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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Small Boat & Water Adventures
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Top Attractions
Milford Sound Fly | Cruise | Fly
Scenic return flights from Queenstown over alpine backcountry and Fiordland’s untouched landscapes
from NZ $770
4 hours 
Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $152.00
1 Hours 
from NZ $135
6 hours 
Milford Sound Tour & Cruise with Picnic L...
Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
from NZ $369.00
13 Hours 
from NZ $245.00
6 Hours 
Stewart Island Pelagic and Wild-Life Tour
Have a great time finding albatross, penguins, sealions, and more!
from NZ $100.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $130.00
1 Hours 
Nomad Safaris combos - Dart River Jet I Shoto...
Fans of Middle-earth, relive the magic with the "Lord of The Rings tours" - Glenorchy and Queenstown
from NZ $714.00
9 Hours 
Eco Sailing Adventure ex Waiheke
Explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard our 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star
from NZ $730.00
7 Hours 
Lodge to Lodge Luxury 2 Day Rafting Trip on t...
Spend 2 days rafting on a beautiful section of the Rangitikei river
from NZ $1250.00
2 days 
from NZ $1450.00
5 Hours 
Canoe Hire & Jet Boat Tours Whanganui Riv...
Experience 1 day canoe hire with jet boat return
from NZ $265.00
3 hours 
Akaroa Nature Cruise
View the Hector’s dolphin - smallest and rarest in the world
from NZ $125.00
1 Hours 
from NZ $149
3 Hours 
from NZ $75.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Mount Tarawera/Waimangu Thermal Valley – �...
Thrilling take off and landing on Lake Rotorua
from NZ $395.00
40 Mins 
Whenuakura (Donut) Island Guided Experience
Explore Whenuakura - Donut - Island
from NZ $105.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $135.00
3
Milford Sound Cruise
Two hour cruise, with frequent stops at spectacular points of interest
from NZ $169.00
2 Hours 
Mount Tarawera/Waimangu Volcanic Valley Plus ...
Scenic flight with aerial views of Mount Tarawera and Volcanic Craters
from NZ $690.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $70.00
Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruise
Get up close to Wild Dolphins, on board our comfortable cruising vessel
from NZ $175.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $145.00
2 Hours 
Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
Views of the iconic Auckland city skyline from the water and sail under the Harbour Bridge
from NZ $110.00
01:30 hours
Individual Full Day Fishing on Auckland Harbo...
Experience fishing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour!
from NZ $90.00
9 Hours 
from NZ $145.00
2 Hours 
Milford Sound Boutique Small Boat Cruise
Explore a fjord that was carved by glaciers over millions of years
from NZ $189.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
from NZ $695.00
4 Hours 
Browns Island (Motukorea) Sea Kayak Tour
Sea Kayak Aucklands' Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour
from NZ $150
4 hours 
Exclusive Sailing Charter ex Waiheke
Set sail on your own adventure with up to 12 guests in our 41-foot catamaran for a day
from NZ $4770.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $139.00
1 Hours 
Scenic Cruise Guided Walk
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
from NZ $165.00
3 hours
from NZ $2000.00
7 Hours 
from NZ $3195.00
5 days 
Wild Hills Off Road Safari
Get behind the scenes of a genuine New Zealand High Country farm – West Wanaka Station
from NZ $260.00
4 hours 30 mins
Bethells Boogie
Explore impressive 30-meter-high sea caves and rock chasms along the rugged west coast.
from NZ $250
4 hours 
from NZ $279
2 hours 20 mins
Scenic Riverhead Tavern Cruise
Cruise to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern
from NZ $48.00
6 Hours 
from NZ $1170.00
7 Hours 
Twilight Kayak Glowworm Tour
Glowworms surrounding you as you float through a prehistoric like canyon
from NZ $199.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $169
4 Hours 
The Riverhead Tavern Kayak Tour in Auckland
Craft lasting memories in nature's embrace
from NZ $110
4 hours 
from NZ $339.00
8 Hours 30 Mins 
Whangamata Discover - Scenic Boat Tour
Explore Whangamatā’s ancient volcanic coastline, the Lost Volcano of Whangamatā
from NZ $105.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Hydro Attack Semi-submersible Shark Ride
Experience an adrenaline-packed high-speed thrill ride on Lake Whakatipu
from NZ $199.00
25 mins
Albatross Encounter
In just 2.5 hours you will see an incredible array of albatross species and other beautiful seabirds
from NZ $185
2 hours 30 mins
Milford Sound Discover More Cruise
Our longest, most immersive Milford Sound experience — up to 2 hours 15 minutes on the water
from NZ $199.00
1 Hours 
Auckland Scenic Wine and Cheese Cruise
Complimentary Drink and Charcuterie Box
from NZ $65.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $355
6 hours 
Heli Max Jet Combo
Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park
from NZ $925.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $3090.00
9 Hours 
Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildli...
Dolphin and wildlife watching from our maine mammal permitted yacht
from NZ $200
6 hours 
Day in the Bay Cruise - The Original Cream Tr...
1.5 hour island stopover at Otehei Bay
from NZ $225.00
08:30 hours
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi M�...
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.
from NZ $65.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $295.00
3 Hours 30 Mins 
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Grade 5 Raftin...
Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting over 3 waterfalls and 14 rapids
from NZ $135.00
2 Hours 
Sunset Sea Kayak to Rangitoto Island / with B...
Guided Walk to the Summit of Rangitoto Island
from NZ $220.00
6 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $35.00
1 Hours 
from NZ $1655.00
4 Hours 
Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound
from NZ $795.00
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Nomad Safaris - Queenstown
Fans of Middle-earth, relive the magic with the "Lord of The Rings tours" - Glenorchy and Queenstown
from NZ $250.00
3 Hours 45 Mins 
from NZ $235.00
1 Hours 
Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli + Exclusive Ea...
