Find the best boat tours and cruising adventures, sailing trips, saltwater fishing charters, scenic cruises, river cruising, small and large boat trips and ferries throughout New Zealand. Explore New Zealand’s 15,000kms of coastline and its rivers and lakes with scenic boat cruises with friends and family! These are the top sail trips and cruises in New Zealand.
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Cruises, Sailing and Water Tours
Top Attractions
Milford Sound Heli-Cr...
The ultimate way to experience Milford Sound and Fiordland. Enjoy spectacular ae ......
Tauranga Scenic Harbo...
Looking for things to do in Tauranga? Bay Explorer has several years experience ......
Milford Sound Fly-Cru...
Our most popular scenic flight option, this package lets you experience the shee ......
Wild Hills Off Road S...
Words fail to describe how utterly spectacular this 4WD adventure through West W ......
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Island Hopper Sailing Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Join the Barefoot Sailing crew for a magical sailing experience in the Bay of Islands. Specialising in small groups, you ...
Lakeland Jet Boat
Wanaka
Experience one of NewZealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Marvel at the p ...
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef, West Coast
Join us for a Kayak or Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, and ...
Bay Cruise
Te Anau, Fiordland
Enjoy the million dollar views from Lake Te Anau on our 1 hour Bay Cruise as Peter tells you about the history of this a ...
Exclusive Sailing Charter ex Waiheke
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Charter our 41-foot catamaran for a day and set sail on your own adventure. Most areas of the Hauraki Gulf are within ea ...
Bay of Islands Day Cruise
Paihia, Northland
Relax in comfort as we sail through the Bay of Islands and stop off in one of its many idyllic islands. Enjoy lunch aboa ...
MOUNT TARAWERA/WAIMANGU THERMAL VALLEY – ‘ERUPTION TRAIL TOUR’ – 3A
Rotorua
Departing our City Lakefront pier experience the thrill of a floatplane take off, before climbing above Mokoia Island on ...
Parasailing
Wanaka
Fly high above the beautiful Lake Wanaka with Wanaka Parasailing on either a single, or a tandem flight. This is one ...
Seal Kayak Tour
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak tour of its kind in New Zealand that allows you to either pedal or paddle. You� ...
Tikapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Cruise
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Explore the Hauraki Gulf with us and discover the abundant marine wildlife, iconic landscape and cultural footprint of T ...
Mokai Canyon - 3 day river rafting holiday, family friendly
Whanganui
A 3 day river holiday, suitable for all the family. Tear the children away from the TV and head off for 3-days of rivers ...
Tauranga Harbour Cruise
Mount Maunganui, Bay Of Plenty
Join the friendly crew on the iconic 70 year old Kewpie shes been lovingly restored and is Tauranga's original harbour c ...
America's Cup Sailing Experience
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Join our crew sailing this authentic America's Cup Yacht on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour with this 2 hour experience.
Taupo Sailing Adventures
Taupo
Experience the best way to explore Lake Taupo and choose the most environmentally friendly way to travel – with a scen ...
Family Adventures Rafting
Queenstown
Family Adventures specialise in soft adventure trips, rafting the upper reaches of the famous Shotover River near Queens ...
Limestone Express Kayak Tour
Hamilton & Waikato
A perfect mix of adventure & comfort makes for our Top Quality Excursions. This guided tour takes you straight in ...
Milford Sound Boutique Small Boat Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Join this award-winning small family owned & operated business for the cruise of a lifetime. Experience Milford Soun ...
The Sea Kayak Excursion
Hamilton & Waikato
Explore New Zealand's ancient coastline on this boutique guided sea kayak excursion. Enjoy hot drinks and decadent treat ...
100% Pure NZ - Raft the Kaituna River - Grade 5
Rotorua
We’re passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism products in Rotorua. Infused with a unique ...
Bay of Islands Snorkelling
Bay Of Islands, Northland
We're the Bay of Islands' only dedicated snorkeling experience. Hop in for an epic underwater adventure filled with coun ...
