New Zealand is a country of islands, lakes, and long coastlines. This makes it one of the best places in the world to enjoy boating and cruises. From scenic lake cruises to sailing adventures, there are endless ways to explore the water.
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Scenic Cruises & Boat Tours
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Top Attractions
Milford Sound Early Bird Coach & Cruise from ...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $275.00
12 Hours 
4.5hr // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island...
Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse
from NZ $180.00
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Mid Morning Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $179.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
America's Cup Sailing Experience
Opportunity to participate in sailing the vessel as part of our crew
from NZ $215.00
02:00 hours
from NZ $49.00
2 Hours 
Tauranga Scenic Harbor Cruise
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local points of interest.
from NZ $55.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $1350.00
4 Hours 
Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown
Best Mercedes Tour Van from Queenstown to Milford Sound
from NZ $429.00
12 Hours 15 Mins 
from NZ $295.00
3 Hours 30 Mins 
Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting
from NZ $99.00
2 Hours 
Hydro Attack Semi-submersible Shark Ride
Experience an adrenaline-packed high-speed thrill ride on Lake Whakatipu
from NZ $199.00
25 mins
from NZ $270
6 hours 30 mins
Milford Sound Scenic Coach & Cruise tour from...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $255.00
8 Hours 
Milford Sound Classic Coach & Cruise from Te ...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $255.00
8 Hours 
Happy Hour Cruise
Take a luxury catamaran cruise amid the outstanding natural beauty of Lake Wanaka
from NZ $69.00
1 hour
Heli Siberia Max
Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park
from NZ $925.00
5 Hours 
Early Morning Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $160.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
Bay of Islands
Journey through the scenic landscapes of Northland from Auckland
from NZ $459.00
12 Hours 
Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise Day Trip
Premium glass-roof coach with scenic stops and local commentary through Fiordland
from NZ $309.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $3195.00
5 days 
Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Scenic cruise out to Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock
from NZ $180.00
04:30 hours
Milford Sound Early Explorer Coach & Cruise f...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $230.00
8 Hours 
Ultimate Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christ...
Picture perfect scenery - including Lakes Pearson and Lydon, and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
from NZ $595.00
11 Hours 
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Close-Up Wildlife Encounters: Spot wild dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins up close.
from NZ $175.00
5 Hours 
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Admission and 2.5-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
from NZ $450.00
12 Hours 
Scenic Riverhead Tavern Cruise
Cruise to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern
from NZ $48.00
6 Hours 
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Zealong Tea & Kiwi Bi...
Visit the award-winning Zealong Tea Estate for an elegant High Tea lunch
from NZ $999.00
10 Hours 
from NZ $135.00
3
Midday Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $185.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
Individual Full Day Fishing on Auckland Harbo...
Experience fishing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour!
from NZ $90.00
9 Hours 
Yonder Star - Private Sailing Yacht
Sail aboard the luxurious 87-foot private yacht, Yonder Star
from NZ $11000.00
Scenic Cruise Guided Walk
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
from NZ $165.00
3 hours
Bay Of Islands Explorer Experience - Small Gr...
Cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, taking in sheltered bays and coastal scenery.
from NZ $495.00
13 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 $1799.00
2 Days 1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $125
1 hours 
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Get up close to the thundering 155-metre Stirling Falls
from NZ $179.00
1 Hours 
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Rotorua Geotherml V...
Guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
from NZ $459.00
12 Hours 
Million Dollar Cruise
Depart from the heart of Queenstown – from the Main Queenstown Jetty, right on the water front.
from NZ $79.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Dolphin Encounter - Swim with or watch Kaikou...
Kaikoura is among the best locations in the world to encounter interact with wild dusky dolphins
from NZ $150
3.5 hours 
Milford Sound Cruise
Two hour cruise, with frequent stops at spectacular points of interest
from NZ $169.00
2 Hours 
Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Views of the iconic Auckland city skyline from the water and sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge
from NZ $180.00
02:30 hours
from NZ $70
30 Mins 
from NZ $99.00
from NZ $195.00
5 hours 30 mins
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glow Worm Caves ...
Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set
from NZ $990.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $1450.00
5 Hours 
Milford Sound Tour & Cruise with Picnic Lunch
Boutique Milford Sound Cruise
from NZ $369.00
13 Hours 
Wellington: 90-Minute Commentated Harbour Exp...
Enjoy a 90-minute Wellington Harbour tour
from NZ $39.50
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia (Rotorua) P...
Discover the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 1-hour guided underground tour
from NZ $949.00
11 Hours 
Milford Sound Mid Afternoon Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $179.00
1 Hours 45 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 
from NZ $140.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Multi-Day Tour: Northland Explorer Experience...
Discover Waipoua Forest at twilight as daylight fades beneath the canopy.
from NZ $2995.00
3 Days 8 Hours 
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
3 hours 
from NZ $45.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
Views of the iconic Auckland city skyline from the water and sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge
from NZ $115.00
01:30 hours
Coromandel Beach, Caves & Forest Private Tour
Cruise to the spectacular Cathedral Cove Beach, dramatic blowholes, famous Narnia filming locations
from NZ $950.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $245.00
6 Hours 
from NZ $150.00
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi M�...
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.
from NZ $65.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Carino Wildlife Cruises - Island & Wildlife D...
Small-group sailing through the Bay of Islands
from NZ $215
6 hours 
Waiheke Island Wine & Art Tour
Create your own handcrafted jewellery in a hands-on workshop
from NZ $1500.00
7 Hours 
from NZ $359.00
9 Hours 
Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel Boat Tour Hahei...
Visit Cathedral Cove on the way - 5 minutes boat ride to Marine Reserve from Hahei Beach
from NZ $149.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $1655.00
4 Hours 
Evening Champagne Cruise
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
from NZ $165.00
1.5 hours
Tauranga Harbour Cruise
90 Minute Cruise on the Waters of Tauranga Harbour
from NZ $50.00
1 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 
from NZ $95.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $3100.00
9 Hours 
Auckland Nightlights Cruise with complimentar...
Auckland Harbour Bridge
from NZ $79.00
2 Hours 
Cruise & Nature Walk - Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy access to our exclusive, guided nature walk through predator free rainforest.
from NZ $159.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Kepler Track Day Walk - Boat Transfers
Transport to Brod Bay and the Kepler Track including return journey
from NZ $30
3 hours 
from NZ $149.00
3 Hours 
Early Afternoon Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $185.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
Pure New Zealand Wilderness Experience
One of the closest true wilderness experiences to Wellington
from NZ $299.00
6 Hours 
from NZ $445.00
3 Hours 
Waiheke Island Walking Tour
Explore Waiheke Island on a scenic guided walking experience
from NZ $760.00
5 Hours 
Milford Sound Classic Coach & Cruise from Que...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $299.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $215.00
6 Hours 
from NZ $908.00
13 Hours 
from NZ $130.00
1 Hours 
Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound
from NZ $875.00
4 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $145.00
2 Hours 
Waiheke Island Nature & Ceramics Tour
Explore the beautiful Whakanewha Nikau Track surrounded by native forest
from NZ $1650.00
7 Hours 
Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly
Scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound
from NZ $749.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $219.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands
Sport Fishing in the Bay of Islands
from NZ $400.00
Auckland Scenic Wine and Cheese Cruise
Complimentary Drink and Charcuterie Box
from NZ $75.00
2 Hours 
Explore New Zealands most beautiful river
Paddle New Zealands most beautiful river
from NZ $215.00
4 Hours 
Waitomo glow Worm Caves
Scenic journey through the beautiful Waikato countryside
from NZ $279.00
9 Hours 
Bay of Islands Hole In The Rock Private Tour
Enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour guided cruise through the spectacular Bay of Islands
from NZ $950.00
12 Hours 
Scenic Cruise - Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef
Cruise in comfort on a fully-covered tour boat, designed for the West Coast!
from NZ $135.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $1750.00
12.5 hours 
Abel Tasman Cruise-Fly Package ex Nelson
Enjoy a scenic flight over golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park
from NZ $699.00
8 hours 
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 Heli-Cruise-Heli + Exclusive Ea...
