Day Cruises in New Zealand

Escape the crowds on a Milford Sound cruise aboard a spacious boat with a limited number of passengers. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and Fiordland-crested penguins from the luxury lounge in the upper cabin, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits as you listen to the skipper's narration. This boutique vessel provides a superior experience with unforgettable memories of highlights like Mitre Peak.

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this 4-hour cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay's 144 islands, sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) and experience Maori culture at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Along the way, tuck into lunch and afternoon tea on-board and spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise aboard the 'Milford Mariner' or 'Milford Wanderer.' Pass by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and Fiordland-crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from Milford Sound, Queenstown and Te Anau by luxury coach.

Pair superb views of New Zealand's Marlborough Sound with a glass of the area's famous Sauvignon Blanc and a bowl of freshly-steamed Greenshell Mussels on this high-end, 3-hour sightseeing cruise. Cruise aboard a high-end luxury launch as you explore Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound, stopping to look for local wildlife and to visit a local mussel farm.

Set sail around Waitemata Harbor on-aboard a professional America's Cup racing yacht and experience the thrill of sailing a world-class boat. Accompanied by a professional sailing crew, go head to head with another sailing team in a mock competition, and get hands-on as you pick up speed and try to out-manoeuvre the opposition.

Embark on a 3-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound in New Zealand, starting from Te Anau or Manapouri. You'll travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks and wildlife of Doubtful Sound.

See the Eighth Wonder of the World on a Milford Sound cruise, led by a naturalist guide. Gliding past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls and stunning Mitre Peak aboard a smaller-sized vessel than most Milford Sound cruises, you’ll have great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Stay on the water for just over 2 hours, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your 1.5-hour Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel - it's up to you.

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this 1.5-hour boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Follow the century-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies throughout the Bay of Islands - called a 'cream trip' - on this full-day cruise by catamaran from Paihia or Russell. See the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, spend time on one of many Islands that maker up the Bay of Islands, and search the waters for whales, seals and other marine life. On board the multi-level vessel, an informative crew points out natural landmarks, local homes and secluded bays. Stroll the island, relax on the beach or opt to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat (own expense).

This 2.5-hour Milford Sound cruise in UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park stops at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, accessible only by boat. Your midday cruise on a smaller boat travels outside of peak hours, offering prime viewing and more time on the water than other tours. Hear informative commentary from naturalist guides on board, and enjoy a provided picnic lunch. Upgrade to include a 1-hour kayak excursion and paddle Harrison Cove in a small-group limited to 12 people.

Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc and scenic Marlborough Sounds. Discover both on this full-day small-group tour as you visit several Marlborough wineries, indulge in expert-led wine tastings, tuck into lunch at a waterfront restaurant (own expense), then set sail on a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, accompanied by a delicious seafood tasting platter.

Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds during a 3.5-hour cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, located at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Taste fresh seafood served on board and paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. You'll also learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds, check out a salmon and mussel farm, and get great photo ops of the region.

Enjoy a 2-hour sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands on a boat that gets you close to landmarks such as Black Rocks, Urupukapuka Island and Roberton Island (Motuarohia Island). After departing from either Paihia or Russell, your captain takes you through the scenic region and provides informative commentary about its history and wildlife. Keep an eye out for sightings of dolphins and seals, and snorkel independently at Urupukapuka Island if you wish to disembark and  catch a boat back later in the day (8:30am departure only).

Don't miss out on the opportunity to take a Milford Sound cruise while visiting UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Departing from Milford Wharf, this boat cruise glides past snow-capped Mitre Peak and waterfalls cascading down steep-walled mountains that rise straight up from the water. See Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and Seal Point while searching the deep fiord for marine life including bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.

Cruise around two of the South Island's most scenic waterways with this Queenstown Super Saver that takes place over two days. First, cross Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound for a 3-hour catamaran cruise; search for wildlife in the pristine wilderness flanked by forested peaks and waterfalls. The next day, board a vintage steamship for a ride across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy New Zealand hospitality with morning or afternoon tea and get an up-close look at rural life.

Glide past the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport Naval Base on a cruise from Waitemata Harbour. Your tour includes morning or afternoon tea.

Visit the remote communities of Queen Charlotte Sound aboard a working mail boat. This scenic 4-hour boat cruise departs Picton in the afternoon and makes New Zealand Post rural delivery service along different routes each day of the week. Experience the lifestyle of the Marlborough Sounds firsthand as the boat captain shares regional history and stories of these isolated hamlets. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board and disembark for a 15-minute stop at Ship Cove (1st Oct to 30th April).

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you'd like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You'll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

The UNESCO-listed Milford Sound is the postcard icon of New Zealand's South Island - a dramatic fjord, ringed by jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This 2-hour cruise checks off all the highlights, affording spectacular views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mount Pembroke; passing the mighty Mitre Peak; and gliding out along the Tasman Sea coast.