Wild Dolphin Encounter
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Experience the trip of a lifetime on the on the Bay of Plenty's premier dolphin eco-tour. Dolphin Seafaris provide an or ...
Silent electric boat hire on the Kerikeri River, Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Explore the beautiful Kerikeri river on a silent electric boat. No boating experience required!
Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat
Whitianga, Coromandel
Approximately 2hrs scenic and marine viewing tour. Visit Cathedral Cove, sea caves and volcanic rock formations. Look th ...
Sustainable sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings.
Taupo
Step aboard, explore Lake Taupō, and discover its natural beauty and hidden wonders with an eco-friendly cruise with Sa ...
Nomad Safaris combos - Dart River Jet I Shotover Jet I Earnslaw Burn Heli-Hobbit
Queenstown
Nomad Safaris is proud to partner with select operators to bring you a variety of unique experiences. These specially d ...
Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Fancy an evening cruise? Sail the inner area of the Bay of Islands, making the most of our beautiful sea breeze on o ...
Glass Bottom Boat Tours to the Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
Check out the Hole in the Rock and the Fish through the Glass Bottom at Otehei Bay!
Half Day, Grade 5 Rafting on the Rangitikei River
Whanganui
Our grade 5, white water rafting trip is often recognised as one of the best half day trips in the world (recently voted ...
Kahu Kayaks Guided Tours
Abel Tasman
Kahu Kayaks' guided kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman offer a taste of adventure, serenity by the bucket load and more s ...
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
A unique opportunity to dine on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour under sail on this 2.5 hour experience.
Seafood Odyssea Cruise
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough
Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the exclusive afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. ...
Double Kayak Hire
Wanaka
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or paddle board. Enjoy the calm ...
Ernest Kemp Cruises
Taupo
Take a relaxing boat trip aboard Ernest Kemp. One of the world’s largest freshwater volcanic craters, Lake Taupō is h ...
3 HOUR PRIVATE CHARTER
Queenstown
Excellent for corporate events and team building! Book a private fishing charter for special bonding time or for your ne ...
Vigilant Yacht Charters - Day Sailing Bay of Islands
Russell, Northland
The Bay of Islands is an ideal sailing playground. Step on board our stunning 42ft classic cutter rig yacht to experienc ...
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Sea Kayaking tour of Lyttelton Harbour- Explore secret bays, sunken ships and sea caves around Lyttelton Harbour and Qua ...
Stevensons Is Cruise & Nature Walk
Wanaka
Take a luxury catamaran to discover Stevensons Island on Lake Wanaka with a 2 hour small group cruise and an optional na ...
Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Experience the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails!
Eco Sailing Adventure ex Waiheke
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Discover the stunning natural environment of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our 41-foot sailing catamaran. You’ll ...
Lunchtime cruise. Fish & Chips optional
Hamilton & Waikato
Come enjoy complimentary light refreshments or treat yourself to some fish & chips from Raglan Fish. Set off from ...
Full Day Scenic Rafting on the Rangitikei River, Family Friendly
Whanganui
With over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, amazing scenery and a riverside picnic lunch, the 13 km section of the Rangitikei Ri ...
Hydro Attack Semi-submersible Shark Ride
Queenstown
Get ready for a thrilling adventure in the shark machine! Launching from our central Queenstown location, we'll embark o ...
Ultimate Combo Cruise - Dolphin Eco Cruise including Hole in the Rock
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Experience the best of the bay on our full day ultimate cruise combo combining the best of Discover the Bay and our Dolp ...
MOUNT TARAWERA/WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY PLUS HOTPOOLS– 3AH
Rotorua
Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of ...
Nomad Safaris - Queenstown
Queenstown
Experience New Zealand’s most spectacular quad bike rides, off road 4WD adventures, guided walks for all abilities inc ...