See remote Fiordland valleys, forests, waterfalls and lakes
from NZ $1990.00
5 Hours 
Coach, Farm Tour & Milford Sound Nature C...
An authentic farm experience — sheep shearing, dog herding demos, and meeting the animals
from NZ $340.00
1 Hours 
Milford Sound Scenic Coach & Cruise Tour from...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $299.00
12 Hours Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Scenic Cruises & Boat Tours
Are sailing tours suitable for all ages?
New Zealand offers outstanding boating and cruise experiences across both the North and South Islands. The Bay of Islands is widely regarded as the boating and cruising capital of New Zealand because of its calm, sheltered waters and beautiful island scenery.
The Bay of Islands is one of the most renowned destinations for boating and cruises, with 144 islands, clear waters, and many tour options, including island cruises, dolphin watching, snorkelling, and scenic coastal trips. Other popular boating and cruise destinations in the North Island include Auckland Harbour, known for harbour cruises and sailing experiences, and Lake Taupō for scenic lake cruises. In the South Island, top destinations include Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound for dramatic fjord cruises, Akaroa Harbour for wildlife cruises, and the Marlborough Sounds for boating and scenic cruises.
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.
Where is the boating and cruises tours capital of New Zealand?
The capital of New Zealand for boating and cruise tours is Auckland, famously known as the “City of Sails” for its vibrant harbours, large number of yachts, and as a hub for scenic cruises, sailing adventures, and water-based tours.
What are the top boating and cruises tours in New Zealand?
Some of the top boating and cruise tours in New Zealand include the Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour in the Bay of Islands, the Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise for marine‑life spotting, the Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience, and scenic day cruises around the Marlborough Sounds, all of which are among the most popular water‑based experiences in the country.
Exploring New Zealand by Water
Boating and cruises in New Zealand are all about combining relaxation with stunning scenery. The water bodies give you a different perspective of the country’s landscapes. Whether you’re drifting past mountains, exploring hidden bays, or sailing alongside dolphins, you will be mesmerised all along.
Cruises are a great option if you want to sit back and enjoy the view. Lake and harbour cruises often include commentary, food, and even cultural experiences. On the other hand, sailing trips and smaller boats allow for more adventure, as you get the chance to swim, snorkel, and even fish along the way.
For Māori, water is central to life and culture. Rivers, lakes, and the sea are part of stories, legends, and traditions. Today, many cruises also include cultural elements, offering visitors the chance to connect with the history of the land and the water.
Things to Keep in Mind While Boating & Cruising
Weather: The conditions on lakes and seas can change quickly. So you should always check forecasts before heading out.
Booking: Popular cruises often sell out in peak season. So it is recommended to book in advance.
Activities: Some cruises include meals, wine tasting, or cultural commentary, while others focus on wildlife or adventure.
Gear: It is recommended to wear warm layers, even in summer, as it can be cool on the water.
Boating and the Kiwi Lifestyle
Boating is a big part of New Zealand life. Many Kiwis grow up spending holidays on lakes or at the beach, swimming, fishing, or sailing. For visitors, joining a cruise or boat trip is a way to experience that same connection to the water.
These trips also highlight New Zealand’s natural beauty. In the end, boating and cruises in New Zealand are about more than just transport. They are about slowing down, enjoying the views, and discovering the country from a fresh angle. Whether you’re on a fjord, a lake, or the open sea, it’s an experience that combines relaxation, culture, and adventure all in one.
Top Destinations
Explore some of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations.
