your journey.

Private cruising starts from $1,750 per hour (2-hour minimum cruise time). Public holidays prices, as well as costs for food, beverage and activities, are available on request through their website .

They also offer set packages like the 3-hour ‘Gourmet BBQ Cruise’ for four people, from $5,750, and the 2-hour ‘Champagne Cruise for two’, from $3,300.

The maximum capacity is 8 seated, 32 standing.

Stay overnight on Lake Wakatipu

If you want to stay overnight on Lake Wakatipu, you can choose to sleep on the Pacific Jem. Its king and queen cabins can accommodate up to four adults with 2.5 bathrooms on board.

The Pacific Jemm overnight luxury accommodation option is convenient, too, you will be docked up at O’Regan’s Wharf in Queenstown Bay, a short stroll from cafes, restaurants and more.

The Luanda Experience - Private Charter Party Boat

If you are looking to celebrate on Lake Wakatipu, the Luanda Experience offers the best private charters for groups and parties.

The small four-level vessel can be heard far and wide, pumping its impressive sound system across the waters of Queenstown Bay.

Luanda, meaning enjoyment in Hawaiian, is what The Luanda Experience is all about. The staff and crew embody this and know how to get a party started!

Trips can be customised to each individual group with BBQ and catering options, flexible durations, and a fully licenced bar complete with drink specials. It’s best known for hen & stag nights, and birthday parties, but can be booked for any occasion.

How much does a private charter cost?

Cruise options and prices are available upon request via the Luanda website .

There is a maximum capacity of 38 people.

So, which is the best lake cruise in Queenstown?

Ultimately, that depends on what you're looking for. The best budget cruise in Queenstown is the Million-dollar Cruise; it’s great value for money and offers all of the same sights as the larger boats.

But families and those with additional needs might prefer a larger, stable, and more comfortable Queenstown boat. The TSS Earnshaw and Spirit of Queenstown both have lots of toilets, food options, and a range of beverages on board.

Private charters are a great option for special occasions or those travelling in big groups. You can have the whole experience to yourself and enjoy the freedom of the lake.

But if it’s your first time in Queenstown, nothing beats the TSS Earnslaw. It’s an integral part of Queenstown's history, and when combined with Walter Peak High Country Farm, it’s a must-do Queenstown experience that you simply can’t get anywhere else.

THE 10 BEST Queenstown Boat Rides & Cruises

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What travellers are saying.

• Christina V 2 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Our tour guide, Abi, was great. He was friendly, informative, very punctual, and played great music. The van was comfortable and the rest stops were nicely spaced out. Also, I had informed the staff at the time of booking that my sister gets car sick particularly on winding roads, and they let Abi know, and he was very thoughtful and took care of her. Milford Sound itself was lovely; we took a cruise with Cruise Milford, and the boat was the perfect size, the captain was hilarious, and the scenery was perfect. The packed lunch was a chicken sandwich, crisps, apple, chocolate bar, blueberry muffin, mints, apple/orange juice. Read more Review of: Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown Written 2 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience the wonders of Lake Whakatipu aboard our modern catamaran. Aboard the Queenstown Lake Cruise, you will discover mountains, forests, and hidden coves as our skipper shares tales of the lake's history. Admire Bob's Cove, Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps during our 1 hour and 30-minute cruise. Whether with family, friends, or a special someone, join us to uncover Queenstown's natural beauty. Relax onboard with our café and bar. 

What you will experience:

• Enjoy a 1 hour 30-minute cruise on Lake Whakatipu

Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends

• Sit back, relax and discover the special landscapes of Queenstown
• Onboard café and bar: upgrade your experience by adding a cheese or charcuterie board
• Learn the history and highlights of Lake Whakatipu from your skipper’s commentary
• Pause at Bob’s Cove turquoise water and native bush
• Enjoy the scenes towards Glenorchy , Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps
• Cruise from $59 per adult

Take stunning photos on our open-top deck

Secluded bays, historic landmarks and mountain views

Hot and cold beverages and snacks available

More Information

Departure location.

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.

What to bring

• Shoes/boots (non-slip)
• Warm clothing/jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please  contact us directly.

