The 26-year-old was plucked from Lake Wakatipu after attempting to walk across the river delta between Glenorchy and Kinloch today. He got into trouble after being caught in a strong current.
Kinloch Lodge co-owner John Glover said he launched his boat after his son heard someone calling for help, and pulled the man from the water about 200 metres from shore.
"He was drifting down the lake hanging on to his backpack and looking very sorry for himself," Mr Glover said.
"He was very relieved.''
The man, who was planning a few days' tramping in the area, had crossed most of the delta but got in trouble in the river's main outlet.
If he had drifted past Kinloch without being noticed, the current and wind would have pushed him out into a remote part of the lake.
"Another 15-20 minutes and he would've been in serious trouble," Mr Glover said.
Mr Glover had rescued several people in a similar predicament over the years, including people tipped out of kayaks, fishermen, and windsurfers with broken gear.
Queenstown Lakes harbourmaster Marty Black said it was yet another case of a Good Samaritan averting a tragedy and it was "sheer luck'' the man's cries for help were heard.
Attempting to walk across the delta was "stupid'', with hazards including sinking sand, very cold water and strong currents, Mr Black said.
