Steamer Wharf Tours

Steamer Wharf showing boating, a marina and mountains
Steamer Wharf featuring a bay or harbor and night scenes
Steamer Wharf showing a coastal town, general coastal views and street scenes
Steamer Wharf which includes a coastal town
Steamer Wharf which includes interior views, signage and shopping

Queenstown’s vibrant entertainment precinct is the perfect place to sample regional delicacies, mix with locals and enjoy the stunning views across Lake Wakatipu.

Located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Steamer Wharf is Queenstown’s picturesque entertainment precinct. The area is popular with locals and tourists for its nightlife, casino and mix of restaurants, while the wharf is also home to TSS Earnslaw.Visit the wharf during the day to walk the promenade, a great location for people-watching. Watch the boats as they glide in and out from the wharf, including the historic steamboat, the TSS Earnslaw. For more than a century the ship has docked here, giving Steamer Wharf its name. A number of other boats and yachts call the wharf home too, and numerous operators offer leisure cruises. Enjoy the excellent local produce, including some of New Zealand’s famous wines, at one of the many bars and restaurants. Steamer Wharf has more than 10 bars, including the Minus 5 Ice Bar, constructed entirely out of ice. Many of the establishments along the wharf offer open-air dining, allowing you to take in the views of the lake. Try your luck at the Lasseters Wharf Casino, located just next door. Here you can try your hand at poker, or just enjoy a drink with the friendly locals while you watch the sun set over Lake Wakatipu.Steamer Wharf is an ideal location to base yourself while in Queenstown, and a number of accommodation options are available. Its proximity to Lake Wakatipu, and the center of Queenstown, make it a popular choice for travelers to the area.Steamer Wharf is just a minute’s walk from the center of Queenstown, and is best reached on foot. There is also free and metered car parking in the area. The wharf is open daily, although the bars and restaurants have varied trading hours

Browse tours and tickets to explore Steamer Wharf

Tours & day trips

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 86 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $133 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown

Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 105 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $200 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown

9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown

Activity duration is 9 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $11,003 per adult*
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Water activities

See all 9 activities
From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $111 per adult
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Attractions

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Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

Activity duration is 3 hours
4.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per adult
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Popular places to visit

TSS Earnslaw Steamship which includes a bay or harbor, picnicing and a sandy beach

TSS Earnslaw Steamship

Cruise in style across Lake Wakatipu, on this century-old steamship, which once carried Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

TSS Earnslaw Steamship
Church of St Peters which includes a sunset, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Church of St Peters

After visiting Church of St Peters, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Queenstown. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Church of St Peters
Queenstown Beach showing a lake or waterhole, a sandy beach and sailing

Queenstown Beach

Surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery, this urban beach on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu is a destination for swimming, water sports and jet boating.

Queenstown Beach
Perfect pic of our dropzone with the snowcapped Remarkables in the background. Lock in your visit to our dropzone at www.nzoneskydive.co.nz. #NZMustDo #QueenstownNZ #NewZealand #TandemSkydiving

Queenstown Cemetery

Enjoy a stop at Queenstown Cemetery, a landmark worth seeing in Queenstown. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Queenstown Cemetery
Kiwi and Birdlife Park which includes bird life and zoo animals

Kiwi and Birdlife Park

Your best chance to see New Zealand’s national bird is at this fascinating wildlife sanctuary.

Kiwi and Birdlife Park
Skyline Gondola which includes a coastal town and a bay or harbor

Skyline Queenstown

Take one of the world’s steepest cable-car rides to the top of picturesque Bob’s Peak for views across Lake Wakatipu and beyond.

Skyline Queenstown

Best Lodging Options Near Steamer Wharf

Things to do near Steamer Wharf

At Steamer Wharf in Queenstown, you can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including scenic boat tours and thrilling jet boating adventures. The area features outdoor seating for relaxation while you take in the stunning views. Additionally, you'll find vibrant entertainment venues nearby, offering a taste of local culture and nightlife. Whether you're into skiing or biking, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful destination.

Shopping

Queenstown Mall, located 0.2 miles from Steamer Wharf, offers a lively atmosphere with various shops. For a sweet treat, visit Cookie Time, also 0.2 miles away. The Creative Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market, just 0.1 miles away, features unique local crafts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Queenstown Ice Arena, enjoy exhilarating ice skating in a vibrant atmosphere just 0.3 miles from Steamer Wharf. For a leisurely day, head to CaddyShack City Mini Golf, a fun-filled mini-golf experience located 0.2 miles away, perfect for families and friends.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Skyline Queenstown, a cable car ride offering stunning views, located 0.3 miles from Steamer Wharf. For a heart-pounding adventure, try the Fear Factory, a unique activity 0.1 mile away. If you love hiking, the Ben Lomond Track, 0.7 miles away, provides spectacular scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Steamer Wharf is vibrant and exciting. Enjoy a thrilling ride at Skyline Luge, just 0.7 miles away, or unleash your competitive spirit at Queenstown Paintball, located 5 miles from the wharf. Both venues offer a unique adventure vibe for an unforgettable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Steamer Wharf

Steamer Wharf in Queenstown, Otago, offers a perfect blend of adventure and culture for travelers. Explore stunning botanical gardens, majestic mountains, and beautiful beaches in the area. Key attractions include the Steamer Wharf, Queenstown Wharf, and Queens Wharf, all of which provide a vibrant waterfront experience. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or cultural exploration, you'll find plenty to do and see around this picturesque destination.

  • Queenstown Gardens: Nestled just 0.4 miles from Steamer Wharf, these stunning botanical gardens offer a romantic escape and family-friendly vibes. Enjoy leisurely strolls among vibrant flowerbeds, serene ponds, and towering trees, perfect for a picnic or relaxation.
  • Queenstown Beach: Located a mere 0.2 miles from Steamer Wharf, Queenstown Beach invites you to bask in the sun and enjoy beach vibes. Whether you're lounging on the sandy shore or taking a refreshing dip in the lake, it's a delightful spot for relaxation and fun.
  • Bob's Peak: A thrilling 0.7 miles from Steamer Wharf, Bob's Peak offers outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery. Take a scenic gondola ride or hike to the summit for panoramic views of Queenstown and its stunning landscapes.

Best time to go to Steamer Wharf

The best time to visit Steamer Wharf can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Steamer Wharf falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Steamer Wharf falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August36.9°F (2.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Steamer Wharf

To save money on your trip to Steamer Wharf, visit during the off-peak months of May to June and October for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Steamer Wharf are May to June and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Steamer Wharf is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Steamer Wharf is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Steamer Wharf is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Steamer Wharf hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.