What is the weather like in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a climate with four distinct seasons however, being located in an alpine environment means the weather can be changeable. A guide for the temperatures you can expect is as follows:  summer  (December-February) 19-29 Celsius, autumn  (March-May) 15-25 Celsius,  winter  (June-August) 5-10 Celsius,  spring  (September-November) 9-15 Celsius.

Where is the car parking in Queenstown?

Please allow an additional 30 minutes to find parking for your vehicle prior to your check in time.  

There is limited free street parking available in the streets surrounding central Queenstown. There is paid parking available in the Man Street and Church Street parking buildings plus pay and display parking at the Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks.

Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks are suitable for motorhomes. Please allow 15 minutes to walk to the RealNZ office from there.

How long does it take to travel to Queenstown?

Queenstown is around a 2.5 hour drive from Te Anau or around 1hr 15 minutes from Wanaka. For more travel locations please refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

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Great onboard commentary by Eddie and such a warm welcome by Betty at the booking kiosk. Also the on board bar topped off the sunny day experience. 10/10 recommend for locals and visitors alike!

Tuomas h ~ july 2021.

Nice to have a bar available, plenty of time for photos. Value for money, attentive Captain!

Coop family ~ april 2021.

Great 90 minute cruise! Wayne was a great captain. We loved his interesting commentary and his happy disposition. Would recommend!

Jane from auckland ~ june 2021.

Everything that I had hoped it would be!! Having the photo opportunities was wonderful. What great memories to have.

Karen ~ june 2021.

Wayne is an absolute lad! Made the boat cruise an absolute blast. We sat on top of the boat and got some beautiful pics. Will definitely go again.

George ~ may 2021.

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Queenstown Cruise – The Million Dollar Cruise

This multi-award-winning family-owned  and operated business is acknowledged as New Zealand’s number one Lake Cruise.

Small and personal, only taking up to 60 passengers, these true locals will share a wealth of knowledge offering a very enjoyable experience, with you as their guest.

Incredibly The Million Dollar Cruise is one of the most affordable activities in Queenstown.  This Queenstown boat cruise sails in 90% calm waters and is enjoyed by all age groups and nationalities.

This 90 minute trip will take you across Lake Wakatipu right to the end of the lake, viewing stunning homes, rare birds and other birdlife, Historic Dam and Willow Islands and all the magnificent scenery of Queenstown from the water.

VIDEO GALLERY

Fantastic Experience and Knowledge

This is a great experience for anyone wanting a relaxed cruise filled with interesting background and information on Queenstown. Enjoyed every second of it and would do it again. The captain of the boat has a witty sense of humor and knows his stuff!

Ally K Melbourne, Australia

A Must Do in Queenstown!

A great way to see the Remarkables mountain range and Queenstown in general. Wayne was our captain and he was funny and very informative. He made sure we all got our photo shots that we wanted. I have nothing bad to say about this at all.

PHOTO GALLERY

Million Dollar Cruise  50 Beach Street Million Dollar Cruise Jetty Waters Edge,  Queenstown Bay

Phone: +64 3 442 9770 Toll Free NZ only: 0508 525 327 Mobile: +64 274 549 550

TSS Earnslaw Scenic Boat Cruise

A 90-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu on a historical steamboat

On this 90-minute cruise, you will be taken to explore Lake Wakatipu on-board the 109-year-old TSS Earnslaw. During the cruise, you'll pass by some of the area's most famous landmarks, including the Remarkable Mountain Range, as well as Walter and Cecil Peak.

As you sail across the lake on the Southern Hemisphere's only hand-fired passenger steamship, you'll be able to visit the on-board museum and engine room. It's here, where you can learn about the history of the region and the vessel. The cruise also includes the option to purchase a guided farm tour, including horse ride and lunch.

Restrictions

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.

Languages spoken by guide

Additional information.

Bring your ticket with you to the attraction.

Be aware that operators may cancel for unforeseen reasons.

You must be 18 years or older, or be accompanied by an adult, to book.

Operated by Klook

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Once you’ve entered your payment details successfully, you'll be redirected to your ticket page where you can check the status and details of your reservations.

You'll receive a confirmation email once the reservation is confirmed with the attraction operator. This could take some time based on the supplier.

