NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular cruises & boat tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Glide through Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat, then walk the Cathedral. Learn geology and Māori lore on a 1-hour guided trip.
“Very interesting and enjoyable with excellent guide”
Join a Kaikoura catamaran cruise for giant sperm whale sightings, plus dolphins, seals and seabirds, with expert onboard narration.
“We had a wonderful time on our whale watching experience. We were able to see dolphins, pilot whales and a sperm whale. We had a terrific time. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting New Zealand.”
Small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with hotel pickup, UNESCO Fiordland stops, and a Cruise Milford fjord cruise.
“The drive to and from Milford Sound was absolutely delightful. Along the way, we made several short pit stops at scenic spots where we could get out, explore, and take photos, which really added to the experience. Jess was an exceptional Read more”
Half-full Milford Sound cruise with lounge seating, hot drinks, live skipper narration, and close wildlife and Mitre Peak photo stops.
“Difficult to get from free car park to ferry - you need to set up a mini bus or similar to assist GCT”
3.5-hour catamaran whale watch from Kaikoura with live commentary, sperm whale sightings, and an 80% refund if no whale appears.
“Not the nicest of days but got to see Sperm and Humpback Whales, a pod of Dusky Dolphins along with many seabirds including Albatross. Between sightings there were some good videos and a excellent commentary.”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a wood-fired BBQ feast, farm dog and sheep show, and optional woolshed tea in Queenstown.
“What a lovely steam boat to travel on, TSS Earnslaw. You even can stand on a viewing platform above the guys in the engine room and watch them shovelling coal etc. Beautiful ride. Walter peak ,so pretty English style gardens by venue where you dine. 5 star food . The grilled meats just melted in…”
A 2-hour small-boat cruise in Milford Sound with close-up waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and live skipper commentary plus warm drinks.
“Wonderful experience! Very nice guide and very friendly and cool crew. Small boat, comes very close to the rocks. Awesome experience, highly recommend this tour! ☺️”
Shotover River extreme jet boat in Queenstown with 360 spins and canyon runs. Small-group ride, shuttle options, lockers, and photo shop.
“Loved the experience, well run, nice captain with a great sense of humour and gave us extra loops qhile we where waiting for the second boat. Would highly recommend this experience”
Small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with scenic stops, a 1hr45 cruise, and a packed picnic lunch in a Mercedes van.
“Amazing day visiting Milford sound! We were blessed with a rare sunny day and our guide made extra stops for us to admire the beauty! At the end they also offer for you to fly back via Venice flight if weather permits, DO IT. Absolute highlight of the experience and trip!”
2-hour Akaroa harbour catamaran cruise for Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins, with NZ drink and cookies. Stable and comfy.
“Lovely sized boat, plenty of seating for all. Drinks complimentary including beer and wine. Got to see some penguins, fur seals and a small pod of dolphins who played around the boat for some time which was great. Very attentive staff, super friendly and of course the star was Albie the dolphin sniffing dog and…”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, enjoy a 1h45 cruise, then fly back a different way for extra alpine scenery.
“Such a great way to enjoy the scenery in New Zealand through flying and get to Milford Sound for the cruise. Micheal, the pilot made sure we had an enjoyable and safe flight over. One of the highlights of our NZ trip!”
4.5-hour eco safari by catamaran from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more.
“It was an extraordinary excursion. Booked last minute and was thrilled with our choice. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.”
1-hour Queenstown jet boat on Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with heated rails, 360 spins, and fast thrills.
“Worth every penny! We enjoyed jet boat ride and it was outstanding. If you hesitate to book this activity, please do not hesitate.”
Milford Sound by glass-roof coach from Queenstown: scenic Milford Road stops and a 2-hour nature cruise with wildlife spotting.
“The coach gave excellent views. The boat trip was perfect. it is a long day.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, then cruise for 2 hours. Guaranteed window seats, up-close falls, and big wildlife moments.
“Wow, what a day 😁 The pickup was on time and the check-in very efficient. We were very lucky to have amazing weather and our flights both ways were spectacular, with a fantastic and entertaining pilot, Jared. Not only was he an excellent and confident pilot, putting everyone at ease, he was also very knowledgable…”