4.5hr // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Embark on a captivating 4.5-hour cruise and island tour in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, where you'll sail amidst stu ...
3 HOUR SHARED CHARTER
Queenstown
A lot can happen in three hours… and joining a small group on this charter, fishing alongside seasoned fishermen, will ...
TARAWERA FALLS VOLCANIC HELI HIKE - 6D
Rotorua
From lofty volcanic heights, to a magical waterfall, this extraordinary day out showcases a variety of scenery not found ...
Jetboat Ride Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs, Canterbury
Join us for an exciting, thrilling and adrenaline pumping Jetboat ride on the Waiau River. This is our most popular trip ...
Ted Ashby Sailing
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Set sail on our heritage scow, TED ASHBY, for an hour-long cruise in Auckland's Harbour. See the city skyline, Sky Tower ...
Morning Glory: 3.5 Hour Chilled out Sail
Whitianga, Coromandel
The perfect way to jump start your day in Whitianga kicking back on the tramps of our spacious catamaran - a 3.5hr 'jump ...
Half Day Cruise & Island Tour - Cruise, Snorkel, Paddleboard, Hike, Explore!
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Discover the Bay of Islands on a small group tour. Scenic cruise through 144 sub-tropical islands. Stopover on Roberton ...
WHITE ISLAND/ MOUNT TARAWERA 'VOLCANIC EXTREMES' FLOATPLANE ADVENTURE - 4A
Rotorua
Fly over New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano, White Island and enjoy amazing aerial views of the is ...
Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruise
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard! Enjoying an amazing half-day cruise along the pri ...
Full Monty Tour - Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
Whitianga, Coromandel
Ocean Leopard Tours is based in beautiful Whitianga, Coromandel. Our scenic boat tour showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning ...
Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Sail where the wind takes us and take in Auckland’s city highlights on our relaxed 1.5 hour harbour sailing experience ...
Private Day Charter
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Board our beautiful sailing catamaran, “Serenity”, from Paihia or your chosen pickup point. We will hoist the sails ...
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Milford Sound in its true isolation and grandeur on our 2-hour cruise.
FLOATPLANE CRATER LAKES FLIGHT PLUS HOTPOOLS– 2AH
Rotorua
Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes and local geothermal activity. Landing on the la ...
Happy Hour Cruise
Wanaka
Relax with a glass of local wine or beer and bask in the evening light on a 1-hour happy hour cruise on Lake Wanaka. Enj ...
Lodge to Lodge Luxury 2 Day Rafting Trip on the Rangitikei River
Whanganui
Looking for a multi-day river trip with a touch of luxury? Explore a beautiful section of the Rangitikei river without c ...
River Surfing
Queenstown
Conquer grade 3 rapids, standing waves and whirlpools! The high volume Kawarau River bursts with adrenaline, and this ...
Waterfall Wanderer
Hamilton & Waikato
Raglan Rock’s Waterfall Paddle takes you to one of Whaingaroa Harbour’s most precious secrets, Okete Falls. A gentle ...
Ocean Adventure
Paihia, Northland
Experience the thrill of Ocean Adventure - the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock on this 1.5hour experience.
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Join Pure Milford for the scenic cruise of a lifetime. Our famously friendly skipper and crew will welcome you aboard t ...
Best Abel Tasman Day tour
Abel Tasman
A small group personalized 6 hour daytrip, exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park's coastline aboard a comfor ...
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Queenstown
Join Pure Milford for all all inclusive day tour to magical Milford Sound from Queenstown. Enjoy informative commentary ...
Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildlife day Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Come sailing with us and discover the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife of the beautiful bay of islands. Surround ...
Super Cruise Combo - The Cream Trip including Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
See it all and do it all on our super cruise combo combining the best of the The Cream Trip and the Hole in the Rock Cru ...
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk
Wanaka
Combine the luxury of a big boat cruise through the outstanding mountain scenery of Lake Wanaka with a guided nature wal ...