You can view your tickets in your confirmation email or the Booking and Trips section of your account.

When do I pay?

Booking.com collects payment on behalf of the attraction operator when you book your ticket.

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• Lake Cruises Spirit Of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

Lake Cruises - Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

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Spirit of Queenstown Lake Cruise

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From 3rd to 28th June 2024, the Spirit of Queenstown will be used as the replacement vessel for the following experiences:

• TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
• Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise
• Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise
• Queenstown Lake Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
• Pause at the picturesque Bob's Cove 
• Informative commentary from the skipper
• Local wines & beers available to purchase onboard

Description

A cruise on Lake Wakatipu is a must when visiting the "adventure capital of the world", Queenstown. Board the Spirit of Queenstown for a scenic Queenstown lake cruise and discover hidden gems such as Mt Earnslaw, Bob's Cove and the Southern Alps. As your skipper navigates the lake you can sit back, relax and take in the unparalleled views of the Remarkables mountain range and on towards Glenorchy. The cruise is the perfect opportunity to snap panoramic photos from the open top deck as your skipper entertains you with informative commentary.

The Spirit of Queenstown lake cruise is the longest cruise on the lake, giving you the opportunity to see more of Lake Wakatipu and its breathtaking scenery. Pass by the beautiful Bob's cove, you can view the flora and fauna up close. The Queenstown lake cruise boat boasts large viewing windows, spacious outdoor decks with 360 degree views and comfortable indoor seating to provide you with a luxurious experience. The onboard cafe & bar offers delicious local beverages available to purchase onboard, or you can add on a cheese and charcuterie platter upon booking.

Trip Includes

• Longest return cruise of Lake Wakatipu to see more of the lake
• Allow 1.5 hours
• 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 4:00pm
• Departs from St Omer Wharf, 110 Beech Street, Queenstown
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Child rates apply 5 -15yrs (4yrs & under are free)
• Cruise duration is 1 hour 30 minutes
• Refreshments can be purchased from the onboard cafe

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$59.00
• Child (5-15yrs): NZD$29.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

Genuine Customer Reviews powered by

Service rating:

Our Captain was amazing, he knew Queenstown and the history and so much more! He was accomodating and entertaining!! Thankyou for a great cruise!

Product rating:

Easy to book online, Thankyou.

Reviewed 13-Feb-2023

Nice an easy to book everything in one place. Would use again.

Lovely cruise and quite relaxing. It was a bit hard to hear the skipper talking when you were below deck

Reviewed 01-Oct-2022

Easy to deal with and very aware of their products.

Fantastic experience and fun.

Reviewed 12-Jul-2022

Excellent trip. Friendly helpful staff. Very nice food, we had the meat and cheese platter. Would definitely go again next time we're in Queenstown.

Excellent trip. Would definitely recommend to everyone to take a trip on the Spirit of Queenstown scenic cruise. Cheese and meat platter was very nice.

Reviewed 13-Jun-2021

Reply from Everything Travel Group

Thank you so much for your feedback, we really appreciate it. We are so glad to hear that you had a wonderful time on the Spirit of Queenstown cruise. Please get in touch regarding any future holiday plans, we would be more than happy to assist you & offer you a repeat customer discount. All the best! :) Everything Travel Group

Posted 13-Oct-2021

Brilliant no complaints. he ladies were 1st class with making sure we had everything we neede

1st class the captain was great too with Commentary while we cruised

Reviewed 22-May-2021

The service was good. Pleasant staff attentive and friendly. The captain was very informative and we enjoyed his commentary.

We booked on line so no hassle

Reviewed 18-May-2021

Friendly helpful n great views to look at Went up the gonderlas the food buffet was good Did the boat cruise on Lake was cool

Great Fun Romantic Good views. Jdjdjdkkdldlxdkdkdkdlldlddl Jdkdkdkfkkfl Hehehe good fun

Reviewed 27-Feb-2021

Thank you so much for your feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your great experience! We are glad to hear that you had a fantastic time in Queenstown. We hope to see you here soon again. All the best!

Posted 07-Mar-2021

Excellent service. Easy, friendly and helpful.

