Queenstown Underwater Observatory

iscover a hidden world beneath the surface of Lake Wakatipu. Combining an immersive time-travel journey with live underwater wildlife viewing, this one-of-a-kind attraction offers a fascinating perspective on the region’s natural history and aquatic life. Descend below the lake and step into the underwater observatory, where you’ll come face-to-face with the remarkable creatures that call Lake Wakatipu home. Watch giant freshwater eels, rainbow trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon, and the famous diving ducks as they move through the crystal-clear waters. Your ‘Time Tripper’ experience begins with a 14-minute immersive film that takes you on a journey through the history of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Travel back 90 million years to a time when dinosaurs roamed the land, witness the formation of New Zealand, journey deep beneath the earth as the Southern Alps rise from the landscape, and experience the glaciers that carved out the lake. Along the way, discover the Māori legend of Lake Wakatipu and the enduring love story behind one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.