NEW ZEALAND · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Almost every New Zealand highlight is reached better by water. These 15 take in the fiords, the Hauraki Gulf, Lake Wakatipu on a coal-fired steamer and the Bay of Islands, priced and sorted by how long you are on board.
Glide beneath thousands of glowworms at Waitomo, with a guided cave walk, Cathedral acoustics, and a silent underground boat ride.
“It was absolutely amazing! I did not expect a lot on this activity but we were in awe. It was almost magical. It’s definitely one of the highlights of our trip and highly recommended.”
Review of Kaikoura’s 210-minute whale cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, value, and seasickness advice.
“Whales made it great, dolphins were an added bonus!”
Review of the 13-hour Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, with small-group transport, scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a two-hour cruise.
“This was a great experience. Scenic drive with gorgeous vantage points/stops along the way. Comfortable transit that’s worry free. Jacob was an awesome guide!!”
Review of Cruise Milford’s small boutique boat trip, with close waterfall and wildlife views, hot drinks, practical parking tips, and honest value advice.
“Nothing special.or boutique about the experience. Their boat is bigger than many other cruise provider and fully packed. The the audio narration couldn't be heard clearly due to poor quality stereo system. They definitely don't go as close to the falls or as many compared to southern discovery cruises. It's not a rip off but extra price is not justified.”
Review of Kaikoura’s 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, sea birds, practical tips, pricing, and seasickness advice.
“Took 40 mins or so to get out to the whale area. Interesting commentary and good graphics. Glad we took the sea sickness pills as sea was described as moderate - I would have said quite choppy. Saw a sperm whale for at least 5 minutes before it dived. All worth it. Sea birds were fantastic too esp the acrobatics of the albatross. Crew all kind and helpful too”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak for a generous local BBQ, farm dog show, mountain views, and a memorable Queenstown afternoon.
“The BBQ was amazing! So much food and choices! Absolutely one of the best meals I. Queenstown. The farm show was also very enjoyable!”
Review of Milford Sound’s intimate 2-hour small boat cruise, with waterfalls, wildlife, close-up views, hot drinks, and practical planning tips.
“Pros: Good value for money Smaller boat avoided big tour groups Plenty of space for individual views of the area and main sights Cons: Smaller boat is more prone to the chop of waves once out to the Tasman sea. Not tour operators fault but there are a lot of boats out on the sound. If you want more privacy consider doubtful sound”
Review of the Shotover River jet boat ride in Queenstown, with canyon scenery, 360 spins, practical tips, pricing, safety, and family advice.
“3rd time I've been on this, and it never disappoints . Thrills and exhilarating from start to finish.”
Review of Altitude Tours’ small-group Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, and cruise details.
“Had the best experience, both because the weather Was suprisingly good and views were all clear - but also because of our local guide Chelsea, which made some extra stops for taking pictures, highlighing grand view points across the way. Read more”
Review of Akaroa Dolphins’ two-hour Hector’s dolphin cruise, with wildlife, local guides, catamaran comfort, pricing, and practical tips.
“Loved it! Everyone was so enthusiastic about the wildlife and it seeped into everyone onboard! We got very lucky with a gap in the awful weather and even luckier (given the conditions) to see dolphins and an albatross. Dog was a welcome plus also who kept everyone aboard smiling. Would highly recommend.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath towering cliffs, spot wildlife, and return by a different scenic route in 4.5 hours.
“Must do if in Queenstown, flight is way more impressive than the boat honestly speaking. Boat was great but was mixed with coach passengers so was crowded on the upper deck. Tanmay is a great pilot and gives brilliant commentary.”
Review Auckland’s 4.5-hour whale and dolphin safari, with wildlife odds, boat comfort, route details, price value, and practical tips.
“Great experience. Good knowledgeable crew and the vessel was stable. Had a good time on board. Do this for sure”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover, and Kawarau rivers, with spins, scenery, safety tips, and value advice.
“great fun, thrilling but safe. much better value/longer ride time than shotover jet. Must do activity in queenstown”
Review the Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise day tour, with scenic stops, guide tips, costs, food, timing, and practical advice.
“I would highly recommend this trip, our driver Paulie was great. His commentary was informative and fun with some good stories added into the mix. The road to Milford Sound is windy at points but the bus handles it well. The cruise around the Sound was great and the journey there and back is worth it!”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath waterfalls, spot wildlife, and return over Fiordland in a weather-dependent five-hour trip.
“An excellent day trip which took the pain of a long bus ride to Milford Sound out of the way and provided an incredible experience by plane! would highly recommend!”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