Wonderful Trip. Great Staff. Fabulous Experience. Many Thanks.

Reviewed 22-Sep-2020

Thank you so much for your feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your great experience. We hope you had a great time in Queenstown! All the best & stay safe!

Posted 21-Oct-2020

Good service.

Happy with the service. Nothing exceptional

Reviewed 07-Aug-2020

Fabulous experience, very friendly staff!

Breathtaking view! Gorgeous scenery!

Reviewed 12-Feb-2020

Thank you so much for your feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your great experience. We hope you had an amazing time in New Zealand!

Posted 17-Feb-2020

Excellent service will recommend to friends

Nice cruise and scene lovely tour

Reviewed 04-Jan-2019

The cruise was OK. However because it was raining we sat inside on the lower deck and the engine noise was awful. Wish they had some sound insulation on the motors

Good and easy transaction. Would definitely buy from them again

Reviewed 26-Nov-2018

Excellent service with friendly staff.

Very affordable and well worth the money.

Reviewed 08-Jun-2018

Latest Questions about Lake Cruises - Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

We would like to book a cruise for April 11 for 9 adults and 3 children... Is this possible please? Look forward to your reply

0 comments - Post a Comment

How can i make a booking for the 13th of April?

Can you take your own food on this cruise as well?

Thanks for your enquiry about the Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise. Unfortunately, you are not able to bring food on the cruise as there is a cafe onboard. Café snacks and local beer and wine from Mora are served at the onboard café. A Gibbston Valley cheese board is available when booking Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise Wine & Cheese package.

Comment by: ETG on 11th Apr 23 at 12:40

1 comment - Post a Comment

Hi there Is there the possibility to be dropped off at Bobs Cove and then return to Queenstown later on, so we can do some walking and chill out on the beach there? Many thanks for any info!

Thanks so much for your question in regards to the Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise. Unfortunately, this request would not be possible on this cruise as they only make a brief stop along the way for some photos and you will not depart the boat itself

Comment by: Karma on 21st Feb 23 at 12:29

Hi any chance to get a beer instead with the wine and cheese

Thank you so much for your enquiry! Yes, that is not a problem at all, you can swap wine for beer on the Spirit of Queenstown lake cruise.

Comment by: Everything Queenstown on 21st Nov 21 at 16:45

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TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Lake Cruises.

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Lake Cruises - Arriving at Walter Peak.

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TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Lake Cruises - Fun for the whole family.

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Behind the scenes: TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Survey

TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruises

RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street , Central Queenstown , New Zealand .

Scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu aboard vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Delicious food, explore decks, view engine room and historic displays.

Pricing and Conditions

Café-style food and drinks are available for purchase from the Promenade Café on board the TSS Earnslaw.

Prices valid until 30 September 2024 and are per person based on a TSS Earnslaw Cruise departing Queenstown. TSS Earnslaw will undergo annual maintenance from 20 May to 30 June 2024.

If cancelling or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when RealNZ receives notification 24 hours prior to departure.

Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship. Watch the stokers fuel the fireboxes, feel the heat from the boilers and hear the steam engines working as "the Lady of the Lake" takes you across beautiful Lake Whakatipu. As you relax onboard enjoy a delicious meal or snack from the Promenade Café or a drink from the bar. There is plenty of time to explore the ship while taking in the breathtaking alpine views. See our website for departures, prices, full cruise details and other great Queenstown and Fiordland excursions.

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Queenstown – See, explore and discover a town like no other

Queenstown is a New Zealand must-do. Long considered the country’s epicentre of adventure, Queenstown also offers plenty of opportunities for rest and rejuvenation amongst nature. Nestled between the deep waters of Lake Wakatipu and the mighty peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown’s rich beauty is matched only by its rich history.

Over 15,000 years ago, a glacier carved its way through the landscape to create the deep valley that is now Lake Wakatipu. The region was first visited by Ngāi Tahu, the southern iwi who tell the story of the ‘breathing lake’. Queenstown’s more recent history is shaped by the stories of explorers, farmers, gold pioneers and ski enthusiasts.

Now a non-stop, year-round spectacle, Queenstown’s impressive list of things to do entices those seeking adrenaline and thrills as well as those in search of luxurious spas and lodges.

