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Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance.
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.
Did you know that New Zealand has more boats per capita than almost any other country in the world?
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1 Hours 30 Mins 
Complimentary Drink and Charcuterie Box
2 Hours 
2 Hours 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Close up encounters with Dolphins & other marine wildlife.
5 Hours 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
45-min TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown to Wa-l-t-e-r Peak
2 Days 1 Hours 30 Mins 
6 Hours 
One Hour Cruise on the Waters of Tauranga Harbour
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting
2 Hours 
Dolphin and wildlife watching from our maine mammal permitted yacht
6 hours 
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Opportunity to participate in sailing the vessel as part of our crew
02:00 hours
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
3 hours
2 Hours 
8 Hours 30 Mins 
Guided lake tour of Rotoiti onboard the one of a kind Airstream vessel
2 Hours 30 Mins 
See remote Fiordland valleys, forests, waterfalls and lakes
5 Hours 
Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
13 Hours 
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
1 Hours 
Premium glass-roof coach with scenic stops and local commentary through Fiordland
8 Hours 
4 hours 
Paddle New Zealands most beautiful river
4 Hours 
Picture perfect scenery - including Lakes Pearson and Lydon, and Cave Stream
10 Hours 
3 Hours 
3 Hours 30 Mins 
Take in stunning scenery while learning about Wellingtons natural and maritime history
1 Hours 30 Mins 
1 hours 
Experience an adrenaline-packed high-speed thrill ride on Lake Whakatipu
25 mins
2 hours 20 mins
Scenic Cruise to the famous Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings.
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Experience fishing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour!
9 Hours 
Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
13 Hours 
Auckland Harbour Bridge
2 Hours 
3 hours 
2 Hours 
Two hour cruise, with frequent stops at spectacular points of interest
2 Hours 
Swim with the Hector’s dolphin - smallest and rarest in the world
1 Hours 
Extreme Fishing in the Bay of Islands
5 Hours 
5 Hours 
3 hour Marlborough Sound sightseeing and Seafood Cruise, from Picton
1 Hours 
12.5 hours 
Explore a fjord that was carved by glaciers over millions of years
1 Hours 45 Mins 
Scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound
4 Hours 
5 hours 30 mins
Have a great time finding albatross, penguins, sealions, and more!
1 Hours 30 Mins 
6 hours 30 mins
6 Hours 
4 Hours 
Hole in the Rock, and when conditions permit travel through it
04:30 hours
30 Mins 
3
1.5 hour island stopover at Otehei Bay
08:30 hours
Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Enjoy a scenic flight over golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park
8 hours 
Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park
5 Hours 
Get up close to Wild Dolphins, on board our comfortable cruising vessel
5 Hours 
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Spend more time on the fiord with our longest Milford Sound cruise — up to 2 hours 15 minutes
13 Hours 
Best Mercedes Tour Van from Queenstown to Milford Sound
12 Hours 30 Mins 
Take a luxury catamaran cruise amid the outstanding natural beauty of Lake Wanaka
1 hour
6 Hours 
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Views of the iconic Auckland city skyline from the water and sail under the Harbour Bridge
02:30 hours
Views of the iconic Auckland city skyline from the water and sail under the Harbour Bridge
01:30 hours
5 days 
An authentic farm experience — sheep shearing, dog herding demos, and meeting the animals
1 Hours 
Our longest, most immersive Milford Sound experience — up to 2 hours 15 minutes on the water
1 Hours 
1 Hours 
1 Days 
2 hours
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
1.5 hours
Cruise to New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern
6 Hours 
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local points of interest.
3 Hours 
3 Hours 
Scenic return flights from Queenstown over alpine backcountry and Fiordland’s untouched landscapes
4 hours 
Kaikoura is among the best locations in the world to encounter interact with wild dusky dolphins
3.5 hours 
Transport to Brod Bay and the Kepler Track including return journey
3 hours 
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
1 Hours 
Get up close to the thundering 155-metre Stirling Falls
1 Hours 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Explore some of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations.
