Active Water Sports — Queenstown
Tubing, Water Skiing & Kneeboarding
High-energy fun on Lake Wakatipu — no experience needed. All equipment and instruction included.
Book Your SessionThe Fun One
Tubing on Lake Wakatipu
Tubing is the most popular group activity on the boat — and for good reason. You grab a handle, hold on tight, and ride behind the Centurion Ri245 as the captain carves turns across Lake Wakatipu. It is pure, unfiltered fun with zero skill required.
Kids as young as three can ride with an adult, and older kids and adults can go solo or in pairs on our double tube. The captain adjusts speed to suit the rider — gentle cruising for little ones, full-speed whip turns for anyone who wants an adrenaline hit. Everyone gets a turn, and the laughs are guaranteed.
All tubes, life jackets, and wetsuits are provided. You do not need any experience, fitness, or swimming ability — just a willingness to hold on and get wet.
The Classic
Water Skiing on Lake Wakatipu
Water skiing is the original tow sport — and on Lake Wakatipu it is something special. Flat, sheltered water, a mountain backdrop in every direction, and the powerful Centurion Ri245 delivering a smooth, consistent pull at exactly the speed you need.
We carry both combo skis for beginners and monoskis for experienced riders. Speeds range from gentle first pulls at 25 km/h to full carving runs at 55 km/h — the captain adjusts to your level in real time. If you have never skied before, our crew will talk you through the deep-water start and have you up within a few attempts.
Water skiing is best suited for older kids (roughly 8+) and adults. All skis, life jackets, wetsuits, and safety equipment are provided on board.
The Easy Start
Kneeboarding on Lake Wakatipu
Kneeboarding is the perfect stepping stone between tubing and water skiing. You ride on your knees on a shaped board, holding a tow rope, while the boat pulls you across the lake. The low centre of gravity makes it far easier to balance than standing sports — most people are riding within their first attempt.
It is a great option for younger riders who want more of a challenge than tubing but are not quite ready for water skiing. Speeds are moderate (20–30 km/h), falls are gentle, and the strap across your thighs keeps you locked in. Once you are comfortable, you can start carving turns and jumping the wake — there is plenty of progression built into the sport.
Suitable for kids from about age 5 and up. All equipment — kneeboard, life jacket, wetsuit — is provided on board.
Why Us
Why Choose Epic Lake Day for Water Sports?
Private Boat — Your Group Only
Every session is a private charter. No shared boats, no strangers — your group has the entire boat and all equipment exclusively.
All Equipment Included
Skis, tubes, kneeboards, wetsuits, life jackets — everything you need is on board. Just bring swimwear and a towel.
Professional Guidance
Experienced crew adjusts everything to your level. From gentle first pulls for beginners to full-speed runs for the experienced.
Year-Round Sessions
Winter sessions available with heated boat, warm air outlets, and full enclosure. Lake Wakatipu operates roughly 90% of days year-round.
FAQ
Water Sports FAQ
Yes, tubing is safe from age 3+. Life jackets are provided for all riders, and our crew adjusts the speed for younger riders. We use multi-person tubes so a parent can ride alongside younger children for extra confidence.
No prior experience is needed. Our crew teaches beginners from scratch — most people are skiing within 15 minutes. We start with a gentle pull at low speed and gradually increase as you gain confidence. Combo skis make it easier to get up for the first time.
Kneeboarding is done on your knees on a shaped board — it is easier to learn, operates at lower speed, and has a low centre of gravity that makes it very accessible. Wakeboarding is done standing up at higher speeds (30–40 km/h) and is more physically demanding. Kneeboarding is a great stepping stone to wakeboarding.
Yes! Your private session includes access to all water sports equipment. Switch between tubing, water skiing, and kneeboarding as much as you want. Our crew handles all the setup and changeovers so you can maximise your time on the water.
Just swimwear and a towel. We provide everything else — wetsuits, life jackets, all equipment, plus food and drinks on board. In winter we also have heated seating and a full boat enclosure to keep everyone warm.
We operate from Queenstown Marina on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, in the Queenstown Lakes District. The marina is 20 minutes from Arrowtown, 45 minutes from Glenorchy or Cromwell, about an hour from Wānaka, and two hours from Te Anau. There is free parking at the marina — please arrive 15 minutes before your session.
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Let's Go
Ready for Action?
Book your private water sports session on Lake Wakatipu — tubing, water skiing & kneeboarding for all ages.
Book Your Private Experience