Whether you’re on a budget or embarking on the trip of a lifetime, we invite you to discover Queenstown with the help of a little local knowledge.

Ready to discover Queenstown?

On the farm, on your bike, on the river.

Get ready for 360° spins and 360° views. A thrilling 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and onto the Kawarau and Shotover rivers with KJet, Queenstown’s original jet boat company. Trips depart every hour to take you to places others can’t. Find out how to book a jet boat and what you need to bring. Explore jet boat trips.

Queenstown webcam

Find out how the weather is today in Queenstown and Milford Sound. Check out our webcams.

All you need to know about Queenstown

Getting to queenstown.

Getting to Queenstown is easier than you think. Queenstown International Airport is 15 minutes from the centre of town and major roads link Queenstown to Christchurch, Invercargill and the West Coast. By road or by air, the journey to Queenstown is full of scenery to knock your socks off. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Queenstown and staying safe on the South Island roads. Discover how to get to Queenstown.

Queenstown Weather

Queenstown has four vastly different seasons, each one offering unique sights and experiences. From spring’s burst of colour and the endless long days of summer to winter’s snowfall and the spectacle of the autumn leaves. The weather can change day-to-day as well as season-to-season, so here’s the local knowledge on preparing for your Queenstown holiday. Learn more about Queenstown weather. View the weather today on the Queenstown webcam situated at our Queenstown Visitor’s Center.

Where to eat

Dining out in Queenstown is just about a full-time job. With over 150 restaurants, cafes and bars on offer, Queenstown is foodie heaven. Here, you’ll find locally-grown South Island produce combined with global flavours. Whether you’re looking for your first caffeine hit of the day or a memorable meal out, discover where to find the best food in Queenstown. Discover Queenstown’s best dining.

Learn about Lake Wakatipu

The deep, dark waters of Lake Wakatipu are an enduring link to Queenstown’s geological past. Fed by the braided, glacier-fed Dart and Rees rivers, Lake Wakatipu delivers an endless list of water activities and thrills. In the evening, the sunset over Lake Wakatipu is one of Queenstown’s greatest shows. Here, we share all the info on Queenstown’s best lake cruises, jet boat trips and kayaking and fishing experiences. Discover all the fun ways to experience Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Flora and Fauna

There’s more to New Zealand’s wildlife than its famous bird, the shy Kiwi. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a rich ecosystem that is both fascinating and facing challenges. New Zealand is known for its broad diversity of native plants, many of which can be found on the walking tracks around Queenstown. We’ll share our inside tips on where to go to see local wildlife and learn about native species. Discover Queenstown’s native species.

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Things To Do

Affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people.

She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912.

View the magnificent scenery of Queenstown by taking a cruise and as you relax on board enjoy delicious cafe style food or a drink from the bar.

PO Box 94, Steamer Wharf Queenstown, New Zealand

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Experience Milford Sound / Piopiotahi up close and personal

Our small group tours offer the most intimate wildlife and scenery experience, with custom built boats designed for an immersive viewing experience., see this captivating part of new zealand from the water, air, road or milford track., the best way to see the magnificent milford sound ____________.

Our 2-hour cruise takes in the best of Milford Sound and beyond, sailing out into the breathtaking Tasman Sea. Our boats are purpose-built for navigating near the shoreline to get you as close as possible to your incredible surroundings. Plus, with room on board for no more than 75 and spacious open deck viewing, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views when wildlife such as seals, rare Fiordland crested penguins or pods of dolphins when they make an appearance.

Along the journey, our informative guides point out Milford Sound’s scenic highlights, such as Lady Bowen Falls (dropping 160 meters down to the sea), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley). Snowcapped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 meters above sea level.

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• Hour Glass 2 hours

Cruise Only from Milford Sound

Escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Milford Sound in its true isolation and grandeur with this two-hour cruise. Spot wildlife like seals and dolphins!

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THERE.

Where are you departing from ____________.

MILFORD SOUND

Our tours ____________

• Ticket Cruise , Walk
• Hour Glass Full day

Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Track

Walk part of the Milford Track and take a 2-hour cruise – a way to see both the ‘finest walk in the world’ and enjoy the fiord from sea level, including the picturesque Mitre Peak.

