Boat trips · NEW ZEALAND BOAT TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 new zealand boat tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Glide beneath thousands of glowworms at Waitomo, learn cave history, and hear the Cathedral’s remarkable acoustics on this one-hour tour.
“our guide, Zeppelin, was excellent. Was blown away by the caves and glow worms. highly recommend”
Review of Kaikoura’s whale watching cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, price advice, and seasickness guidance.
“It was great, well thought out, excellent commentary from the guide, excellent spotting of sea creatures. They could maybe emphasize more strongly at the check-in that the conditions are very bad for people suffering from motion sickness. I had lots of fun on this "free" amusement park ride, but it was puke town all around and most people spent their whole time on the boat vomiting in volumes. That being said, they were informing at check-in that there is increased risk of seasickness, I just think most fellas in the moment don't grasp how bad it can be. They then decide to hop on anyways, and neither see the whales,…”
Review of the 13-hour Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, small-group transport, and a two-hour cruise.
“The tour was phenomenal. Our tour guide Andy was absolutely amazing and made sure we were well taken care of every step of the way. The scenery was spectacular. We travel the world and this was one of the best tours we have ever had. THIS TOUR IS A MUST!”
Cruise Milford Sound on a smaller boat with lounge seating, live commentary, hot drinks, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and Mitre Peak.
“Great experience, show up on time and get a good seat. The perfect amount of time. Captain did a great job!”
See sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds off Kaikoura on a guided catamaran tour with an 80% whale-sighting refund guarantee.
“This is an amazingly informative trip to see the sperm whales. The trip is well organised and the staff are very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. We had a very detailed talk on the whales and the kaikoura bays and canyons by a marine biologist which give you a massive understanding on how these animals live, hunt and survive in the sea. We managed to see a sperm whale and also on the way back we were greeted by a pod of dusky Dolphins playfully frolicking around the boat. I highly recommend this amazing trip to everyone. (Take your sea sickness tablets before departure though ) Thank you very much to…”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu, enjoy a generous local BBQ at Walter Peak, and watch sheepdogs work in this relaxed Queenstown half-day outing.
“It was great. The staff were friendly and the food was fabulous. The Walter peak farm is absolutely beautiful.”
Review of Pure Milford’s Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise, with scenic stops, lunch, wildlife, costs, and practical tips.
“Loved it! Best activity for the first day being in NZ. Loved Brian our driver/expert NZ guide/legend. Would 100% recommend and do again.”
Review of Milford Sound’s intimate 2-hour small boat cruise, with waterfalls, wildlife, live commentary, hot drinks, and practical tips.
“To answer the question which to choose between Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, we did both. This tour with Mitre Peak was excellent. We were on a small boat that could get close enough to waterfalls for passengers to get wet. We were also able to cruise amongst a group of cheeky dolphins who playfully did jumps and flips in front of the boat and then in the boats wake as we accelerated across the mouth at the Tasman Sea. This lasted for 15 minutes. For Doubtful Sound we used a different operator who also did a very professional job. There isn't much to see in the two cruises across…”
Race through Shotover Canyon on a 25-minute jet boat ride from Queenstown, with 360-degree spins, rapids, cliffs, and shuttle transport.
“It was awesome. Teens loved it and enjoyed getting wet on the back row. Would def recommend. Very well organised”
Review of Altitude Tours’ small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, cruise, and practical tips.
“We’ve just returned from the Milford Sound day trip and cannot recommend the experience highly enough. Pick up was bang on time, the bus was modern and comfortable, lunch was delicious, and all of the stops were really well spaced and worthwhile. Falls Creek in particular was incredible! Our guide, Chelsea, was warm, welcoming, incredibly knowledgeable and super attentive to everyone on board the bus. We decided to take the scenic flight back and Chelsea worked incredibly hard to make it happen, and we are so grateful she did! It was amazing!! Thanks to all at Altitude for a fantastic day. We loved every minute!”
Review of Akaroa Dolphins’ two-hour Hector’s dolphin cruise, with catamaran comfort, wildlife sightings, drinks, cookies, pricing, and practical tips.
“Lovely time out. Lots of good information. Saw dolphins and seals. Comfortable boat. Enjoyable trip. Love the dog Albi.”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover, and Kawarau rivers, with practical tips on price, weather, and thrills.
“Great location easy for visitors, guide was great and funny. Thrilling ride while getting to see magical scenery!!! Would recommend”
Review of the 2-hour Milford Sound cruise, with close waterfall views, wildlife, commentary, practical tips, price advice, and booking details.
“Great experience; smaller boat which was nice. They took us close to warerfalls and we saw wildlife including; penguins and seals. Staff and crew very friendly.”
Race the Waikato River from Taupo, surf rapids, spin through canyons, and enjoy a thrilling 35-minute family-friendly jet boat ride.
“Jacob the driver was unreal and friendly He made the boat give us the best ride ever!!! He had good information about the river and ensured it was a great experience”
Sail Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings aboard a classic yacht, with swimming, local stories, blankets, and a complimentary drink.
“Fantastic trip on the lake, early sailing not busy on the water...All round great experience 🌺”
River hour, cave run, whale ground or a deck with lunch on it.