Kaituna River Rafting
Rotorua
Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most ...
Parasailing in the Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
New Zealand's highest parasailing at 1300ft over the stunning Bay of Islands. We offer Single, Tandem and Triple fligh ...
Kepler Track Day Walk Boat Transfers
Te Anau, Fiordland
Explore some of the best day hiking in Fiordland with a Kepler Track Day Walk!
Arvo of Goodness Chilled out Sail from Whitianga, Coromandel
Whitianga, Coromandel
Not a morning person? Sweet as! Jump on a cruisy 3.5 hour afternoon sailing charter adventure aboard Fully Charged explo ...
Dolphin Eco Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Bay of Islands and its abundant wildlife. Spot marine mammals in their ...
Tawanui Farm Energy Jet
Kaikoura, Canterbury
We are a small family owned business that run jet boating, farms tours and accommodation off our 320ha sheep and beef fa ...
Milford Track Day Walk - Lake Te Anau
Te Anau, Fiordland
Experience the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails independently. Take a boat journey betwee ...
Waiatoto River Safari
Haast, West Coast
Embark on the only jet boat tour in New Zealand that takes you from the Ocean to the Alps within a UNESCO World Heritage ...
Single Kayak Hire
Wanaka
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or paddle board. Enjoy the calm ...
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings
Taupo
Chris Jolly Outdoors has been looking after you for 40 years and that continues during COVID-19. Our ability to socially ...
Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly
Queenstown
Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and pro ...
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
Discover the spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife and rich history of this New Zealand paradise on our quintessenti ...
Sunset Cruise. Fish & Chips optional
Hamilton & Waikato
Sunset Cruise with Option to order Fish n Chips for an additional $15. Bookings essential 3 hours prior to departure oth ...
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Departs Hahei
Whitianga, Coromandel
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Hahei’s ancient volcanic coastline, where awe-inspiring geography and Māor ...
Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Our aim is to make your fishing adventure and stay in the bay of islands an experience you will remember.rnWithin 5 mile ...
Discovery Cruise
Te Anau, Fiordland
Join Peter & Cruise Te Anau for a boutique 3 hour Discovery Cruise to the beautiful and tranquil South Fiord of Lake ...
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Paihia, Northland
Cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. See the historic Cape Brett lighthou ...
Milford Sound: Fly | Cruise | Fly
Queenstown
Join us and our partners Southern Discoveries on this amazing Fly | Cruise | Fly adventure departing Queenstown to Milfo ...
Jet Ski Tour
Wanaka
Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has t ...
Sledge the Kaituna River - Grade 3
Rotorua
We’re passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism products in Rotorua. Infused with a unique ...
Cruises, Sailing, and Water Tours to See and Do in New Zealand
New Zealand is abundant with a vast range of water activities. There's no better way to truly appreciate the beautiful New Zealand coastline than by exploring it. Check out See and Do New Zealand for the best water activities, from rafting in caves and rivers to cruises and leisure sailing!
The best places for Cruises, Sailing, and Water Tours in New Zealand
Milford sound is located in Fiordland and offers fantastic views that are hard to look away from. Some cruises also provide heli tours, waterfalls, coach tours and kayaking!
If you're on the North Island, then there are many days of sailing trips to take that are both chilled-out and adventurous!
If you're looking for a more adventurous alternative to sailing and cruises, then check out these activities like parasailing and jet boating!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruises, Sailing and Water Tours Activities
1. Where is the best sailing in New Zealand?
The North Island offers many amazing sailing adventures lasting all day, or only a few hours. When sailing in the North Island, it is not uncommon to be greeted by dolphins or other familiar wildlife!
2. Where is the best cruises in New Zealand?
Milford Sound in fiordland is a stunning area for a cruise at any time of the year.
3. What is the best month to cruise New Zealand?
December, January and Feburary is when New Zealand is at its peak. It is the summer months that are the hottest and nicst time to be out on the water.