• Ticket Flight , Cruise
• Map Marker Queenstown
• Hour Glass Half day

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight

Fly over snow-capped mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, sparkling lakes, and tumbling waterfalls as you journey to Milford Sound by plane; then see it from the water on an immersive 2-hour cruise.

• Ticket Helicopter , Cruise

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Heli Flight

Discover the beauty of the area from unforgettable perspectives – the waters of Milford Sound, and from the air on a scenic helicopter flight over the Fiordland National Park.

• Ticket Flight , Coach , Cruise

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Fly

Discover the beauty of the area from three unforgettable perspectives – Milford Road, the waters of Milford Sound, and in the air on a scenic flight over the Fiordland National Park.

• Ticket Coach , Cruise , Walk
• Map Marker Te Anau

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Walk from Te Anau

Experience one of the world’s finest alpine drives to Milford Sound in a small group tour, including scenic stops, walks and guided nature commentary, followed by a stunning 2-hour cruise.

• Ticket Coach , Cruise

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown

Take a day trip from Queenstown on one of the world’s finest alpine drives to Milford Sound in a small group tour, including scenic stops and guided commentary, followed by a stunning 2-hour cruise.

Why choose Mitre Peak Cruises? ____________

SEE IT FROM EVERY PERSPECTIVE We offer four unbeatable ways to discover the beauty of one of the worlds most scenic locations: via the Milford Road on a scenic coach tour there and back, from the air either in a plane or helicopter, walking the Milford Track, or from the water on our famous cruises. (Please note, different packages area available out of different locations.)

Milford Sound's Premiere Tour Company ____________

"Absolutely loved the tour and the driver was super knowledgeable. Podge gave us enough time to take pictures and didn't feel rushed at all. We had amazing weather and everything ran very smoothly and efficient. Great experience and would recommend to anyone."

"The trip to Milford Sound was an amazing experience, not only the destination, but the whole journey, with excellent commentary from our guide on the luxurious coach. Weather forecast was 10 degrees with rain, which I was worried about, but it was still awesome and beautiful, just needed warm clothes. We’re going to try your Mt Cook trip next time we come to Queenstown."

"We had the most amazing time on the cruise. The sights were breathtaking, really cool to be able to get up close to the waterfalls and learn more about the sounds. Crew member Abbey was wonderful. Super friendly and helpful to everyone on board. This was an experience never to be forgotten for sure."

"The cruise was fantastic - helped of course by the scenery and the great, sunny weather. Another plus was the boat size - small enough to feel cozy and not overcrowded with people, allowing the crew to offer a more personalised experience. This leads me to the second highlight: Abby was great, very kind and caring to our kids (7 and 4 years old) - she even brought them a colouring kit to keep them entertained during the journey, when they wanted to sit and eat something."

"We traveled with Trips and Tramps from te anau and we cannot recommend them more highly. We had a fantastic guide in Geoff who was born in manapouri and knew the area extremely well. The trip along the road, thru the homer tunnel and to the sound was well organized and run. The boat trip went in close to the magnificent cliffs of the sound and was small enough that everyone on board got great views of the waterfalls, seals and flora. The waterfalls were impressive. A great day out."

Cruise Milford

Experience milford sound the local way.

• Most Popular

Milford Sound Boutique Small Boat Cruise

Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the local way. Let us show you our backyard on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

• Clock 1 Hour 45 Minutes
• Users All Ages

Other Popular Tours Offered by Our Partners

• Clock 9 or 12 Hours

Day Tours from Queenstown or Te Anau

Join us for a scenic day tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits while you listen to the skipper’s commentary and marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

3 Reasons to Book Cruise Milford For Your Milford Sound Experience

Uncrowded cruises.

We are the only cruise operator to limit passenger numbers on all departures to 50% of the boats capacity to be able to guarantee a much more personal experience.

Best Customer Service

Cruise Milford has been rated the #1 cruise operator at Milford on TripAdvisor for 6 years running. We are very proud to have been voted one of the Top 10 Experiences for New Zealand in 2019 & 2020, plus one of the Top 10 Experiences for the entire South Pacific Region in 2020.

