How long is the Lakeland Queen cruise?

The Lakeland Queen offers a 90-minute experience for our lunch and afternoon cruises, and a two-hour experience for our dinner cruise.

Guests are welcome to board up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, giving you plenty of time to settle in, explore the vessel and enjoy the experience before we set sail.

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

On arrival, check in at the Lakeland Queen office (the black building) to collect your wristbands. Once checked in, simply make your way to the jetty and board the Lakeland Queen.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The Lakeland Queen departs from 3 Lakefront Drive, Ōhinemutu, Rotorua.

You’ll find the vessel docked at the Lakefront Jetty, right on the Rotorua lakefront.

Before boarding, please check in at our ticket office. It’s located in a black building approximately 300 metres to the left of the Lakeland Queen when facing the vessel from the lakefront.

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred departure.

However, you’re welcome to book on the day at the Lakeland Queen office, subject to availability.

Are children free?

Infants under 4 years: Free

Children aged 4–14: 50% off the adult ticket price

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No. The Lakeland Queen is not BYO.
A delicious buffet meal is included with our lunch and dinner cruises, while food and drinks are available to purchase onboard during our afternoon cruise. We also have a fully licensed bar onboard.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes! Groups of 20 or more people can receive 20% off their cruise fare.

For group bookings, please contact us directly and our team will be happy to assist with your booking.

Is the Lakeland Queen wheelchair accessible?

The Lakeland Queen is partially wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair access available on the lower/main deck. 

A disabled toilet is also available onboard.

Please note that the upper deck is not currently wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change and that weather conditions may sometimes affect our cruises. Please review our cancellation policy before booking.

Public Cruise Bookings

Customer cancellations

• 48 hours or more before departure: You may cancel for a full refund or request to reschedule to another available cruise.

• Less than 24 hours before departure: Bookings are non-refundable.

• No-shows: Bookings are non-refundable if you do not arrive for your scheduled cruise without prior notice.

Weather and safety cancellations

Passenger and crew safety is our priority. If we cancel a cruise before departure due to unsafe weather or other operational safety concerns, you can choose a full refund or reschedule to another available cruise.

If you have already boarded but the vessel cannot sail, and it is safe to remain alongside and provide the planned food service, you can choose:

• A 50% refund of the cruise booking price and remain onboard for the planned food service; or

• A full refund of the cruise booking price and leave the vessel.

Minimum passenger numbers

Our scheduled public cruises require a minimum of 20 passengers to operate. If this minimum is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the cruise. We will aim to notify affected customers at least two hours before departure wherever reasonably possible.

If we cancel due to insufficient passenger numbers, you can choose a full refund or reschedule to another available cruise.