See remote Fiordland valleys, forests, waterfalls and lakes
from NZ $1990.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $400.00
7 Hours 
from NZ $125.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Explore New Zealands most beautiful river
Paddle New Zealands most beautiful river
from NZ $215.00
4 Hours 
Jetski fun and thrill on your scenic ride in ...
Experience the fun and thrill of a Jetski ride!
from NZ $149.00
30 Mins 
Seafood Odyssea Cruise
3 hour Marlborough Sound sightseeing and Seafood Cruise, from Picton
from NZ $180.00
1 Hours 
Evening Champagne Cruise
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
from NZ $165.00
1.5 hours
Milford Sound Coach & Discover More Cruis...
Spend more time on the fiord with our longest Milford Sound cruise — up to 2 hours 15 minutes
from NZ $335.00
13 Hours 
Kepler Track Day Walk - Boat Transfers
Transport to Brod Bay and the Kepler Track including return journey
from NZ $30
3 hours 
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckla...
Hobbiton Movie Set & the newly opened Bagshot Row
from NZ $379.00
12 Hours 
Sea Cave Adventures Whitianga
Visit the world famous Cathedral Cove + Te Whanganui O Hei Marine Reserve!
from NZ $135.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $109.00
2 Hours 
Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Scenic cruise out to Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock
from NZ $170.00
04:30 hours
3-Day Milford Sound Tour via Walter Peak & Vo...
45-min TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown to Wa-l-t-e-r Peak
from NZ $2216.70
3 Days 1 Hours 
from NZ $344.25
3 Hours 
Happy Hour Cruise
Take a luxury catamaran cruise amid the outstanding natural beauty of Lake Wanaka
from NZ $69.00
1 hour
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $205.00
1 Hours 
from NZ $175.00
5 hours 30 mins
Sledge the Kaituna River - Grade 3
Control your own vessel, powered by flippers, for a unique water adventure
from NZ $144.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $89.00
2 hours
Muriwai Surf School - Surf Lesson
A kiwi family owned and operated business that has been teaching people to surf for over 20 years!
from NZ $70.00
1 hours 30 mins
Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, ...
Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
from NZ $898.00
13 Hours 
from NZ $215.00
6 Hours 
from NZ $65.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Wild Dolphin Encounter
Get close to the wildlife on our spacious viewing deck.
from NZ $180.00
5 Hours 
100% Pure NZ - Raft the Kaituna River - Grade...
Tackle the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, the 7m Tutea Falls
from NZ $139.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $309.00
13 Hours 
from NZ $70.00
30 Mins 
Wellington Commentated Harbour Tour
Take in stunning scenery while learning about Wellingtons natural and maritime history
from NZ $79.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $95.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Rotorua Lakes Best Kept Secrets
Guided lake tour of Rotoiti onboard the one of a kind Airstream vessel
from NZ $175.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Heli Jet Combo
Cruise over the tops of the Southern Alps to land in the remote Siberia Valley
from NZ $695.00
1 Hours 
Mokai Canyon - 3 day river rafting holiday, f...
3 days of guided rafting on a beautiful section of the Rangitikei river
from NZ $1155
3 days 
from NZ $1095
4 hours 
from NZ $419.00
13 Hours 
from NZ $145.00
2 Hours 
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Get up close to the thundering 155-metre Stirling Falls
from NZ $179.00
1 Hours 
Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting
from NZ $105.00
2 Hours Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Boat & Water Adventures
Where is the cruises, sailing, boating and water tours capital of New Zealand?
New Zealand offers exceptional cruises, sailing, boating, and water tours across both the North and South Islands. The Bay of Islands is one of the most renowned destinations for these experiences, with 144 islands, calm sheltered waters, and a wide variety of cruises, sailing trips, boat tours, and marine wildlife encounters. Many tours here include island stopovers, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and scenic coastal cruising.
Other popular water tour destinations in the North Island include Auckland Harbour, known for harbour cruises and sailing experiences, and Lake Taupō, which offers scenic lake cruises. In the South Island, cruises and water-based experiences can be found in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound for dramatic fjord cruises, Akaroa Harbour for wildlife cruises, Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds for sailing and boating, and Te Anau for lake cruises surrounded by alpine scenery.
What are the top cruises, sailing, boating and water tours in New Zealand?
Some of the top cruises, sailing, boating and water tours in New Zealand include the iconic Milford Sound Cruise, the famous Hole in the Rock Cruise in the Bay of Islands, the hands-on America’s Cup Sailing Experience in Auckland, scenic Abel Tasman National Park cruises, and tranquil Doubtful Sound wilderness cruises, all of which are among the most popular water-based experiences in the country.
Are sailing tours suitable for all ages?
Yes, sailing tours and most water cruises in New Zealand are generally suitable for all ages, including families with children, as they range from relaxed scenic cruises to gentle sailing experiences that don’t require any prior skill or fitness.
Do water tours offer opportunities for swimming?
Yes, many water tours in New Zealand include opportunities for swimming as part of the experience. For example, some scenic cruises and sailing tours in Abel Tasman National Park allow you to stop at beautiful beaches like Anchorage Beach, where you can swim in the clear coastal waters.
Are fishing charters included among the tours?
Yes, fishing charters are included among the water tours, with popular options such as full-day Bay of Islands fishing charters that take you offshore to target species like snapper and kingfish, with experienced skippers and equipment provided.
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!
Top Destinations
Explore some of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations.