Support Local

Cruise Milford is the only local family owned & operated day cruise company at Milford Sound. We love to share our passion about this very special place with all of our guests.

Cruise Milford Sound, New Zealand

Immerse yourself in the natural wonder that is fiordland national park.

Experience Milford Sound the local way by joining us on board our award-winning boutique small boat cruise. Cruise Milford is the only family-owned and operated day cruise company at Milford Sound. We guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience by limiting passenger numbers on board all cruise departures to 50% of the boat’s capacity. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits while getting up close and personal with local wildlife and cascading waterfalls.

Voted one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand by TripAdvisor for 2019 and 2020 and one of the Top 10 Experiences in the South Pacific Region for 2020

Milford Sound Info

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about Milford Sound and some things you never even thought to ask!

Milford Sound History

Learn the long and interesting history of the Milford Sound.

Getting There

Whether you want to drive, fly or bus there, we show you how.

Should you wish to take a helicopter or a bus to Milford Sound , we can assist with that.

We have over 40 years of experience living and working in the Fiordland area, and we can guarantee that you will be talking about your trip to Fiordland and Milford Sound for the rest of your life. Come and see what you’ve been missing!

Explore the Beautiful Milford Sound

With Cruise Milford, you travel on smaller boats, which are less crowded and where our local crew offer a much more informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. We really love showing visitors this amazing place, and we know you will enjoy it as much as we do.

Fiordland is a designated World Heritage Site that takes you back in time to a magical wilderness that you may have thought no longer existed. Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound, you will see why the Lord of the Rings  was filmed in this stunning scenery.

Please download our free PDF  Guide to driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound  to ensure that you get to see all the best locations on the way. Just getting to Milford Sound is half the experience!

TripAdvisor's #1 Tour in Milford Sound

HIGHLY recommend Cruise Milford over the other boat tour companies - the ship is smaller, less people, has multiple outdoor viewing options and the narration from our boat driver was great. We did the 9:45am tour and recommend that (leave from Te Anau around 7am) as there were fewer people and it's before the tour buses arrive. The ride is smooth (we went once in pouring rain and once in the sun) and the views are worth it. Recommend booking in advance but we did walk up to the first cruise of the day today and got tickets.

Wonderful experience! Our captain was professional, funny, and had an incredible knowledge about New Zealand and Milford Sound. The cruise was comfortable and smooth. Highly recommend this company if you are wanting to see the incredible beauty of Milford Sound!

There are so many cruises you can choose, but we picked Cruise Milford as a local company and a smaller boat. They truly delivered! A very intimate experience with plenty of space (as we saw the hoards of crowds boarding the other large boats we knew we made the right choice). And a bonus: because their boat is smaller we could get up close to some of the waterfalls and it was such a magical experience all around. Recommend to all!

10/10 BEST boat tour to see Milford Sound!! If you are trying to find the best tour when going to Milford Sound, look no further! Cruise Milford is a family run business and we had an excellent time cruising with them. We saw seals on our tour and also had tea and cookies as well. It was such a pleasant experience and special that we got to see Milford Sound on an unusually sunny day. Highly recommend booking with them for this once in a lifetime cruise through the 8th wonder of the world!

We had an absolutely awesome day with Cruise Milford. Knowledgeable commentary, amazing scenery and the friendly staff, who was happy to talk to us and tell anecdotes about the area, made our day. Thanks so much! We can highly recommend!

We cruised on Friday. It was so spectacular and was so impressed with the staff and the experience they gave us. With getting us close to some waterfalls and wildlife. It was great listening to them talk about the area they were so knowledgeable. Will hopefully be back one day!!

What a fantastic day. The experience started when we got in the van and were greeted by Kreig. He really made our trip. Stopped at places with spectacular photo opportunities. Such a wealth of local and NZ knowledge. You can’t go wrong with this company. I chose them as it was a small group tour. I got that and so much more.

If you are going to book a trip to Milford please use these guys! Such a good experience, Jonno was astounding with the knowledge he could provide over the duration of the trip. We were shown some good points of interest and got to experience the cruise on a good rainy day! Definitely recommend going with Milford Cruises.

