Product Overview

Experience a unique and memorable cruise aboard the Lakeland Queen, New Zealand’s only genuine stern‑wheel paddle boat on Lake Rotorua. Blending scenic beauty, rich Māori cultural storytelling, and relaxed dining, these cruises offer visitors a distinctive way to explore Rotorua’s iconic lakefront and surrounds from the water.

The Lakeland Queen is a beautifully restored heritage vessel originally launched in 1986 and recently refurbished after a comprehensive rebuild. It combines classic charm with modern comforts, including two decks, licensed bars, and excellent catering facilities

Key Features

• Scenic lake cruising with live cultural commentary.
• Buffet‑style dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• Licensed bars aboard for drinks (additional cost).
• Special Dinner & Show cruise weekends with Māori performance.
• Suitable for individuals, families, groups and events.

Product Description

Breakfast Cruise

Start the day with our signature buffet breakfast as you cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Rotorua, complete with freshly brewed tea and coffee.

Highlights:

• Scenic 60 minutes paddleboat cruise on Lake Rotorua.
• Buffet breakfast options, including continental and hot dishes.
• Live commentary about Māori history and lake scenery by friendly crew.
• Ideal for early travellers, families and photography enthusiasts.

Departure: Early morning (8:00 am).
Experience: Relaxing and scenic with sunrise views over the lake.

Lunch Cruise

Relax and unwind on our scenic lunch cruise. Take in the beauty of Lake Rotorua while enjoying our signature buffet meal and a range of beverages

Highlights:

• Buffet lunch service with local and international dishes.
• One‑‑hour scenic cruise departing around midday/afternoon.
• Commentary on Rotorua Lake history and Māori legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai.
• Full bar service available. 

Departure: Around 1:00 pm (lunch)
Experience: A relaxed dining cruise featuring lake views and cultural storytelling.

Afternoon Cruise

Cruise into a relaxing afternoon featuring breathtaking scenic views. Enjoy our a la carte menu of light meals and selection of drinks perfect for a relaxing cruise experience. 

Highlights:

• À la carte light meal options available.
• One-hour scenic cruise across Lake Rotorua during the afternoon.
• Commentary on Rotorua Lake history and the Māori legend of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai.
• Full bar service available.

Departure: 3:30 pm in the Afternoon
Experience: A relaxed dining cruise featuring lake views and cultural storytelling.

Dinner Cruise (Standard)

Wind down with an evening dinner cruise that combines sunset cruising with dinner dining.

Highlights:

• Evening departure offering views of the lake at dusk.
• Buffet dinner with meats, vegetables, desserts and more.
• Licensed bar onboard.
• Ideal for couples, families or groups seeking a memorable dinner on the lake.

Departure: 6:00 pm, Typically, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Experience: A gentle evening cruise with dinner and lake ambience.

Dinner & Show Cruise (with Entertainment)

Step aboard for memorable evening cruise. Enjoy a delicious signature buffer meal and full bar service. From Friday to Sunday, dinner cruises also feature a live cultural show, offering a vibrant taste of Rotorua's Maori Heritage

Highlights:

• Special performances including live Māori cultural show and storytelling.
• The legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai shared through engaging commentary and performance.
• One-hour and half scenic cruise across Lake Rotorua during the afternoon.
• Full buffet dinner featuring local cuisine and desserts.
• Licensed bar for drinks to complement your meal.

Departure: 6:00pm, Typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Experience: A vibrant night out on the lake with culture, food and entertainment.

Company Info

Lakeland Queen Cruises offers a unique way to experience the stunning beauty of Rotorua’s lakes. Operating from the heart of Rotorua, we specialize in scenic cruises that combine breathtaking views, delicious dining, and unforgettable experiences on the water.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner cruise, or an afternoon of leisure on Lake Rotorua, the Lakeland Queen provides a memorable journey for families, couples, and visitors of all ages. Our cruises also feature cultural storytelling, live entertainment, and themed experiences, allowing guests to connect with the region’s rich Māori heritage while enjoying the tranquility of the lake.

Why Choose Lakeland Queen Cruises:

• Scenic cruises across Lake Rotorua
• Signature buffet and à la carte dining options
• Full bar service available
• Cultural shows and storytelling experiences
• Suitable for families, couples, and groups

Experience Rotorua from a new perspective—onboard the Lakeland Queen, where every cruise is a blend of relaxation, culture, and stunning lake scenery.