We had a wonderful time, Rod our tour guide and the skipper were fantastic, they made our journey special. They explained everything and showed us everything there was to be seen, they were knowledgeable and funny. Highly recommend. Thank you guys!

• Season tickets

Highlights: Khimki Moscow Region vs. Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar

BC Khimki vs. Lokomotiv-Kuban — 85-92

Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy: Alexey Shved, Khimki

Highlights: Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar vs. Khimki Moscow Region

Lokomotiv-Kuban vs. BC Khimki — 89-80

VTB United League Play-Off Series Preview: Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar vs. Khimki Moscow Region

Highlights: Khimki Moscow Region vs. Avtodor Saratov

BC Khimki vs. Avtodor — 80-84

VTB United League Game Preview: Khimki Moscow Region vs. Avtodor Saratov

Highlights: Tsmoki-Minsk vs. Khimki Moscow Region

Tsmoki-Minsk vs. BC Khimki — 65-81

VTB United League Game Preview: Tsmoki-Minsk vs. Khimki Moscow Region

Highlights: Kalev vs. Khimki Moscow Region

Kalev vs. BC Khimki — 91-84

VTB United League Game Preview: BC Kalev vs. Khimki Moscow Region

Highlights: Khimki Moscow Region vs. Nizhny Novgorod

BC Khimki vs. Nizhny Novgorod — 64-69

VTB United League Game Preview: Khimki Moscow Region vs. Nizhny Novgorod

Highlights: Khimki Moscow Region vs. Enisey Krasnoyarsk

Timofey Mozgov get back to VTB League

BC Khimki vs. Enisey — 89-83

Khimki’s Vladislav Odinokov declaring for the NBA Draft

Alexey Shved is back, but Loko beat Khimki in game 1

Khimki vs Avtodor Highlights

Mozgov’s debut put Khimki into play-offs, Loko and Nizhny extend winning streaks. Week in review

Khimki clinch play-offs

Timofey Mozgov debutes for Khimki

Errick McCollum against Enisey (VIDEO)

Khimki vs Enisey Highlights

Timofey Mozgov comes back to League, Khimki clinch play-offs

Olympiacos finishes season with a win

Maccabi rolls past Khimki in final home game of season

CSKA breezes past Khimki to seal homecourt

Shved, Mickey granted Khimki a last celebration with its fans

Khimki survives ASVEL rally to win in OT

Khimki vs Tsmoki-Minsk Highlights

Khimki come back to positive record

Zenit cruises in Russian derby

Zielona Gora vs Khimki Highlights

Khimki beat Zielona Gora and continue to fight for the play-off zone

Valencia survives late collapse to overcome Khimki

Three-point blitz ends Zvezda losing streak

Who's hot: Jordan Mickey, Khimki

Khimki without Shved beat season leader in Saint Petersburg

Zenit vs Khimki Highlights

Eriksson's onslaught lifts ALBA past Khimki

ALBA's Eriksson ties triple mark with 10!

Khimki gets back to winning thanks to historic defense

Khimki downs Real to end losing skid

Geoffrey Groselle against Khimki (VIDEO)

Khimki vs Zielona Gora Highlights

Zielona Gora outclass Khimki and catch Loko and CSKA in wins number

Veterans lead Milan over Khimki

Baskonia blasts Khimki

Khimki allow 0-21 run but win in Nur-Sultan

Alexey Shved against Astana. VIDEO

Astana vs Khimki Highlights

Lokomotiv-Kuban stand in Khimki. Krasnodar rookie Williams-Goss hit game-winner!

Khimki brings back veteran guard Ponkrashov

Parma vs Khimki Highlights

Khimki take first victory under Andrey Maltsev coaching

Round 24's Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Khimki Moscow Region game suspended

Fenerbahce pounds Khimki to extend streak

Bayern ekes out road win at Khimki

Mitoglou, Nedovic carry Panathinaikos past Khimki

Khimki dismisses Coach Kurtinaitis

Efes crushes Khimki, 99-60

Barcelona dominates glass and Khimki

Lauvergne inspires Zalgiris to thrash Khimki

Khimki break Loko home winning streak

• Super League 1

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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